Other exempt assets include pre-paid burial and funeral expenses, an automobile, term life insurance, life insurance policies with a cash value no greater than $1,500 (this limit can be the combined face value of multiple small life insurance policies), household furnishings / appliances, and personal items, such as …

Can Medicare take money from a trust?

Transferring your assets into a trust can make them non-countable for Medicaid eligibility, although they could be subject to the Medicaid look-back period if the trust is set up within five years of your Medicaid application.

What is a spend down trust?

Upon the receipt of sums in excess of the resource limits, the individual can opt to discontinue benefits, shelter the excess amounts in certain types of special needs trusts, or attempt to re-qualify for benefits through a process known as a “spend down.”

How do you protect assets from Medicaid spend down?

5 Ways To Protect Your Money from Medicaid

1. Asset protection trust. Asset protection trusts are set up to protect your wealth.
2. Income trusts. When you apply for Medicaid, there is a strict limit on your income.
3. Promissory notes and private annuities.
4. Caregiver Agreement.
5. Spousal transfers.

How does Medicare spend down work?

Your spend-down amount will be the difference between your income and the Medicaid eligibility limit, as determined by your state over a given length of time (one to six months). Some states require you to submit receipts or bills to Medicaid to show your monthly expenses.

What qualifies for spend down?

Some of these people may qualify for Medicaid if they spend the excess income on medical bills. This is called a spend down. For example, a person over 65 is denied Medicaid because her monthly income is $50 more than the limit for Medicaid eligibility.