The High Cost of Care; Advanced Medicaid Planning and Asset Preservation Strategies
Presented by:
Kelly R Gusmano, Esq - Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP & Kristin S Jonsson, Esq - Pellittiere & Jonsson PLLC
This presentation explores how rising long‑term care costs can quickly erode a lifetime of savings and why proactive Medicaid planning has become an essential part of elder law and estate planning. Attendees will gain an understanding of how income and assets are evaluated for eligibility purposes, common misconceptions about “having to spend everything down,” and strategies for protecting resources for a spouse or family while maintaining access to necessary care.
Topics include the role of exempt assets, spousal protections, timing considerations, and the impact of prior gifts on an application for Medicaid coverage of nursing home care. The focus is on balancing compliance with Medicaid rules against thoughtful planning techniques that protect dignity, financial stability, and estate planning goals in the face of escalating long‑term care costs.
