The question is completely understandable. Few possibilities engender such a reaction as the power of the state to seize a person’s home from them.
We are often asked about Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Concerns center around many areas: nursing home care, medical expenses, inheritance and legacies for children and the impact on loved ones.
Money paid by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for nursing home care through the Medicaid system creates a lien against real property owned by the recipient. However, Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance regulations will not force the sale of a Medicaid recipient’s home as long as the property is used as a home by the applicant, the Medicaid recipient’s owner, the Medicaid recipient’s spouse, or minor or incompetent adult children of the Medicaid recipient. This large lifetime asset exemption is capped at home equity (not value) of $500,000.
If you have questions about nursing home care, medical assistance or Medicaid, it is crucial that you talk with an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney. At Amori & Associates, LLC, attorney Scott M. Amori would be happy to discuss your situation.
Please contact Amori & Associates at (570) 421-1406 for a no obligation consultation.