How to Qualify for Medicaid: Eligibility and Transfer Rules

Almost all state Medicaid programs will cover some assisted living costs, although there may be a waiting list.

Medicaid 101

One area that causes a lot of confusion with regard to Medicaid is the look-back period. What exactly does the look-back period mean for Medicaid applicants?...

Medicaid 101

If you transfer assets within five years of applying for Medicaid, you will likely be subject to a period of ineligibility. There is an exception, however, if enforcing the penalty period would cause the applicant an "undue hardship."...

Most long-term care involves assisting with basic personal needs rather than providing medical care.

Medicaid 101

A federal appeals court has ruled that Medicaid officials must accept applicants' short-term annuities, providing more certainty for Medicaid applicants' use of this important planning tool. ...

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling on marriage equality means that gay couples living in states that previously did not recognize their marriage will now be covered by Medicaid’s spousal impoverishment protections and asset transfer rules.  ...

There are circumstances in which transferring a house will not result in a Medicaid penalty period, and one of those is if the Medicaid applicant transfers the house to a "caretaker child."  ...

Medicaid 101

The minimum amount of monthly income that a community spouse (the spouse of a nursing home resident getting Medicaid benefits) is entitled to receive, will rise July 1, 2015.

If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift.