{"id":12887,"date":"2026-09-28T02:11:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T02:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/?p=12887"},"modified":"2026-09-28T02:11:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T02:11:20","slug":"how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Assets From Medicaid: 6 Legal Planning Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>How to protect assets from Medicaid? Many people assume they have to spend everything down before Medicaid pays for care. That&#8217;s not accurate, and it can leave nothing behind for a spouse or family. Several legal strategies exist, each suited to a different timeline and situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers all six, plus a table to match the right one to your circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_77 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#1_What_Does_It_Mean_to_Protect_Assets_From_Medicaid\" >1. What Does It Mean to Protect Assets From Medicaid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#2_What_Are_the_Core_Strategies_to_Protect_Assets_From_Medicaid\" >2. What Are the Core Strategies to Protect Assets From Medicaid?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Medicaid_Asset_Protection_Trusts\" >Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Spousal_Protection_Strategies\" >Spousal Protection Strategies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Medicaid-Compliant_Annuities\" >Medicaid-Compliant Annuities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Spending_Down_Assets_on_Allowed_Expenses\" >Spending Down Assets on Allowed Expenses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Protected_and_Exempt_Assets\" >Protected and Exempt Assets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Special_Needs_Planning\" >Special Needs Planning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#3_How_Does_the_Look-Back_Period_Affect_Asset_Protection\" >3. How Does the Look-Back Period Affect Asset Protection?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#4_Which_Strategy_Fits_Your_Situation\" >4. Which Strategy Fits Your Situation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#5_What_Medicaid_Planning_Mistakes_Should_You_Avoid\" >5. What Medicaid Planning Mistakes Should You Avoid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#6_Managing_Medicaid_Planning_Also_Requires_Staying_Connected\" >6. Managing Medicaid Planning Also Requires Staying Connected<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#7_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >7. Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Q1_What_are_the_disadvantages_of_a_Medicaid_asset_protection_trust\" >Q1. What are the disadvantages of a Medicaid asset protection trust?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Q2_How_much_money_can_I_have_in_savings_and_still_get_Medicaid\" >Q2. How much money can I have in savings and still get Medicaid?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Q3_Does_putting_money_in_a_trust_protect_it_from_Medicaid\" >Q3. Does putting money in a trust protect it from Medicaid?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Does_It_Mean_to_Protect_Assets_From_Medicaid\"><\/span>1. <strong>What Does It Mean to Protect Assets From Medicaid?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Protecting assets from Medicaid means legally lowering your countable assets below your state&#8217;s limit, usually <strong>$2,000<\/strong> for a single senior, without losing full control of your money.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This matters because Medicaid only pays for long-term care once your countable assets are that low, and spending everything directly can leave nothing for a spouse or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Protecting&#8221; assets is a legal planning process, different from hiding assets, which violates the look-back rule and can trigger penalties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This mainly applies to long-term care Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities, not regular MAGI Medicaid used by younger adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_Are_the_Core_Strategies_to_Protect_Assets_From_Medicaid\"><\/span>2. <strong>What Are the Core Strategies to Protect Assets From Medicaid?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Six strategies come up most often in Medicaid planning, each suited to a different situation. Some work best years in advance, while others apply even close to needing care. The sections below cover each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medicaid_Asset_Protection_Trusts\"><\/span><strong>Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This strategy involves moving assets into an irrevocable trust at least 5 years before applying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/medicaid-trust\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Medicaid Asset Protection Trust<\/a> is the most common tool for this, with its own rules on trustees and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spousal_Protection_Strategies\"><\/span><strong>Spousal Protection Strategies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When one spouse needs care, and the other doesn&#8217;t, assets can be shifted to the healthy spouse up to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicaidplanningassistance.org\/community-spouse-resource-allowance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Community Spouse Resource Allowance <\/a>limit, without triggering a penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medicaid-Compliant_Annuities\"><\/span><strong>Medicaid-Compliant Annuities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lump sum of cash converts into a fixed income stream through an annuity that meets specific Medicaid rules, moving the money out of countable assets and into income instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spending_Down_Assets_on_Allowed_Expenses\"><\/span><strong>Spending Down Assets on Allowed Expenses<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Excess cash can go toward allowed expenses, such as paying off a mortgage, home repairs, or a prepaid funeral plan, rather than being given away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protected_and_Exempt_Assets\"><\/span><strong>Protected and Exempt Assets<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain assets, like a primary home (subject to state equity limits if single, or completely exempt if a spouse resides there), one vehicle, and personal belongings, are already excluded from Medicaid&#8217;s asset count in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_Needs_Planning\"><\/span><strong>Special Needs Planning<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For a family member with a disability, a special needs trust can hold assets on their behalf without affecting their own Medicaid eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid.jpg\" alt=\"how to protect assets from medicaid\" class=\"wp-image-12889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/how-to-protect-assets-from-medicaid-400x283.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Protecting assets from Medicaid means legally lowering your countable assets below your state&#8217;s limit (Image by Unsplash)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e4e4e4\"><em><strong>&gt;&gt;&gt; Read more: <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/emergency-dentist-that-accepts-medicaid-for-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>How To Find An Emergency Dentist That Accepts Medicaid For Adults?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_Does_the_Look-Back_Period_Affect_Asset_Protection\"><\/span>3. <strong>How Does the Look-Back Period Affect Asset Protection?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicaid checks the <strong>60 months<\/strong> before you apply for gifts or asset transfers below fair market value. Strategies like an MAPT or gifting money to family trigger this rule and cause a penalty period if done too close to applying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal transfers, annuities, and paying off debt generally do not trigger it, since nothing is given away below value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/medicaid-penalty-period\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Medicaid penalty period<\/a> length depends on the amount transferred divided by the average monthly care cost in the state, not a fixed number of months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Which_Strategy_Fits_Your_Situation\"><\/span>4. <strong>Which Strategy Fits Your Situation?