Medicaid Planning Resources

Plain-English guides to help families navigate Medicaid, protect assets, and plan ahead — before a crisis forces the decision.

Latest Articles
How to Apply for Medicaid Long-Term Care: Step-by-Step Application Guide (2026)

Required documents, where to apply in IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI, how long it takes, the mistakes that cause delays and denials, what happens after approval, and how to appeal if you’re denied. Everything you need before you submit a Medicaid application.

Irrevocable Trusts for Medicaid Planning: MAPTs, Lookback Rules & State Guide (2026)

The most powerful Medicaid asset protection tool available — but it only works if you start 5 years early. How Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts shield your home and savings from nursing home spend-down, plus state-specific rules for IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI.

Medicaid Planning for Married Couples: CSRA, Spousal Protections & Asset Strategies (2026)

One spouse needs nursing care. The other can’t be left with nothing. Learn how the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, MMMNA, and income-first vs. resource-first rules work — plus 6 strategies to protect the at-home spouse’s assets in IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI.

Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship for Elderly Parents: Which Do You Need?

POA costs $200–$500 and takes a day. Guardianship costs $3,000–$10,000+ and takes months. Learn the key differences, when POA is no longer an option, state-by-state rules for IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI, and why timing is everything.

Medicaid Estate Recovery (MERP): How to Protect Your Family's Inheritance

Medicaid can reclaim nursing home costs from your estate after death — including your family home. Learn how MERP works in IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI, what exemptions exist, and 5 legal strategies to protect your family's inheritance before it's too late.

How to Qualify for Medicaid Long-Term Care (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

The question every family asks: "Will Medicaid pay for my parent's nursing home?" Yes — if you qualify. This step-by-step guide covers medical eligibility, income and asset limits, the 5-year look-back, spend-down strategies, home protection, and how to apply in IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI.

Medicaid Income & Asset Limits by State (2026 Guide)

Do you qualify for Medicaid long-term care? The exact 2026 income and asset limits for IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI — what counts as income, what counts as an asset, what’s exempt, and how to check eligibility before a crisis forces the decision.

How to Protect Your Home from Medicaid Estate Recovery

Your home is exempt while you're alive — but after you pass, the state comes collecting. Learn how MERP works, when your home is at risk in IL, WI, and IN, and 5 legal strategies to keep the family home.

Medicaid Spend-Down Strategies: How to Protect Your Assets in 2026

6 legal strategies to reduce your countable assets and qualify for Medicaid without losing everything — including irrevocable trusts, CSRA planning, home modifications, prepaid burial, annuities, and caregiver agreements. State-specific limits for IL, WI, IN, OH, MI.

The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period Explained: Avoid $50,000+ in Penalties

Everything families need to know about the 5-year lookback — how penalties are calculated across IL, WI, IN, OH, and MI, which gifts are exempt, and what to do if you've already transferred assets before applying for Medicaid.

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