I understand the "what" of spousal impoverishment for Medicaid. Spouse can keep half of countable assets, up to about $124,000 in Nebraska. But WHEN is this calculated? Say Mom and Dad have $200,000 in countable assets when Dad enters assisted living. They can private pay for a while, but if he is there more than a couple years, they'll have nothing. I know, check with elder care attorney. Do you know how many of those there are in rural Nebraska? None.
Moving assets between spouses is legal, I believe.
There is a book by Gabriel Heiser, an expert on here, called something like Medicaid Secrets. Forgoet the exact title. Google his name and the book title will come up.
If there are no Eldercare attorneys is Nebraska, there MUST be other attorneys who handle Medicaid applications. I would ask for a recommendation from the local Area Agency on Aging. You can contact your state Bar Association, and I'd contact any law schools in your area.
Also, call the nursing home that you are interested in; talk to their social worker, who may know who has handled this sort of thing for any of their clients.
K. Gabriel Heiser 429 HELPFUL ANSWERS
Attorney, author, Medicaid asset protection planning
Following
4 years ago
No, the income of each spouse is separate and your income will not be attributed to your husband. Only his own, separate income is counted for purposes of his Medicaid eligibility. This is a FEDERAL law so it applies to all 50 states. I have a chapter in my book on how income is divided between husband and wife, and it is frequently possible for the at-home spouse to protect a portion of the nursing home spouse's income, if the at-home spouse's income is below a certain threshold.