Transfers in that window can trigger a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay, calculated from the value transferred. Gifts to children, adding a name to a deed, and selling a house cheaply to a relative all count.
This is the main reason families are told to see an elder law attorney before moving money.
Why it matters
A well-meant gift five years ago can delay Medicaid coverage when it is needed most.
Look-back period where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