When you’re looking into applying for MassHealth (Medicaid), you should consider seeking an attorney for professional assistance. MassHealth has strict asset limits and making even minor mistakes can lead to long disqualification periods. Sometimes, all you’ll need is help gathering documents and filling out the forms, but for some, this will require wealth transfers. When your income and assets are close to the limits, you should consult a professional to ensure your finances and loved ones are protected. Advance planning will prevent you from paying out-of-pocket for long-term care until your assets are depleted enough to qualify for MassHealth. Here’s an overview of what we can do for you.

Prepare the Application

The MassHealth application is notorious for being cumbersome and confusing. Even the timing of your application is important. You don’t want to apply too early, nor too late. What’s worse is the possibility that a mistake may cause the application to be rejected or the applicant to be disqualified. When you hire us to assist in your application, we’ll work with you and your family. We will tell you exactly the kind of documents you’ll need, what we’re doing, and why. You and your children can rest assured that your application is in good hands without having to worry about crossing Ts and dotting the Is yourself.

Keep Your Primary Residence

After years of paying the mortgage and making memories, of course you’ll want to keep your home in your family. In fact, we can help ensure that your home not only stays in your family, but we can work with you and the MassHealth administration to provide for in-home care. We can also make sure that a healthy spouse or partner is financially able to continue living in the home and preserve your assets for the next generation.

Strategic Spend-Downs or Transfers for Medicaid

Certain transfers of wealth are allowed in order to help you qualify for MassHealth—but it’s important to seek professional help so that you can be assured of doing everything by the book. MassHealth has a five-year “look back” system that they use to determine eligibility—meaning that they look back at the transfers you’ve made in the past five years to decide whether you qualify Additionafor their services. However, there are certain loopholes and provisions available to Massachusetts residents.

You may be able to transfer your assets to caretaker children, disabled children, your spouse, a sibling and sometimes even transfer your funds to a pooled disability trust. Other protections available can include reclassifying your assets and petitioning for increased spousal allowances. As always, not every option will be available to you, and you’ll want to avoid making costly mistakes when time is of the essence.

Complimentary MassHealth Case Review

MassHealth regulations and applications can be daunting, which is why you should rely on our Elder Law and Estate Planning specialists. Contact Baker Law Group, P.C. with your questions about how to plan for MassHealth, either for you or your aging loved ones. We offer free consultations and years of experience navigating within the MassHealth administration.  Call 781-996-5656 or toll free at 800-701-0352 today.

For additional information, also read MassHealth / Medicaid Eligibility and Elder Law FAQs.

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