Healthcare planning is one of the most overlooked parts of an estate plan. But for many families, it’s the part that matters most, especially when long-term care becomes a reality.
Both Medicare and Medicaid help cover medical costs, but they function very differently. And confusing the two can cost your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Let’s break it down.
What Medicare Covers—and What It Doesn’t
Medicare is a federal program for people over 65 (or those with qualifying disabilities). It helps with:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Lab work
- Short-term rehab
But here’s what it doesn’t cover: long-term custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
That’s a critical gap, because the median cost of a private nursing home room in the U.S. is now over $116,000 per year. Without a plan in place, families may be forced to sell property or spend down savings just to afford care.
How Medicaid Works in Connecticut
Medicaid does cover long-term care, but only if you qualify.
To receive benefits, you must meet strict income and asset limits. For unmarried persons:
- You must have less than $2,000 in countable assets
- Your income must fall below a monthly limit
- The state applies a 5-year look-back to catch asset transfers
While the rules for married couples are more flexible and are designed to protect the spouse who is still living in the family home, the asset and income requirements are still most strict. If you fail to meet these qualifications, you will be required to pay out of pocket and spend down your assets until you do qualify.
Why This Matters to Your Estate Plan
Too many families assume their assets will pass to loved ones untouched. But if you rely solely on Medicare or delay Medicaid planning, you could be exposing your legacy to:
- Spend-down risk: Your savings, home, or retirement accounts may have to be liquidated to pay for care.
- Estate recovery: After your death, the state may seek reimbursement from your probate estate.
The good news? These risks can often be avoided with proactive planning.
How to Protect Your Assets and Plan Ahead
Don’t wait for a medical crisis to act. Here are strategies we frequently use with clients across Connecticut:
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs): Irrevocable trusts that shield your home and savings, if established five years before applying for Medicaid.
- Strategic Gifting: With proper timing, gifts to family, charities, or 529 plans can reduce countable assets.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Helps cover care during the five-year look-back, preserving protected assets.
- Beneficiary Designations: Keeping retirement accounts and life insurance out of probate helps avoid estate recovery.
- Updated Powers of Attorney & Health Directives: Ensure someone you trust can step in when needed.
Estate Plans That Flex With Your Life
Laws change. So do families. That’s why we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3 to 5 years—or after a major life event. Our team is here to ensure your plan continues to reflect your needs, values, and long-term goals.
Speak With a Connecticut Attorney Who Understands the Stakes
Have questions about how Medicare and Medicaid affect your estate plan? We’re here to walk you through it.
You can reach our team at (203) 380-1743, or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
