Can a Nursing Home Access Our $1M IRA If We Have a Trust?

Core Insights - Long-term care is essential for aging individuals, but it can be financially burdensome, with costs expected to rise significantly in the coming years [4] - Medicaid provides assistance for long-term care costs but has strict eligibility requirements that can complicate access for many individuals [5][6] Group 1: Long-Term Care Costs - The median annual cost of a semi-private nursing home room was over $93,000 in 2021 and is projected to reach approximately $135,000 by 2033 [4] - Nursing home costs average over $90,000 per year, indicating a growing financial challenge for many families [1] Group 2: Medicaid Eligibility and Limitations - Medicaid eligibility is limited to individuals with low income and restricted assets, with some states allowing no more than $2,000 in countable resources [5] - Medicaid has a five-year lookback rule, disqualifying applicants who transfer assets to meet financial limits within five years prior to applying [6] Group 3: Asset Protection Strategies - Various strategies, such as annuities, home equity exemptions, and trusts, can help individuals with assets exceeding Medicaid's limits to protect their resources [8] - An irrevocable Medicaid asset protection trust can potentially shield a $1 million IRA from Medicaid, provided the assets are transferred into the trust at least five years before needing Medicaid [9]