IE
Institute of Estate
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Medicaid Look-Back Timer

If you give away assets within 5 years (60 months) of applying for Medicaid long-term care, you trigger a penalty period where Medicaid will refuse to pay.

Value of cash, homes, or assets given away below fair market value in the last 5 years.

Average monthly cost of nursing home care in your state (usually $7k - $12k).

Medicaid Ineligibility Period

Medicaid will not pay for your care for this duration.

The penalty period begins when you move to a nursing home and apply for Medicaid, not when the gift was made. This is why advance planning via Irrevocable Trusts is critical.