Explain hiding assets from medicaid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What your Dad is trying to do is protect assets from the state. If he puts the house in an irrevocable trust in the names of his kids (at least 5 years before needing care), the state can’t force him to sell the house to qualify for Medicaid. What usually happens is one person needs long term care (nursing home) but can’t afford to pay $10,000+ a month for care. To qualify for Medicaid coverage, you have to spend down your assets so you are considered “poor.” The state has a “look back” period into your finances. It used to be 3 years but is now 5 years to see if you are hiding assets that could go towards a family member’s care. If the house is transferred before the 5 year period, the state can’t touch it and your dad can keep that asset in the family.

I think OP get this. The point is who the hell wants to plan for being in a Medicaid place. They are a living nightmare and most people would avoid. Sell your home and use the money to be some place decent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

Maybe the elderly person wants it that way, but I agree medicaid facilities are terrible. However, you could also protect the assets and use medicaid for extensive home aid in the now protected home. Best of both worlds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What your Dad is trying to do is protect assets from the state. If he puts the house in an irrevocable trust in the names of his kids (at least 5 years before needing care), the state can’t force him to sell the house to qualify for Medicaid. What usually happens is one person needs long term care (nursing home) but can’t afford to pay $10,000+ a month for care. To qualify for Medicaid coverage, you have to spend down your assets so you are considered “poor.” The state has a “look back” period into your finances. It used to be 3 years but is now 5 years to see if you are hiding assets that could go towards a family member’s care. If the house is transferred before the 5 year period, the state can’t touch it and your dad can keep that asset in the family.

They allow the spouse to keep the house but they put a lien on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

Maybe the elderly person wants it that way, but I agree medicaid facilities are terrible. However, you could also protect the assets and use medicaid for extensive home aid in the now protected home. Best of both worlds.

Medicaid does not pay for home health aids...or assisted living.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

That’s very harsh. What really matters is whether Dad is competent. Not every Medicaid facility is a nightmare. Some are simple, but still provide excellent care. Until quite recently we had a very nice Medicaid facility in our hometown. Unfortunately after many decades, it is closing suddenly. Maybe dad is thinking of a particular place, it’s important for him to understand it may not be there in the future. But as many PP have pointed out, the option for better care will still be available , but if he’s satisfied with a Medicaid facility then ok. If he’s no longer competent, it will be up to daughter (assuming she is POA).


This thread really underscore the importance of having hard discussions about finances and aging. It’s so much better when communication is open and there are plans and contingency plans in place.

Good luck, OP, you sound like a devoted and caring daughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is tricky and really depends on the amount of assets your father has. If you have enough to get into a nice place, some will convert you to Medicaid if you run out of money.

But also, he may not realize how bed the straight up Medicaid places are.

If you’re in a nice place and run out of money, would you have to transfer to a different facility?

Yes, unless they have a medicaid bed available.

Some of the nice places have a couple of Medicaid beds and if they have one open when you need to be on Medicaid, they will put you in one. But it's not a bottomless pit. It's built into their financial model to have this set up.

This. And before someone gets admitted into a facility, there is a thorough review of assets. If there’s only a few months of payment available, admission is unlikely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What your Dad is trying to do is protect assets from the state. If he puts the house in an irrevocable trust in the names of his kids (at least 5 years before needing care), the state can’t force him to sell the house to qualify for Medicaid. What usually happens is one person needs long term care (nursing home) but can’t afford to pay $10,000+ a month for care. To qualify for Medicaid coverage, you have to spend down your assets so you are considered “poor.” The state has a “look back” period into your finances. It used to be 3 years but is now 5 years to see if you are hiding assets that could go towards a family member’s care. If the house is transferred before the 5 year period, the state can’t touch it and your dad can keep that asset in the family.

They allow the spouse to keep the house but they put a lien on it.

Right, but they can’t do that if someone else owns the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

Maybe the elderly person wants it that way, but I agree medicaid facilities are terrible. However, you could also protect the assets and use medicaid for extensive home aid in the now protected home. Best of both worlds.

Medicaid does not pay for home health aids...or assisted living.

It does pay for home aides in most states.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

For a lot of people, it is really hard to give up your assets after working so hard your entire life. It’s not always about passing the money on to kids but the kids can sell the home and pay for additional care for their aging parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is tricky and really depends on the amount of assets your father has. If you have enough to get into a nice place, some will convert you to Medicaid if you run out of money.

But also, he may not realize how bed the straight up Medicaid places are.

If you’re in a nice place and run out of money, would you have to transfer to a different facility?

Yes, unless they have a medicaid bed available.

Some of the nice places have a couple of Medicaid beds and if they have one open when you need to be on Medicaid, they will put you in one. But it's not a bottomless pit. It's built into their financial model to have this set up.

This. And before someone gets admitted into a facility, there is a thorough review of assets. If there’s only a few months of payment available, admission is unlikely.

With Medicaid all income (Social Security included) gets garnished and used for payment for the facility, and you are left with a minuscule allowance per month.

[Anonymous]

it used to be $40. Not sure how much now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

For a lot of people, it is really hard to give up your assets after working so hard your entire life. It’s not always about passing the money on to kids but the kids can sell the home and pay for additional care for their aging parent.

Also, CCC plus waiver in VA maxes out around 56/hours per week that Medicaid pays very little hourly for. So, that is a lot of hours/week left unattended if you utilize home based services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is tricky and really depends on the amount of assets your father has. If you have enough to get into a nice place, some will convert you to Medicaid if you run out of money.

But also, he may not realize how bed the straight up Medicaid places are.

If you’re in a nice place and run out of money, would you have to transfer to a different facility?

Yes, unless they have a medicaid bed available.

Some of the nice places have a couple of Medicaid beds and if they have one open when you need to be on Medicaid, they will put you in one. But it's not a bottomless pit. It's built into their financial model to have this set up.

Correct, you don't necessarily end up in a "medicaid" facility, there are a certain number of beds for medicaid clients at nicer facilities. Additionally, the overall length of stays at nursing homes is much lower than one might think, usually measured in months not years I believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He has to make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in eldercare finances. Because of the look back period, it has to be done sooner rather than later.

And then, if it turns out he doesn't want to, or cannot, be in a Medicaid facility, the money will still be there to pay for alternative care.

So I'm not sure why you're balking, OP. Usually the elderly are a lot less accommodating and refuse to let go of their assets.

Any person who watches an elder person put their assets in trust so they can go into a Medicaid place and pass the money on to you, you are not a good person. Sincerely. This is F-ed up.

NP here. This is 110% true. I have seen it, and it ain't pretty. usually someone benefits who p*sses through money.