Medicaid has income eligibility requirements (in addition to resource limits and other requirements). The income cap for year 2025 is $2,901 per month. If an individual, who is applying for Medicaid, has income over the cap, then a “Miller Trust” can be created to hold the income to pass such eligibility requirement. “Miller Trusts” are also known as “qualified income trusts” or as “QITs.”

It depends on the income of each of you and what strategy is employed. If the income of the community spouse is greater than what is called the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (“MMMNA” is $3,948.00 for 2025), then there are limited situations when we can divert income from the institutionalized spouse so that this income is above the MMMNA. Also, There can be a diversion of income to the community spouse so that the community spouse has income up to the MMMNA. However, it is best to not “spend down,” so this situation must be carefully reviewed with your experienced elder law attorney.

Under the Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, the state has a right to make a claim against the probate estate of the Medicaid recipient to the extent that benefits have been advanced if the recipient applied for Medicaid on or after March 1, 2005. There are several exceptions to the rule. Presently, there are also several planning methods to avoid the claim of the state against the home. The maximum residence value (with some exceptions) for 2025 is $730,000.

A transfer of assets can result in a penalty causing ineligibility for Medicaid. Transfers for less than fair market value on or after February 8, 2006 are subject to a 5 year look-back period. The transfer penalty is determined by dividing the average daily cost of a nursing home in Texas into the amount of the uncompensated transfer from the month of the transfer. The transfer penalty period resulting in ineligibility for Medicaid starts from the date of application or from when one is otherwise eligible for Medicaid.

The annual exclusion for gift tax purposes is still subject to the Medicaid rules. So, the transfer could result in a transfer penalty, depending on when the uncompensated transfer was made, and if there was an existing transfer penalty and if the transfer was to a disabled child.

Most assets that can be converted to cash are considered countable (such as the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, stocks, IRAs, mutual funds, bank accounts, etc.) and can be used for your support. They are considered in determining Medicaid eligibility. Excluded resources, such as the homestead, a burial space, term life insurance, etc. are considered non-countable for Medicaid eligibility purposes.

It is assumed that the account belongs to the applicant unless it could be proven otherwise.

Yes.

It depends on the factual situation. With the rule change that became effective as of September 1, 2004, “Medicaid annuities” became more popular when there is an institutionalized spouse and a community spouse, and their total non-countable resource income exceeds or is close to the MMMNA ($3715.50 for 2023). Before you make a decision, an elder law attorney should be consulted to consider all of the options. Be wary of anyone who advises this is the only option.

Yes, so there should be planning to prevent this possibility, such as setting up Supplemental Needs Trusts.

Depending on the income of the community spouse and other factors, often the answer is “Yes.”

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available at age 65 regardless of income or assets. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed for individuals with limited income and assets.

Medicare does not cover most long term care costs. Medicaid may cover nursing home care and long term custodial care for those who qualify, which is why planning is so important.

Long term care in Texas, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, can cost several thousand dollars per month and may exceed ten thousand dollars depending on the level of care required.

Without planning, these costs can quickly reduce or eliminate a lifetime of savings.

Not necessarily. Medicaid rules distinguish between countable and exempt assets.

Exempt assets may include:

• Primary residence in certain situations
• One vehicle
• Personal belongings
• Certain protected assets under Texas Medicaid rules

Strategic Medicaid planning in Denton, TX can help you legally structure assets within these rules.

Texas Medicaid uses a five year look back period. The state reviews financial transactions made within five years of applying for benefits.

Improper transfers or gifts during this time may result in a penalty period where Medicaid will not pay for care.

This is one of the most important reasons to begin Medicaid planning early.

A primary residence is often exempt while you are alive, especially if a spouse or dependent remains living in the home.

However, Texas may pursue estate recovery after death for Medicaid benefits paid. Proper planning may help address or reduce this exposure.

Gifting assets without proper planning can create serious penalties under Medicaid rules.

These transfers may trigger ineligibility periods that prevent Medicaid from paying for care when it is needed most.

There are legal strategies that may allow asset protection, but they should always be done with guidance from a Medicaid planning attorney in Denton, TX.

When one spouse requires nursing home care, Medicaid rules provide protections for the spouse remaining at home.

These protections may include:

• Allowing the community spouse to retain a portion of assets
• Allowing a monthly income allowance

Proper planning ensures these protections are fully used under Texas law.

It is rarely too late to benefit from Medicaid planning. While options may be more limited after a crisis, strategies may still exist to protect assets or support a spouse.

You should seek advice as soon as possible to evaluate available options.