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 Medicaid’s Lookback and Penalty Periods
Gifting an asset can cause problems if you later need to apply for Medicaid to cover a nursing home stay, especially if you use gifting as a way to spend down assets. Learn the details of Medicaid lookback and how it impacts the Medicaid penalty period.
9 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
Last year my mother gifted property (which she had purchased for $1.00) to her granddaughter. How would Medicaid calculate the value of this?
19 CommentsWhat happens if you go over Medicaid's 2000 dollar limit? I have to reapply for my Mom and somehow her balance went over 2000 dollars.
10 CommentsAny advice or experience in dealing with a pooled trust?
1 CommentWill "helping out" adult kids over the last several years cause issues with Medicaid, probate, etc. in Iowa?
2 Comments
Ask a Question About Medicaid Lookback
Medicaid Lookback Discussions
Will providing financial assistance create a problem while waiting to apply for Medicaid?
3 CommentsWkillpatri15 Answered Nov 2, 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 Answered Jul 4, 2018