If I Pay My Mom's Expenses, Would that Be Considered Repaying a Transfer When She Applies for Medicaid?

My mom transferred $50,000 to me two years ago. If I now pay for part of her assisted living expenses, will the amount I pay be considered repayment (or partial repayment) of the original gift for Medicaid eligibility purposes, assuming she would otherwise qualify for Medicaid within the five-year look back period? 

It depends on your state Medicaid agency. Some will treat such payments as repayments and shorten the ineligibility period imposed accordingly, or eliminate it entirely if you use the entire $50,000. However, others will only honor payments going directly to your mother rather than expenses paid on her behalf, and some will only give credit for a complete "cure" -- the return of the entire $50,000. To know the practice in your state you will need to consult with a local elder law attorney. To find an attorney near you, go here: http://www.elderlawanswers.com/elder-law-attorneys. 

For more on Medicaid’s asset transfer rules, click here.