Financial Planning for Medicaid in Illinois

Use these links to jump to different sections:

• Who Qualifies for Medicaid?
• Be Careful Transferring Assets
• Exempt Assets
• Planning for Medicaid

The cost of nursing home care continues to rise for the elderly. Costs vary by region and location, but annual costs for nursing home care in Illinois are around $70,000 as of 2018. About one-third of nursing home residents pay out of pocket for those costs. The remaining two-thirds of nursing home residents pay for their care through Medicaid. With so many people reliant on Medicaid to pay for care, it’s likely you, a family member or a loved one will need to understand the rules of Medicaid benefits—rules that are complex when it comes to determining how to qualify.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

Medicaid assists qualifying low-income individuals, including many seniors. Medicaid assists seniors with housing costs, including in-home care services and nursing home care. To be eligible for coverage for nursing or in-home care costs, seniors must demonstrate a need for the care or service by meeting certain eligibility requirements, including income, and asset limits. These limits change often. As of 2018, to receive Medicaid coverage, Illinois residents are limited to:

• $2,000 in assets
• $16,643 in annual income

For married couples, the rules are more complex and depend on whether the spouse remains in the community or is also applying for Medicaid.

Be Careful Transferring Assets

Applicants often get themselves in trouble by making decisions without consulting someone knowledgeable in Medicaid rules. One area for problems is the transfer of assets—especially if it appears the transfer was to gain eligibility. Applicants are subject to a five-year look-back period for the transfer of any asset for less than fair market value. If the transfer does not comply with Medicaid rules, the applicant could be disqualified from coverage for a period of time.

Exempt Assets

Some assets are exempt from being included in the calculations for Medicaid eligibility. If the senior owns their home, the value of the home can be excluded toward Medicaid eligibility. Equity up to an amount of $572,000 (which is subject to change) is exempt; anything over that amount will not be exempt. Other assets that are considered exempt from being counted toward Medicaid eligibility, include:

• Pre-paid burial and funeral arrangements
• One vehicle
• Household items
• Personal effects

Planning for Medicaid

Seniors often have income or assets over and above the limits. However, methods have developed over the years to help seniors gain Illinois Medicaid eligibility. One method is to put money toward exempt assets. Another method in Illinois is the pooled trust. A nonprofit invests the Medicaid recipient’s excess funds—pooled with other recipients’ funds. Medicaid recipients can use the trust funds to supplement Medicaid coverage, special needs and to pay for items or human services not covered by Medicaid, including:

• Specialized, medical equipment
• Enhanced healthcare or services
• Companion services
• Clothes
• Transportation
• Even take a vacation

The transfer of funds into the trust is not subject to the Medicaid rule requiring a period of ineligibility for transfers within five years of application process. This is because there is a “pay-back” provision in the law, meaning the state of Illinois can recover some or all of its covered costs when the recipient passes away. The rules regarding assets, monthly income and how to calculate Medicaid eligibility are complex and cannot be adequately summarized here. There are many planning strategies and hurdles to qualify for Medicaid. Anyone attempting to figure out the Medicaid laws should first contact a law firm or an experienced Illinois elder law attorney for legal advice. Most law offices offer a free consultation and can explain asset protection, spend down limits or a Medicaid application. For more information on this area, see our overview of elder law and estate planning.