Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
J
jnolan Asked March 2010

If mom uses the funds from the sale of her home to enter a nursing home, would the gift of equity delay her eligibility for Medicaid when the proceeds are gone?

I would like to know the ramifications of a gift of equity when purch moms house. I've lived w/ her for 5 yrs. the funds from the sale would be put in an acct for her use to enter a home. Would the gift of equity delay her eligibilty for medicaid when the proceeds are gone. Would the gift need to be paid back?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Mar 2010
Most likely. There is a five year look back period when people go on Medicaid. Any gifts of substance given within the five years before she goes on Medicaid would be likely be asked for. If she has sufficient funds to live in a nursing home without depleting her other assets, then there wouldn't be a problem. But few people do.

There are attorneys who can help you with this. Some say there are ways around the rules. I'm not an attorney, nor am I an expert on Medicaid rules, so I can't say. I would advise you to seek a professional opinion and to be sure the attorney is well schooled in Medicaid rules. You may want to clear the attorney you choose with the State Bar Association.

Carol

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter