In Ohio, healthy dad and ailing mom who is in NH. When do we apply for Medicaid, do payments we have made to date count towards spenddown?

Paying for an elder lawyer and burial costs are reasonable uses in the spend down. An aging life care specialist can also help you in the timing. https://www.aginglifecare.org/

What you are spending now isn’t HER money but THEIR money. You need to have their assets split appropriately (legally) so that she is spending down HER portion. He doesn’t have to spend down HIS money beyond a certain point … unique to their circumstances. Please see a certified elder attorney experienced in filing for Medicaid in her state. Money spent on the attorney is an exempt asset and will keep you from making big mistakes.

You need to seevam Elder Lawyervabout splitting your parents assets. Her split will go towards her care and just before its gone you apply for Medicaid. Once Medicaid kicks in Dad remains in the home, gets a car and enough of their monthly income to live on. An EL can explain further.

Especially when there is a spouse, the applications for Medicaid become increasingly complicated. As this isn't something that can be done wrong (you can't afford that option for mistakes) I suggest an elder law attorney is the best way to go. Get an hour of time. Take ALL INFO about assets, and ask about division of finances, any info about protective trusts and so on.