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right strategy depends on your timeline and who else the assets need to protect. Someone with years to plan has different options than someone who needs to qualify soon. This table lays out common situations side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Your Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Strategy Worth Considering<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Healthy now, no care needed for 5+ years<\/td><td>Medicaid Asset Protection Trust<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>One spouse needs care, other stays home<\/td><td>Spousal transfer up to the CSRA limit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Need to qualify soon, have a lump sum<\/td><td>Medicaid-compliant annuity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Excess cash sitting in savings<\/td><td>Pay off debt or convert to an exempt asset<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A family member already provides care<\/td><td>Personal care agreement<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_Medicaid_Planning_Mistakes_Should_You_Avoid\"><\/span>5. <strong>What Medicaid Planning Mistakes Should You Avoid?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few recurring mistakes show up across Medicaid planning cases, and most of them come down to timing or paperwork rather than the strategy itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Improper gifts:<\/strong> giving away money or property below fair market value within the look-back window is one of the most common triggers for a penalty period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late planning:<\/strong> starting a trust or other strategy only after care is already needed limits which options are still available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrong trust type:<\/strong> using a revocable trust instead of an irrevocable one does not protect assets, since Medicaid still counts revocable trust assets as belonging to the applicant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Missing documentation:<\/strong> incomplete records of transfers or trust funding can slow down an application or trigger unnecessary questions during review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Managing_Medicaid_Planning_Also_Requires_Staying_Connected\"><\/span>6. <strong>Managing Medicaid Planning Also Requires Staying Connected<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Protecting your assets is a major milestone, but managing your care also means keeping lines of communication open. The good news? High phone bills don&#8217;t have to be part of the equation. Here is why staying connected might cost you less than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re already enrolled in Medicaid, you likely qualify for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/lifeline-consumers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lifeline<\/a>, a federal program that knocks <strong>up to $9.25<\/strong> off your monthly phone service or internet service bill (up to <strong>$34.25<\/strong> on Tribal lands). It&#8217;s a bill discount, not a free-device gimmick, though paired with the right provider it can come with one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Qualifying works through any of the following, not just Medicaid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SNAP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SSI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Veterans Pension, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or with your household income at or <a href=\"https:\/\/aspe.hhs.gov\/topics\/poverty-economic-mobility\/poverty-guidelines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/qualify?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=GOV101_cintex_redirect_how_to_protect_assets_from_medicaid_FREEL_HUN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Verify your eligibility now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For your information, you do not apply directly to the government for the benefit. Instead, you will apply to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs). These carriers will be in charge of the enrollment process and, in many cases, offer a promotional device along with the benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=GOV101_cintex_redirect_how_to_protect_assets_from_medicaid_FREEL_HUN\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=GOV101_cintex_redirect_how_to_protect_assets_from_medicaid_FREEL_HUN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cintex Wireless<\/a> is one of those carriers. The carrier layers its own device promotions on top of the Lifeline discount, so an eligible applicant can end up with a <strong>free phone and a $0 monthly bill<\/strong> rather than just a smaller one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, it has merged into <a href=\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=GOV101_cintex_redirect_how_to_protect_assets_from_medicaid_FREEL_HUN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AirTalk Wireless<\/a>, another ETC have years of experience in the industry. This means new applicants now have access to a broader phone selection and quicker application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/lifeline-enrollment?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=GOV101_cintex_redirect_how_to_protect_assets_from_medicaid_FREEL_HUN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check your Lifeline benefits HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"710\" src=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones.jpg\" alt=\"airtalk wireless free iphone\" class=\"wp-image-6448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones-400x277.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones-800x555.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/airtalk-wireless-free-phones-832x577.jpg 832w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>AirTalk Wireless offers up to 30Gb\/month for eligible users<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e4e4e4\"><em><strong>&gt;&gt;&gt; Read more:<\/strong> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cintexwireless.com\/blog\/free-phone-medicaid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Free Phone Medicaid Program: Claim $0 Phones and Monthly Service<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>7. <strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_What_are_the_disadvantages_of_a_Medicaid_asset_protection_trust\"><\/span><strong>Q1. What are the disadvantages of a Medicaid asset protection trust?&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Direct control of the assets is given up once they go into the trust, since it cannot be changed or canceled. Setup typically costs $2,000 to $12,000, and the trust only protects assets fully after the 5-year look-back period passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_How_much_money_can_I_have_in_savings_and_still_get_Medicaid\"><\/span><strong>Q2. How much money can I have in savings and still get Medicaid?&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on how you qualify. Adults aged 19 to 64 who qualify through Medicaid expansion generally face no asset limit at all. Seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone applying for long-term care Medicaid usually face a $2,000 limit for a single applicant in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_Does_putting_money_in_a_trust_protect_it_from_Medicaid\"><\/span><strong>Q3. Does putting money in a trust protect it from Medicaid?&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Only if the trust is irrevocable and set up correctly at least 5 years before applying. A revocable trust does not protect assets, since Medicaid still counts them as belonging to the person who created it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How to protect assets from Medicaid? It comes down to timing more than picking the perfect strategy. Acting early keeps more options open than waiting until care is already needed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking with an elder law attorney before transferring any assets is a common next step people take to confirm which strategy fits their specific situation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How to protect assets from Medicaid? 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