Does a Revocable Trust Protect Assets from Medicaid?
For many people, the need for long-term care is a major source of anxiety when it comes to retirement planning. The costs of nursing homes and assisted living facilities can quickly deplete even a sizable life's savings. As a result, strategies to protect assets from these expenses are highly sought after.
One avenue some explore is the use of a revocable living trust to shield assets and potentially qualify for Medicaid coverage after a five-year look-back period.
Unfortunately, while a trust sounds like it provides asset protection, the reality is there are many different types of trusts, and a revocable trust or a living trust does absolutely nothing to protect someone's assets when determining whether or not they are eligible or ineligible for Medicaid.
What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where you, as the grantor, transfer ownership of your assets to the trust itself.
- You then appoint a trustee, yourself or someone else, to manage and distribute those assets according to the terms you've set forth.
- During your lifetime, you maintain control over the trust and its assets.
- You can revoke or modify the trust and add or remove assets as you see fit.
This flexibility is a key advantage of revocable trusts, as it allows you to retain control over your property while potentially avoiding probate and other legal complications. But this flexibility and control is precisely why a revocable trust does not provide a Medicaid asset protection benefit.
Medicaid Eligibility and Asset Limits
Medicaid has strict income and asset limits that you must meet to qualify for benefits. These limits vary from state to state, but in general, you can't have more than a certain amount of countable assets.
However, Medicaid has a “five-year look-back” period when evaluating your assets. This means that the program will scrutinize any asset transfers or divestments you've made within the past five years leading up to your application.
Suppose they determine that you've given away or sold assets for less than the fair market value during that period. In that case, they may impose a penalty period during which you'll be ineligible for Medicaid coverage.
Countable vs. Non-Countable Assets for Medicaid Eligibility
When it comes to qualifying for Medicaid, not all assets are created equal. The program distinguishes between countable and non-countable assets, and it's crucial to understand the difference.
Countable assets are those that Medicaid considers when determining your eligibility. These typically include:
- Cash and bank accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and other investments
- Real estate (excluding a certain amount of your primary residence)
- Vehicles (with some exceptions)
Non-countable assets, on the other hand, are exempt from Medicaid's asset limits. These may include:
- Your primary residence (up to a certain equity value)
- Personal belongings and household items
- One primary vehicle
- Burial funds and prepaid funeral expenses (within certain limits)
It's important to note that the way Medicaid classifies assets can vary from state to state, and the rules are constantly evolving. That's why it's crucial to work with knowledgeable professionals who can guide you through the nuances of qualifying for Medicaid in your specific state.
Can You Use a Revocable Trust for Medicaid Asset Protection?
No, a revocable living trust is essentially, for all intents and purposes, a pass-through entity. Assets within a revocable trust are treated no differently than assets in your individual name. Generally, when you create a revocable living trust, or if your parents have created a revocable living trust, they can put property like a house and bank accounts in the trust. They are not only the creators of the trust, but they are in control of the trust because they're generally the trustees.
Even if they aren't the trustees, nearly all revocable trusts would provide that they are the trust's beneficiaries. That's what makes it a revocable living trust. It allows you to control your assets -for your benefit- while you're alive, and it does a very good job of allowing your heirs to avoid probate after you pass away. Or, if you become incompetent, it allows those you designate to still manage your life and assets on your behalf. But it's still on your behalf.
So, as a result, when we're talking about Medicaid planning, which involves (1) getting assets out of your name in a Medicaid-compliant way and (2) legally and ethically qualifying for help paying for home health care or nursing home care, sadly, a revocable trust doesn't do anything for us. It doesn't hurt or help.
For example, a home that's in a revocable trust is not protected from Medicaid because it's in a trust but because homesteads are protected anyway for Medicaid purposes. So, when a client comes to us and says, "Well, I only have a couple thousand dollars in my name, and everything else is in my revocable living trust," we have to be the bearer of bad news and explain, "Well, that's as if it were in your name anyway, and we still have to engage in alternative Medicaid planning strategies."
Alternative Medicaid Planning Strategies
Depending on your circumstances and goals, there may be other strategies worth considering to avoid the 5-year lookback period.
Most of our clients come to us with too many assets, whether in their individual name or in the name of their revocable trust or revocable living trust, and we still have some advantageous tools that we can use to legally and ethically protect their assets. They don't have to wait five years.
In fact, within a matter of weeks or months, we can make them financially eligible for Medicaid again in a long-term care context to pay for nursing homes, an assisted living facility, or some home care as well.
Protect Your Assets and Access Long-Term Care with Elder Needs Law
If you or a loved one are concerned about protecting your assets and qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care costs, the experienced elder law attorneys at Elder Needs Law can guide you through the process.
Our team understands the nuances of Medicaid planning and can advise you on the most effective strategies, including the use of irrevocable trusts and other legal tools. Don't leave your financial future to chance. Contact Elder Needs Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help safeguard your assets while ensuring access to the care you deserve.
