Medicaid Lookback
A set timeframe over which the federal government will "look back" to examine spending patterns in determining an applicant's Medicaid eligibility. Any financial transaction during this time period that is perceived as motivated by an attempt to qualify for Medicaid is subject to penalty resulting in ineligibility. The look back period is 5 years prior to the Medicaid application date, with the exception of applicants living in California who are subject to a 2.5 yrs look back period.
Medicaid Lookback Articles
Understanding the Medicaid Look-Back Period and Penalty Period
Many seniors with limited income and assets must use a spend-down strategy to qualify for Medicaid, but gifting can trigger a penalty period of ineligibility. Learn about Medicaid’s asset transfer rules to avoid problems with paying for long-term care.
8 CommentsCan someone explain what the 5-year "look-back" period for Medicaid is?
What is the 5 year look-back period for Medicaid, and how does it relate to a gift?
3 CommentsCan I hide money from Medicaid, so mom can leave her kids an inheritance?
Hiding assets by not reporting them to Medicaid is illegal and considered fraud against the state. However, there are a number of legal techniques for protecting your parent's assets so that they pass to you.
5 Comments“Spending Down” to Medicaid: One Caregiver’s Personal Journey
For many families, navigating Medicaid eligibility seems complicated and the spend down process is one of the trickiest parts. Use this caregiver’s experiences to inform your own Medicaid planning strategy.
85 Comments
Medicaid Lookback Questions
Applying for Medicaid for mom, finances combined, may cause a major problem now. Who do I go to for advice?
2 AnswersCaregiverL Answered Mar 14, 2020Will family financial assistance with mom's Assisted Living bills cause a penalty or problem when mom applies for Medicaid in 2020 or 2021?
2 AnswersHow to find an elder atty for guidance with mom's last bit of money to place it properly so she can get the best assistance from Medicaid?
3 AnswersI pay my mothers expenses with my credit card. She reimbursed me from her checking acct. Is this a problem for Medicaid eligibility?
3 Answers
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Medicaid Lookback Discussions
I don't get why people are trying to hide assets if your parents have them. Aren't those for their care? Medicaid is hard enough to get.
8 Commentsanonymous839718 Commented Dec 2018Will providing financial assistance create a problem while waiting to apply for Medicaid?
3 CommentsWkillpatri15 Commented Nov 2018Mom has a reverse mortgage on her house. If I pay off that loan and buy the house after she moves to a NH will there be a problem with Medicaid?
8 Commentsbkiene8262 Commented Jul 2018
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Medicaid Lookback Related Topics
- Elder Law
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Home Modification
- Care Decisions
- Long-distance Caregiving
- Forms & Documents
- Living Trusts
- Cancer
- Elder Abuse
- Diabetes
- Cognitive Decline
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Mild Dementia
- Severe Dementia
- Signs of Dementia
- Area Agency on Aging
- Driving
- New to Caregiving
- Working Caregiver
- Guardianship