The call usually starts out this way.  “I’ve given all of Dad’s money to the nursing home already and am ready to apply for Medicaid.  His situation is really simple.  I can handle it myself but I just have a few questions.”  I’m always happy to try to help whenever

The past year has seen failed attempts by supporters of same sex marriage to have the definition of marriage expanded to include gay and lesbian unions.  However, some states have passed laws creating domestic partnerships and civil unions, which then carry with them some of the benefits of marriage.  New

The recent outpouring of support for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti highlights a question often asked about gifting and charitable contributions as it relates to Medicaid.  For example, last week Mary called me to ask whether it is OK for Mom to make a charitable contribution to help

One of the common themes I repeat often, when it comes to Medicaid, is that timing is everything.   A recent call we received from Mary’s personal injury attorney, Bill, illustrates the point.  Mary’s husband, John has dementia and is about to enter a nursing home.  Mary and John don’t have

Jane called because she was flat out of money and desperate.  Dad had been in a nursing facility for almost 4 years now.  He had spent down his money and Jane had paid the $11,000 per month expense after that, until she was tapped out of her home equity line

How many times have you contacted a government office to inquire about some benefit or program and told you are not eligible?  Have you then left the office or hung up the phone accepting that what you have been told is true?  What if that is just flat out wrong? 

I met with a family with the following scenario.  Dad needed nursing home care and the family had done no long term planning.  We talked about how under Medicaid rules the coupleâs assets would be counted, divided in half and that Mom would be able to keep 50% of the

Mrs. Jones came in to see me. Her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimerâs three years ago and the disease has progressed to the point where he needs long term nursing home care. At the time of the diagnosis she talked to some family friends and they told her to go

Joe calls me because he wants to understand how Medicaid works.  I start to explain how you have to spend down your assets before you can qualify for benefits.  That the spend down has to be for value, meaning that you are spending your money and receiving something of equal