Elder Law – Medicaid Planning

Planning ahead for Medicaid can be stressful and confusing. You know you’ll likely need Medicaid benefits, but aren’t sure when. In the following Q&A article, we’ll break down how to help protect your assets, how to plan ahead to qualify for Medicaid, and how an elder law attorney can help you and your family protect your care and your estate.

How Can Medicaid Planning Help Protect Assets?

Medicaid planning allows you and your family to structure your finances to qualify for long-term care benefits while holding onto valuable assets. An elder law attorney can help you use strategies and tools such as irrevocable trusts and spending down to help protect your home and savings.

Why is this important? Without proper planning, nursing home costs can quickly deplete an estate. Working with an attorney to plan ahead helps ensure you’re compliant with Michigan’s Medicaid rules while safeguarding your savings and property.

What Are The Income And Asset Limits For Medicaid Eligibility In Michigan?

As a single individual in 2025, to qualify for Medicaid, you can not receive more than $2,901 per month in income, and can have no more than $9,660 in assets. The same limits apply to each person if you and your spouse are applying for Medicaid together.

Certain assets, such as a primary home or a personal vehicle, may be exempt from asset limits. The rules of Medicaid eligibility change frequently. As a result, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney to help ensure accurate planning and to avoid expensive mistakes once you do apply.

When Should I Start Medicaid Planning For Long-Term Care?

The best time to begin planning to receive Medicaid benefits is at least five years before you expect long-term care to be needed. This timeframe aligns with Medicaid’s five-year “lookback period”, which reviews transfers of assets to determine if you are eligible.

Early planning also gives your family more ways to protect assets and reduces the chances of penalties or delays. If you or a loved one already needs long-term care, a skilled elder law attorney may still be able to implement last-minute planning strategies to help your family preserve wealth.

Need help with Medicaid planning in Michigan? Allow attorney Brandon Wagner to review your needs and develop a strategy. Have questions, or ready to get started? Reach out to Wagner Law at (248) 800-2548 for an initial consultation today.