The Medicaid application process uses various terminology to refer to eligibility requirements. For example, what is a divestment? A “divestment” is defined as any transfer of income, non-exempt assets, or homestead property belonging to the Medicaid applicant and/or his or her spouse for less than fair market value.
Any divestment during the applicable look-back period triggers a period of Medicaid ineligibility, with certain limited exceptions. The look-back period is 60 months and is measured from the date that the applicant is institutionalized and applies for certain Medicaid benefits. The penalty period is equal to the value of the divestment, divided by the average daily nursing home private pay rate ($286.15 as of July 1, 2018).
As an example, Jane gifts her personal residence, with a fair market value of $50,000, to her son John in May 2018. In May 2019, Jane is admitted to a nursing home and applies for Medicaid to cover the cost of her long-term care. Because Jane transferred homestead property for less than fair market value during the 60 months prior to her admission to the nursing home, she will incur a penalty period of 174 days ($50,000 divided by $286.15 = 174.73 days, rounded down) during which she will be ineligible for Medicaid.
Certain transfers, such as the purchase of an annuity or a promissory note, are not considered a divestment if they meet certain requirements.
If you have any questions on this subject, please contact Attorney Emily E. Ames at eames@llattorneys.com or (920) 393-1190.