Asset Spend-Down for Medicaid Qualification: Classifying Assets, Individuals vs. Married Couples, Appeals Process

The spend-down of assets for Medicaid qualification causes much confusion. Practitioners advising the senior population must understand new medical criteria, qualification standards for Medicaid, how assets are classified, differences between individuals and married couples, and the appeal process.

Asset protection strategy implementation requires a working knowledge of how to determine the spend-down. Rules for married couples are particularly complex. Some spend-down strategies that work well for a married couple may not work for a single person, and vice versa. Counsel with elderly clients must thoroughly understand how funds can be spent to avoid Medicaid disqualification.

Listen as our panel of elder law attorneys guides counsel in navigating the Medicaid spend-down rules. The group will highlight key spend-down strategies to avoid Medicaid disqualification.

1. Qualifying for Medicaid
2. Spend-down rules and requirements
3. Case study: applying spend-down techniques to individual applicants
4. Case study: applying spend-down techniques to married couples
5. Other considerations: timing issues, use of annuities and insurance
6. Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid

The panel will review these and other key issues:

• Rules and limitations of asset spend-down for Medicaid
• Application of spend-down techniques to individual applicants
• Overcoming problems with spend-down techniques for married couples
• Best practices in avoiding Medicaid disqualification