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Medicaid

Can I Get On Medicaid With A House?

Owning a Home and Medicaid Eligibility: What You Need to Know

Navigating Medicaid eligibility can be complex, especially when you own a home. Many people wonder if owning property disqualifies them from receiving Medicaid benefits, particularly for long-term care. The good news is, owning a house may not prevent you from qualifying for Medicaid.

KEY POINTS TO UNDERSTAND:
Exempt Assets

 Your primary residence is often considered an exempt asset under Medicaid rules, as long as its equity value falls below a certain threshold, which is updated annually in January.

Eligibility Factors

Medicaid considers various factors for eligibility, including income, other assets, and medical needs. Owning a home is just one piece of the puzzle.

Seek Professional Advice

Given the complexities surrounding Medicaid’s eligibility criteria, consulting with experts like those at Utah Senior Planning, who specialize in elder law and Medicaid planning, is invaluable. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.

WHY IT MATTERS

Understanding how your home affects your Medicaid eligibility is crucial for planning long-term care and ensuring your assets are managed wisely. Professional guidance can help you navigate these waters, making informed decisions that protect your interests and eligibility.

For those concerned about how home ownership impacts Medicaid eligibility, remember, you have options and resources available to guide you through this process.

Contact Us to explore how we can assist you in navigating the nuances of Medicaid and ensuring your comfort while receiving the care you deserve.

Categories
Medicaid

Why Do I Have To Provide All Of These Documents?​

Why Do I Have To Provide All Of These Documents?

As a company who helps individuals and families through the benefits approval process, we understand what it takes to get answers as quickly as possible. All of the applicant’s personal and financial information is required in order to determine their eligibility for any Medicaid programs. This same information will also need to be provided for any spouses or household members. Medicaid has a 5 year look back period which means that the caseworker could request documentation regarding any changes in assets or financial accounts during that time.

Commonly required documents are 6 Months of Bank Statements, Titles or Registrations for any Vehicles, Current Life Insurance Policy Documentation, Copies of any Funeral Plans, Current Income Benefit Statements, Property Tax Notices, Health Insurance Card Copies, and Copies of Legal Documents such as Powers of Attorney or Trusts. Additional documentation may also be required depending on what assets the applicant owns. 

Providing documents is essential to establish eligibility and ensure accurate determination of benefits. Preferably, if we can obtain the necessary documents beforehand, we will be able to get a good idea of what we need to do to determine eligibility, this will allow us to give you a more accurate quote of our fees, if any. 

Commonly required documents include: 
  • Identification documents (e.g., birth certificate or driver’s license/ passport (if not born in Utah), V.A. ID card, social security card) to verify your identity. 
 
  • Proof of income (e.g. social security statements, pension/ retirement (OPM, URS, etc.), V.A. benefit, disability income, mineral and oil rights and royalties, etc.) to assess income eligibility. – Financial statements (e.g., 6 months of bank statements (checking, savings, CDs, Money Market), IRA, 401k, annuity, stocks and bonds, property deeds) to determine asset eligibility. – Medical records (e.g.,Medicare card(s), health insurance card(s), verification of health insurance premiums) Front and back copies will be needed for any Medicare or other insurance card. 
 
  • Residency information (e.g., property tax notice, reverse mortgage docs, current mortgage/ home equity statement, utility bills, lease agreements). 
 
  • Life insurance policies (e.g., policy statement with current cash value, policy numbers, Face Value). 

These documents are required to accurately assess eligibility, determine the level of care needed, calculate the share of cost, and ensure compliance with program regulations. Additional documents may be required upon request.

Categories
Medicaid

Can I Transfer My Assets To My Kids And Still Get On Medicaid?

Can I Transfer My Assets To My Kids And Still Get On Medicaid?

Getting on Medicaid can be a great resource for individuals with limited income and assets who need help paying for their medical expenses. However, it’s important to understand the asset limit requirements and the potential consequences of gifting assets before applying for Medicaid.

Medicaid requires individuals to have below a certain number of assets before they can qualify for the program. This can be challenging for some people, especially if they have assets that they wish to pass on to their loved ones. While giving assets away can seem like a good solution, Medicaid has strict guidelines about gift giving, and frowns upon this practice.

Medicaid argues that if you have the available means to pay for medical expenses out of pocket, you should do so before relying on the state to care for you. This makes sense, as Medicaid is meant to help those who are in financial need. If individuals are giving away their assets instead of using them to pay for medical care, it compromises the integrity of the program.

This is why it is crucial to discuss asset protection strategies with qualified Medicaid planning professionals before giving away assets. There are several ways to make gifts in a Medicaid-compliant way, so you can preserve your assets while still qualifying for the program. It’s important to know your options and explore all possibilities before making any decisions.

At Utah Senior Planning, we understand the desire to leave a legacy for your loved ones. That’s why we are dedicated to helping individuals who wish to preserve their assets through Medicaid planning strategies. With our well-thought-out plans and strategies, we enable our clients to achieve success and still qualify for Medicaid. 

If you are considering gifting assets or need help with Medicaid planning, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate the process and find the best solution for your specific situation.

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