Home Equity

As of January 1, 2025, the homestead equity limit for a Medicaid applicant who is not married and who either applies for the nursing home Medicaid program or “waiver” home care Medicaid program will increase to $730,000 ($713,000 in year 2024). Thus, if the home...

Decision Tree Chart on Ladybird Deeds vs. Transfer on Death Deeds Many ask the question on the differences between an Enhanced Life Estate (Ladybird) Deed and a Transfer on Death Deed since both avoid probate. In other words, the grantee/beneficiary of the deed would simply either...

As we live longer, there is a greater likelihood of disability and the need for long-term care. However, most Americans have inadequate resources or income for such care and also lack long-term care insurance or similar insurance products. As a result, some elderly and disabled...

Similar to tax planning, where the client often wants to pay as little taxes as possible and plan accordingly, many want to preserve as many resources as possible while obtaining Medicaid assistance so that the government will help pay for the cost of care in...

The cost of long-term care is great (the average is around $7,500/month in Texas).  As a result, many apply for long-term care Medicaid for governmental assistance to help pay for the facility and drugs.  It is not unusual for us to receive calls after either...

Homestead Resource Exclusion Differences Between Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits Public benefits (such as long-term care Medicaid and non-service-connected disability benefits for wartime veterans or his or her surviving spouse) are “means-tested”.  In other words, the government looks at your resources when you apply to determine if you...

The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that a Medicaid applicant who purchases a home or an interest in a home after admission into a skilled nursing facility is not excluded as a resource for Medicaid eligibility. On the other hand, the Court suggests if the...

As an incentive for Texans to get long-term care insurance (so the state through Medicaid would not have to pay as much for long-term care), Texas has a Long-Term Care Partnership Program (LTCP) which is a public-private partnership between state agencies (Texas Department of Health...

Since long-term care Medicaid (which helps pay for skilled nursing care and medications) is “means-tested” (assets of the applicant are reviewed to determine if there is eligibility for the government to pay), there is a 5-year “look-back” period as there is a presumption resources were...

As of January 1, 2024, the homestead equity limit for a Medicaid applicant who is not married and who either applies for the nursing home Medicaid program or “waiver” home care Medicaid program will increase to $713,000 ($688,000 in year 2023). Thus, if the home...

Surviving spouses are entitled to numerous rights under federal and Texas laws. The following are just a few of the many that widows and widowers should be aware. Homestead rights Under the Texas Constitution, a surviving spouse is entitled to the exclusive right to occupy the homestead...

The cost of long-term care is great (average is around $7,500/month in Texas). As a result, many apply for long-term care Medicaid for governmental assistance to help pay the facility and drugs. It is not unusual for us to receive calls after either a facility...

As we live longer, there is a greater likelihood of disability and the need for long-term care. However, most Americans have inadequate resources or income for such care and also lack long-term care insurance or similar insurance products. As a result, some elderly and disabled...

Your homestead is usually the largest asset you might own. Most people would prefer to stay at home as long as possible - even if there is a need for skilled care rather than living in a facility. As a result, often elderly (over age...

Home, sweet home - the most valuable asset of many. However, if you need financial assistance for long-term care, you have to be careful when making a transfer. Long-term care Medicaid (which helps pay for skilled nursing care that many seek since Medicare has limited coverage...

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Kouri Richins (“Kouri”) has been held without bail on charges of criminal homicide, aggravated murder and three counts of possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) in connection with the murder of her husband, Eric. Based on autopsy and toxicology...

As of January 1, 2023, the homestead equity limit for a Medicaid applicant who is not married and who either applies for the nursing home Medicaid program or “waiver” home care Medicaid program will increase to $688,000 ($636,000 in year 2022). Thus, if the home...

As we live longer, there is a greater likelihood of disability and the need for long-term care. However, most Americans have inadequate resources or income for such care and also lack long-term care insurance or similar insurance products. As a result, some elderly and disabled...

Since long-term care Medicaid (which helps pay for skilled nursing care and medications) is “means-tested” (assets of the applicant are reviewed to determine if there is eligibility for the government to pay), there is a five year “look-back” period as there is a presumption resources...