Medicaid Planning Guide
Protect your life savings while ensuring you qualify for the long-term care coverage you need. Learn legal strategies used by elder law attorneys.
The 5-Year Rule Is Critical
Medicaid reviews 5 years of financial history. Planning must begin early - ideally before you need care. Assets transferred within the lookback period trigger penalties.
Medicaid's 5-year lookback period examines all asset transfers made within 60 months of applying. Gold IRAs in qualified retirement accounts may be exempt from Medicaid asset counting in many states, but rules vary significantly.
- 5-year lookback applies to all gifts and transfers (Medicaid.gov)
- Retirement accounts are exempt in many states
- Spousal protections allow the community spouse to keep significant assets
20+ years in finance
Last updated: March 2026
Key Medicaid Planning Concepts
5-Year Lookback
Medicaid reviews all asset transfers from the past 60 months. Transfers during this period create penalty periods.
Home Protection
Your home is exempt while you live, but may face estate recovery after death. Trusts and special deeds can protect it.
Legal Strategies
Irrevocable trusts, Lady Bird deeds, and spousal protections are legal tools to protect assets.
Medicaid Planning Guides
Irrevocable Trusts for Nursing Home Asset Protection
How to legally protect your home and savings from nursing home costs while qualifying for Medicaid.
Medicaid Estate Recovery: What Happens After You Die
How states reclaim Medicaid costs from your estate - and strategies to protect your legacy.
Medicaid Penalty Period Explained: The 5-Year Lookback
What happens when you give away assets before applying for Medicaid.
Start Planning Now
The 5-year lookback means the best time to plan was 5 years ago. The second best time is today. Don't wait until you need care to protect your assets.
Get Free ConsultationProtect Your Retirement Assets
Physical gold in a Self-Directed IRA can be part of your asset protection strategy. Learn how precious metals fit into estate and Medicaid planning.
Sources & References
- Medicaid.gov — Eligibility— Accessed Mar 2026
- IRS — Retirement Topics: Exceptions to Tax on Early Distributions— Accessed Mar 2026
- AARP — Understanding Medicaid's Asset Rules— Accessed Mar 2026
Last verified: March 2026