There are options for Medicaid planning that help you retain the value of your estate during your lifetime and protect your legacy. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we can assist in developing a strategy that maximizes your eligibility for Medicaid. Contact us at (509) 328-2150 for a consultation with a Spokane Medicaid lawyer.
Our experienced team understands the complex rules that govern Medicaid eligibility in Spokane, Washington, and how those rules interact with your broader estate plan. We take a personalized approach, reviewing your unique financial and family circumstances to create a strategy that both preserves your assets and ensures access to the care you need.
Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help With Your Medicaid Issue in Spokane, WA?
At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we have the experience and insight to navigate Washington’s Medicaid laws and regulations, ensuring that your application or planning strategy is handled with precision. Our team takes a personalized approach, starting with a thorough review of your financial and personal circumstances.
Medicaid planning involves complex rules, strict eligibility requirements, and detailed documentation. One small mistake in the application process or in how your assets are structured can result in costly delays or even disqualification from benefits.
We can guide you through the application process, respond to requests for additional information, and address any challenges that arise. With our help, you can feel confident that your Medicaid plan supports your long-term care needs while preserving as much of your estate as possible for your loved ones. Contact us today for a case review with a Spokane Medicaid attorney.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible individuals with limited income and resources. In Washington, Medicaid—administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority—can help cover the high costs of long-term care, including nursing home services, assisted living, and in-home care.
Eligibility is based on both financial and medical need, and the program has strict rules about the value of assets and income you may retain. Because these rules can be complex, especially when planning for future care while trying to protect your estate, working with an experienced Medicaid lawyer can help ensure you meet the requirements while preserving as much of your wealth as possible.
The Importance of Early Medicaid Planning
Medicaid eligibility rules are complex, and waiting until you urgently need care can limit your options. By starting the planning process early, you can explore strategies to preserve assets, understand program requirements, and address potential challenges well before they arise.
Early planning also gives you more flexibility in structuring your finances to meet eligibility standards while still protecting your long-term goals. Consulting with a Spokane Medicaid lawyer before a crisis occurs can make the application process smoother and help secure the benefits you need when you need them most.
Am I Eligible for Medicaid?
There are two factors in determining eligibility for Medicaid. First, as the applicant, you must require assistance with at least two activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, getting dressed, etc.) and be in a facility that accepts Medicaid.
You also need to be financially eligible. Medicaid allows you to have: one home of any value, one vehicle of any value, a prepaid funeral plan, a very small life insurance policy, and $2,000. If you are married, your spouse is allowed to have additional assets totaling between $72,529 and $157,920.
Does Medicaid Cover In-Home Care, or Do I Need to Move to a Facility?
While Medicaid is generally intended to help people afford long-term care in an alternative living facility, there are options for people who choose to remain in the home. The program you would apply for is called Community Options Program Entry System (COPES).
COPES aims to allow individuals to receive care in a home or community setting, promoting independence and preventing institutionalization. COPES has similar qualifications as traditional Medicaid. You should consult with an attorney to determine whether COPES would be a good option for you.
Will Medicaid Take My House?
Medicaid will not simply take possession of your home while you are alive. However, in certain cases—such as if you are permanently institutionalized and not expected to return home—the state may place a Medicaid lien on your property. This lien ensures that if the home is sold during your lifetime, the state can recover the amount it has paid for your long-term care.
After your death, Washington’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program can seek repayment for long-term care costs from your probate estate, which may include your home. This process does not occur if certain relatives—such as a spouse, a child under 21, a disabled or blind child of any age, or a qualifying sibling—still live in the property.
It is possible to protect your home from estate recovery and certain liens through strategies like transferring the property to a spouse, creating a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, or using other lawful planning tools. However, these strategies must be implemented carefully and often well in advance to comply with Medicaid’s five-year “look-back” period.
Attempting to gift your home or change ownership without legal guidance can cause costly penalties or even disqualification from benefits. An experienced Medicaid attorney can help you explore your options and protect your property while maintaining eligibility for care.
How Do I Apply for Medicaid?
An application for Medicaid benefits may be filled out and submitted to any Medicaid office. It is often easier to file the application online. This first step is the easiest step. Once Medicaid receives your application, they will ask you for a number of supporting documents to verify the information you provided. This can include income verification, bank records going as far back as five years, and much more.
Typically an application for Medicaid in Washington can take up to 3 months to be processed before benefits will begin. Having a complete understanding of all that Medicaid will ask you to provide can greatly impact the time it takes to get approved.
Why Should I Talk to an Attorney Before I Apply?
Seeking advice from an attorney before applying for Medicaid is crucial for several reasons. First, the Medicaid application process is complex and often involves intricate legal considerations. Applying before being eligible can delay an approval by months.
Second, consulting with an attorney before applying for Medicaid can help individuals proactively address potential challenges and avoid costly mistakes. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we have a team that specializes in Medicaid and can provide valuable guidance on becoming eligible, preserving assets, and navigating the application process.
We can help you navigate the intricate web of regulations, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and stands the best chance of approval. We will assess your unique circumstances, identifying any potential pitfalls or areas of concern that might arise during the application process. By addressing these issues early on, you can enhance your chances of a successful application and minimize the risk of delays or denials.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Medicaid Planning
Even with the best intentions, many people inadvertently make decisions that can jeopardize their Medicaid eligibility. Common mistakes include transferring assets too close to the application date, failing to properly document financial transactions, misunderstanding the “look-back” period, and not funding Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts correctly.
Some individuals also assume that a will or standard estate plan automatically protects assets from long-term care costs, which is not the case. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we identify potential pitfalls early and create a plan that avoids costly delays, penalties, and disqualification—ensuring that your benefits are secured when you need them most.
Olivia DeVleming: Our Dedicated Medicaid Paralegal
At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., our dedicated Medicaid Paralegal Olivia DeVleming has been an invaluable asset to our team with her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her passion for helping families navigate the complexities of Medicaid and long-term care costs has made significant and impactful results for families we serve.
Throughout her time here, Olivia has successfully assisted numerous families in securing financial relief by optimizing Medicaid benefits. Her expertise in understanding the intricate details of Medicaid regulations enables her to devise strategic solutions tailored to each family’s unique situation.
Olivia is not just a professional; she is a compassionate advocate for families facing the challenges of long-term care complexities and expenses. By staying ahead of all the latest developments in Medicaid’s ever-changing policies, Olivia ensures that our clients receive
the most up-to-date and effective guidance.
You can trust that Olivia and the rest of our team will ensure that your hard-earned assets won’t be lost to long-term care costs.
Contact Our Spokane Medicaid Attorneys for a Consultation
Rules on Medicaid eligibility are strict, but there are strategies to maximize your benefits and protect assets for your spouse and family. For additional details, please contact Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. to schedule a case assessment with a Spokane Medicaid attorney.