Long Term Care Planning

Save your Assets by Being Prepared

The national average cost of nursing home care has been estimated as high as $225 a day. This expensive out-of-pocket cost to obtain such care often forces people to seek assistance from the government, more commonly known as “Medicaid” or “Medical Assistance (MA).” However, in order to be eligible for this program, people need to spend down their life savings in order to qualify for these services.

The good news is that if people cannot afford the cost of long-term care, and after spend-down, your care will be paid for by Medicaid.

The reality is that our clients need to know what assets are subject to spend-down, and which are theirs to keep when they or a spouse needs nursing home level care. The calculation of assets that will be subject to spend-down is based on complex Medicaid eligibility rules.

If you foresee nursing home-level care as a possibility in your future or the future of a loved one, there exist many strategies to either offset the losses associated with spend-down or to make sure that the process is handled strategically so as to avoid unnecessary loss. The best time to discuss long-term care, however, is prior to the need arising. Remember, we are always here to help you create an Estate Planning strategy that, above all else, fits your needs.