Medicaid is a federal program designed to assist those who are unable to pay for healthcare. Although it’s a federal program, the actual administration happens at the state level. For example, in Arizona, Medicaid is called Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the long-term component is called Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS). While many people think of it as an insurance program for the poor, Medicaid also has a component to provide medical assistance in your own home or full coverage including assistance with room and board as well as medical needs in assisted living or a skilled nursing home. Long Term Assurance can provide assistance in navigating the Medicaid program.
The state evaluates applicants in three areas.
Medical
An applicant must have functional need for long-term care. They must have need of
assistance with Activities of Daily Living. And in some cases, the state may require
Nursing Facility Level of Care.
Income
Many states impose a cap on Income. In 2026 this cap is $2,982/month. If income exceeds the income cap for an individual an Income Only Trust commonly known as a Miller Trust (or in some states Qualified Income Trust) can be used to reduce income and allow an otherwise un-approvable applicant to be approved for Medicaid.
Assets
Medicaid currently has a five-year look-back. What does this mean? All gifts, whether they are to family or a trust, that occurred within the previous five years are considered countable against Medicaid approval. There are ways to protect assets for both married couples and single applicants. It requires planning and this is something we can help you with.
Feel free to call or click the button below for a free consultation specific to your state.
filler text – filler text
With proper planning, married couples generally will not lose their primary residence. Most states have provisions to protect the home for the “well spouse,” but this requires advance planning. During the Medicaid applicant’s lifetime, the state typically does not take the primary residence; however, a lien may be put on the house for estate recovery after their passing. Strategic planning can help prevent this issue for the applicant’s spouse or a disabled child. Additionally, some states allow an adult child who has provided care for the applicant for a specified period before institutionalization to retain the home with no loss.
Medicaid benefits do not transfer from one state to another. If you move to a different state, you must apply for Medicaid in your new state of residence because Medicaid is a state-administered program, and each state has its own eligibility rules and application process. This often means you’ll need to redo legal documents—such as powers of attorney or advance directives or Income Cap Trusts—since these are typically governed by state law and may not be valid in your new state.
Our office sets up a free eligibility call so we can determine what the applicant’s situation is and how best to assist you. You may also ask questions so you can feel confident in the decision you make!
