As we age, planning for long-term care becomes increasingly important, both emotionally and financially. For help with medicaid planning in Kennewick, Washington, contact Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. at (509) 328-2150. We offer a consultation with a Kennewick medicaid planning lawyer.
Medicaid can be a lifeline for covering long-term care, but qualifying isn’t always straightforward. Strict income and asset limits can make getting the help you need difficult—unless you plan. The best time to begin Medicaid planning is well before care is needed, but it’s never too late to act.
Our Medicaid planning team helps individuals and families navigate the complexities of Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, and long-term care planning. Whether you’re looking to plan proactively or facing a crisis, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. To Help With Medicaid Planning?
Planning for long-term care isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your home, savings, and your family’s future. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we understand how overwhelming Medicaid rules can feel, especially when the need for care arises suddenly.
Here’s why families in Kennewick, WA, trust us with Medicaid planning:
- Over 25 years of combined experience in estate and elder law
- In-depth knowledge of Washington Medicaid rules and spend-down strategies
- Skilled guidance on crisis planning for immediate care needs
- Compassionate, client-centered support for families during challenging times
Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a sudden health crisis, our team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation with a Kennewick estate planning attorney.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid is a healthcare program run and overseen by the federal government. Many people believe that Medicaid is only available for low-income individuals and others who are facing hardships, but still need help.
Although it can help these individuals, it can also help older adults pay for the following:
- Prescription medication costs
- Medicare Advantage Plan
- Physician and other outpatient medical services, such as lab services, doctor’s visits, and medical equipment
- Hospitalization expenses
Around 7.2 million seniors currently benefit from Medicaid, particularly when it comes to covering the cost of long-term care. A Medicaid planning lawyer can explain in greater detail how Medicaid benefits work and how they can help you.
Why Consider Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid planning is vital in protecting your financial security as you age. While there are many reasons individuals and families explore this type of planning, two factors are particularly significant:
- Escalating healthcare costs: Healthcare spending in the United States continues to rise dramatically, surpassing $3 trillion annually and outpacing inflation yearly. With long-term care costs among the most expensive, early planning is essential to avoid financial strain later in life.
- An aging population: Advances in medicine and longer life expectancy mean more Americans will require extended care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. As the senior population grows, the demand for Medicaid assistance will only increase.
Taking steps to plan for Medicaid eligibility—whether years in advance or during a time of urgent need—can help preserve your assets, secure quality care, and relieve future burdens on your loved ones.
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Washington
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Washington, applicants must meet specific income and asset requirements. As of 2025, a single applicant generally must have less than $2,000 in countable assets, though certain items—like a primary residence, personal belongings, and one vehicle—may be exempt. Income limits also apply and vary depending on the type of care being sought.
For married couples, the rules are more complex. One spouse may still live at home while the other enters long-term care, and certain protections are in place to prevent the at-home spouse from becoming impoverished. Navigating these rules can be difficult, especially as financial thresholds change from year to year, which is why early planning is key.
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Period?
Washington applies a five-year look-back period to all Medicaid long-term care applications. This means the state will examine any asset transfers made within the 60 months before applying. If any assets were transferred for less than fair market value, it may trigger a penalty period, during which the applicant is ineligible for benefits, even if they otherwise qualify.
This rule is designed to prevent individuals from giving away property or money solely to meet Medicaid eligibility. However, there are legal ways to structure transfers that comply with the rules. An experienced Medicaid planning lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and minimize penalties if a transfer has already occurred.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Medicaid Planning?
While it’s possible to apply for Medicaid on your own, the rules surrounding eligibility, asset transfers, and spend-down strategies are highly technical. One misstep—such as a poorly timed gift or an incomplete application—can delay approval or result in the denial of benefits when care is urgently needed.
A Medicaid planning lawyer helps you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re planning years in advance or responding to an immediate health crisis, legal guidance ensures your assets are protected and your application is handled properly the first time.
A Medicaid Planning Lawyer Can Help
Everyone in Kennewick, WA, should think about their future and how they will pay for any healthcare they need. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., our Kennewick Medicaid planning lawyers can provide strategies about how you can plan for your future and receive the care you need without depleting your life’s assets.
Call or contact us online to book a free appointment and to learn more.