A Word to the Wise: Spend Down Medicaid Applicants

Applicants for Medicaid may protect savings by spending them on Medicaid non-countable assets, which include:

1.    prepaying funeral expenses;

2.    paying off a mortgage;

3.    making repairs to a home;

4.    replacing an old automobile;

5.    updating home furnishings;

6.    paying for more care at home; or even

7.    buying a new home.In the case of married couples, it is often important that any spend-down steps be taken only after the unhealthy spouse moves to a nursing home if this would affect the community spouse’s resource allowance.  See www.elderlawanswers.com.

A Word to the Wise: Spend Down Medicaid Applicants