Episode 8 - Is the Nursing Home Take My House?

Host: Sidney Wheelan, Elder Law Attorney

Topic: Paying for Nursing Home Care

Key Points:

• Average cost of nursing home care in Missouri: $5400 - $6000 per month (varies by location, amenities, level of care)
• Options for paying: Long-term care insurance, Medicaid
• Medicaid eligibility: Income and asset limits
• Asset limits:
• Excluded assets: house, car, prepaid burial plan
• Must spend down most assets to qualify ($5000 limit)
• Some income-producing property may be allowed
• Selling your house: Not required to qualify for Medicaid, but may be necessary if you can't afford ongoing expenses.
• Nursing home can't take your house while you're alive.
• State may place a lien on your estate after death to recover Medicaid costs.
• Don't give away assets to qualify for Medicaid. There's a "five-year look-back rule" for asset transfers.
• Protections for spouses: Healthy spouse can keep some assets and income.
• Tips for preparing financially:
• Consider long-term care insurance (earlier is cheaper)
• Pay down debt, make home improvements, buy a prepaid burial plan (legitimate ways to reduce assets)
• Consult an estate planning attorney for personalized strategies

Disclaimer:

• Medicaid rules can change.
• Seek professional advice for accurate and up-to-date information.

WheelanLaw.com

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law.  This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.