When a senior applies for long-term care Medicaid, they must meet certain criteria – such as the asset (resource) limit. Medicaid applies the “look-back period process” to ensure that applicants do, in fact, meet the asset limit. Our Metro West Boston estate planning attorneys explain everything you should know about Medicaid’s look-back process.

What Is Medicaid’s Look-Back Period?

Medicaid requires applicants to have an asset limit at the time the application was submitted and the time before applying. Medicaid’s look-back period is meant to prevent Medicaid applicants from giving away assets or selling them under fair market value in an attempt to meet Medicaid’s asset limit. This means that all asset transfers within the timeframe of the look-back period will be reviewed after applying for Medicaid.

If an applicant violates Medicaid’s rules, a penalty period will be established. Medicaid performs the look-back period process because they believe that a senior’s assets should be used to pay for the senior’s long-term care.

What Is the Look-Back Period?

In Massachusetts, the look-back period is 60 months or five years. This is a period of time in which Medicaid checks to ensure no assets were sold or given away under fair market, allowing one to meet Medicaid’s asset limit.

How to Prepare for Medicaid

If you are concerned about your eligibility for Medicaid or the management of your assets, our team at Marsden Law P.C. is here to help. Our experienced Metro West Boston elder care lawyers know that Medicaid planning is a vital aspect of any long-term elder care strategy. That is why we are prepared to use our knowledge of the law and extensive resources to guide you through the entire process. Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help you.

Contact us today at (800) 828-7854 to schedule a consultation!