Bucks County, PA and Northeast Philadelphia Medicaid Planning Attorney
Planning to be eligible for government benefits? We provide expert legal guidance in Medicaid planning, nursing home eligibility planning, and elder law in Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia. Without proper planning, the financial burden of nursing home and medical care can quickly deplete your savings. However, with guidance from a skilled attorney and proper Medicaid planning, you may be able to receive government assistance, protect your assets, and reduce the financial burden on yourself and your family.
What is Medicaid Planning and Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Medicaid is a federal program administered by the states, designed to help individuals over 65, disabled, or with limited income receive necessary medical assistance, including long-term care. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services manages this program, known as Medical Assistance.
Key Aspects of Medicaid Planning:
- Eligibility Requirements – Medicaid is means-tested, requiring applicants to have limited assets. As an illustration, real estate, bank accounts, and retirement accounts can impact eligibility. The primary residence is exempt up to a certain value ($752,000 in 2026) but is subject to Estate Recovery after death. Nevertheless, not every lawyer will tell you all the requirements to be eligible for benefits and to protect your assets. Only attorneys specializing on Medicaid planning can properly guide you through the process.
- Asset Spend-Down – Medicaid expects individuals to deplete their assets to qualify. This includes the “look-back” period of five years, where any asset transfers are scrutinized to prevent disqualification. The cost of long-term medical care or nursing home can drain even substantial savings quickly because these services cost $12,811.50 per month in Pennsylvania in 2026, with some nursing homes charging over $15,000 per month, and the average stay in a nursing home is two years.
Advanced Medicaid Planning Strategies to Discuss with an Attorney:
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts – Establishing an irrevocable Medicaid Trust can help protect assets while meeting eligibility requirements. These trusts can preserve assets and provide some income opportunities without affecting eligibility.
- Special Needs Trusts – Ensure continued financial security for individuals with disabilities, without jeopardizing eligibility for Medicaid benefits.
- Spousal Asset Protection Strategies – Strategies to protect the financial well-being of a healthy spouse while securing Medicaid eligibility for the other spouse. For example, there is a Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) between $32,532 and $162,660 in Pennsylvania in 2026.
Medicare and Long-Term Care Planning
While Medicare provides essential health coverage for those over 65, it does not cover long-term care costs. For example, Medicare covers only the first 20 days of nursing home care fully. Medicaid provides the necessary support for long-term care, but proper planning with an attorney is required to ensure eligibility and protect assets.
Elder Law Services and Protecting Your Assets
Our firm offers comprehensive elder law and estate planning services, including:
- Asset Protection – Safeguard your home and savings from potential Medicaid Estate Recovery.
- Guardianship Proceedings – Assistance with legal arrangements for individuals unable to care for themselves.
- Legal Documentation – Draft Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives to secure your future planning.
Medicaid Planning Process
During your initial consultation, your Medicaid planning attorney will:
- Assess your assets and income sources.
- Evaluate care options, whether in-home or at a facility.
- Discuss payment options and strategies for Medicaid qualification.
- Develop a plan to protect assets and ensure Medicaid eligibility.
- Implement strategies to protect the assets of a healthy spouse at home (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance ranges from $32,532 to $162,660 in 2026).
Why Choose Us?
- Skilled Legal Guidance – Attorney Leonid Mikityanskiy provides personalized Medicaid planning and elder law advice.
- Comprehensive Solutions – We offer tailored strategies to protect your assets and secure your family’s financial future.
- Client-Focused Approach – Our firm prioritizes peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones.
Contact a Medicaid Planning & Elder Law Attorney in Bucks County, PA
For expert assistance with Medicaid planning and elder law in Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia, PA, please contact our Southampton, PA office at 215-357-1400. Let us help you secure the future you deserve and give your family members the peace of mind and financial security they deserve.