Trying to find out whether half of investment account is protected from Medicaid since we have joint ownership. Any idea?
We have been joint owners of an investment account for quite a few years, more than the 5 look back of Medicaid. Is half actually owned by me and not applicable to being considered before Medicaid kicks in?
Do you have any records proving that the money that went in was entirely from your personal funds?
Of course they can still argue that at least half of the money was a gift to the medicaid recipient.
Edited to add:
Agingcare.com says it is all countable. Elderlawanswers offers hope if you can prove where the funds came from. You will probably need an elderlaw expert familiar with your state.
"While a joint account may have two names on it, most states assume the applicant owns the entire amount in the account regardless of who contributed money to the account. If your name is on a joint account and you enter a nursing home, the state will assume the assets in the account belong to you unless you can prove that you did not contribute to it."
"Joint accounts are a countable asset when determining whether a senior qualifies for Medicaid long-term care coverage, and it is crucial to understand that Medicaid counts 100 percent of the value of all joint bank accounts in which the applicant has an interest. This is because most states assume any individual named on a joint account has access to the full value of the assets in the account."
2 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Of course they can still argue that at least half of the money was a gift to the medicaid recipient.
Edited to add:
Agingcare.com says it is all countable. Elderlawanswers offers hope if you can prove where the funds came from. You will probably need an elderlaw expert familiar with your state.
"While a joint account may have two names on it, most states assume the applicant owns the entire amount in the account regardless of who contributed money to the account. If your name is on a joint account and you enter a nursing home, the state will assume the assets in the account belong to you unless you can prove that you did not contribute to it."
https://www.elderlawanswers.com/be-aware-of-the-dangers-of-joint-accounts-7575
"Joint accounts are a countable asset when determining whether a senior qualifies for Medicaid long-term care coverage, and it is crucial to understand that Medicaid counts 100 percent of the value of all joint bank accounts in which the applicant has an interest. This is because most states assume any individual named on a joint account has access to the full value of the assets in the account."
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/joint-bank-accounts-affect-medicaid-168094.htm
ADVERTISEMENT