Page 10 - A Simple Guide to Medicaid Planning

5 THINGS MOST FAMILIES GET
5 T H I N G S M O S T F A M I L I E S G E T
5 THINGS MOST FAMILIES GET
W R O N G A B O U T F L O R I D A M E D I C A I D
WRONG ABOUT FLORIDA MEDICAID
WRONG ABOUT FLORIDA MEDICAID

"WE HAVE TO SPEND DOWN TO $2,000 BEFORE MEDICAID HELPS."
This is the most expensive myth out there. While there ARE asset limits, Florida law provides legal

strategies to protect significant assets—often including the home, retirement accounts, and
more. The key is knowing which rules apply to YOUR situation.

"THE NURSING HOME WILL HELP US APPLY FOR MEDICAID."

Nursing homes want to get paid, that's their job. Their staff can help with paperwork, but they're
not looking out for YOUR family's financial interests. They won't tell you about asset protection

strategies that could save your life savings.

"WE CAN JUST TRANSFER ASSETS TO THE KIDS TO QUALIFY."

Florida has a 5-year "look-back" period. Improper transfers can result in a penalty period where
Medicaid won't pay, leaving families stuck with $13,000+/month bills AND disqualified from help.
The timing and method matter enormously.

"MY SPOUSE WILL LOSE EVERYTHING IF I GO INTO A NURSING HOME."

Florida actually has strong protections for the "community spouse" (the one staying home).
These include keeping the house, a car, and a significant portion of assets and income. But you
have to know these rules exist to use them.

"IT'S TOO LATE TO PLAN ONCE SOMEONE IS ALREADY IN A FACILITY."
While earlier is always better, crisis planning IS possible. We regularly help families who are

already facing nursing home bills. Some options close, but others remain available and acting
quickly can still protect substantial assets.

T H E R E A L S E C R E T
THE REAL SECRET
THE REAL SECRET
Medicaid planning isn't about hiding assets or gaming the system. It's about
understanding a complicated set of rules that most people never learn and using

them legally to protect what your family has worked a lifetime to build.

Family First Firm | Florida's Largest Elder Law Practice
This is educational information, not legal advice. (407) 863-0000 WWW.FFF.LAW