Will I lose my house, or 1/2 the value of it, if I try to qualify my husband for long term care Medicaid?

Thank you everyone. I know friends and acquaintances with different circumstances are trying to help me, but they scared me. Thank you for your kind and relevant advice.

You need to talk to Medicaid. Each situation is different. I am just giving u the basics here. Each State is different.

If you have assets over your monthly income and SS, you can have them split. Insurance policies with cash in value need too be cashed in. This can be used to prepay a funeral, which is what I did. Is the 28k in both your names? Then it will need to be split. In your name only, I am not sure about. You will become the Community Spouse. As such, you can remain in the home and have one car. What you get from your combined monthly SS and pensions will depend on what you need to live on. You will probably get yours and part or all of his. The CS can not be made impoverished. When DH passes, a lean for the cost of his care will be placed on the house. Upon your death, the house will need to be sold to satisfy the lean. Even if you sell before that time, the lean will need to be satisfied. If someone in the family wants the home, they will need to pay the lean. Like I said, just the basics here. In your State you maybe able to keep both cars.

I have never understood why the first thing people say when Medicaid is involved is see an elder lawyer. I made an appt with a Medicaid caseworker. I sat down and he actually filled out the application asking me questions. I was given a list of things I needed to provide. I did have a lawyer but only for the house which is an exempt asset. Thats because the house was for sale in a bad market and I had a nephew living there. But, I did all the work getting things needed and dealing with the caseworker. Mom only had 20k to her name over and above her SS and small pension. I took the 20k and paid the NH privately for two months. The 3rd month, Medicaid Started.

Remember I said each State is different.

Chiokara, the "people" who are "advising" you:  are they attorneys?   If not, remember that they may have experience with Medicaid, but that doesn't mean they have the knowledge to share with you, as to your particular situation.  Although they may be helpful, you can't rely on their advice as you could someone who's educationally and experientially qualified to provide it.

I can't even count the number of times I've been given wrong "advice" by people who either thought they were helping, or thought they were qualified to provide expert information.  And that isn't just on medical or caring issues.  

In the decades I worked in law, whether at a court level or for law firms, I've only twice (that I can remember) encountered attorneys who were unqualified, but it was on the basis of integrity as opposed to misinformation to clients.

My dad had modest means when my mother required a nursing home. After precious little time of a long term care policy paying, then briefly private pay, Medicaid kicked in. My mother’s SS went directly to her care. My father was left with the house, his entire SS, and his entire pension. He had to sell one car and keep one car. His lifestyle changed little to none. The business manager at the nursing home walked us through the entire Medicaid process at no cost. I’d recommend looking into facilities and speaking with the business manager

The rules are different for a COUPLE applying for Medicaid and a single person applying.

You, as the Community Spouse, are protected from impoverishment. The house will be subject to a lien from Medicaid when YOU die or sell the house if it is in both of your names.

I have a suggestion; do you have a trusted friend you can take with you to the lawyer for the next appointment? Two sets of ears is MUCH better than one.

THey're not going to kick you out of the house. You can live there for the rest of your life. But, I'm not sure what happens when you do sell the house??

Makes sense that you get to keep your pension and social security. His would go to the facility.

When you say "my" savings, is it all your own money? Is husband joint? Does he have his own savings?

Sounds like a nightmare. Sorry you are getting conflicting advice.