MEDICAID PLANNING ATTORNEYS
Florida Medicaid Planning Attorneys
As we age, one of the biggest financial risks families face is the cost of long-term nursing home care, which can exceed $10,000 per month in Florida. Medicaid planning is the process of legally structuring assets and income to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements for long-term care, helping protect a lifetime of savings from being entirely depleted. McFarland Gould Law Firm helps Tampa Bay families navigate Medicaid’s eligibility rules across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Free initial consultations are available. Call 727-461-1111.
Senior Partner Gary W. Lyons handles Medicaid planning matters across Tampa Bay, helping clients protect assets while qualifying for needed care.
How Medicaid Planning Works
Florida and federal rules impose a five-year look-back period that examines asset transfers made before a Medicaid application, which makes early planning important. Depending on your situation, strategies may include certain irrevocable trusts, properly structured asset transfers, and protections available for a healthy spouse when the other spouse needs nursing home care. Because the rules are strict and the consequences of a mistake can be costly, working with an attorney experienced in Florida Medicaid planning is strongly recommended.
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Practice Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicaid planning and why does it matter?
Medicaid planning involves structuring your finances and assets to qualify for Florida Medicaid benefits, which can cover nursing home and long-term care costs that would otherwise deplete a lifetime of savings. Proper planning can protect assets for a spouse or family members while ensuring you qualify for needed benefits.
What is the Medicaid five-year look-back period?
Florida and federal rules examine financial transfers made in the five years before a Medicaid application. Transfers made for less than fair value during this window can result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for care. This is why planning well in advance of needing care is so important.
Can I protect assets for my spouse if I need nursing home care?
Yes. Florida law includes spousal protections that allow a healthy spouse to keep a portion of the couple’s assets and income when the other spouse applies for Medicaid long-term care benefits. An attorney can help you understand and maximize these protections based on your specific financial situation.
When should I start Medicaid planning?
Because of the five-year look-back period, the ideal time to begin Medicaid planning is well before care is needed. However, even in a crisis situation where a family member already needs nursing home care, an experienced attorney can often still implement strategies to protect some assets.
What is the difference between Medicaid planning and simply applying for Medicaid?
Applying for Medicaid without prior planning often means spending down assets until you qualify, which can leave little protected for a spouse or family. Medicaid planning uses legal strategies, executed well in advance when possible, to protect assets while still meeting eligibility requirements.
STEPS TO GET STARTED
STEP 1
CONSULTATION
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STEP 2
SIGN UP
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STEP 3
REPRESENT
We go to battle for you. Our team of powerhouse attorneys will get to work and update you regularly on your case.
LOCATIONS
Main Office
1659 Achieva Way
Suite 128
Dunedin Florida 34698
Suite 128
Dunedin Florida 34698
St. Petersburg
260 1st Ave S
Saint Petersburg, FL
Wesley Chapel
28210 Paseo Dr
Suite 190
Wesley Chapel, FL
New Port Richey
6230 Lafayette St
New Port Richey, FL
South Tampa
1646 W Snow Ave
Tampa, FL
North Tampa
6944 W Linebaugh Ave
Suite 102
Tampa, FL
