It’s common to put off thinking about long-term care. No one wants to imagine declining health or needing help with daily activities. But delaying these conversations can come at a high cost, both emotionally and financially. In New York, where long-term care costs are among the highest in the country, Medicaid planning ahead of time can protect your assets, reduce stress, and ensure smoother access to care when it’s needed.
At The Feller Group, we help families navigate this process before it becomes urgent. The hidden truth? Medicaid planning works best when you start early.
Why Early Planning Matters
Medicaid has strict eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits. The most significant rule to understand is the five-year look-back period for nursing home Medicaid in New York. During this period, any gifts or asset transfers are scrutinized, and if they’re not done correctly or in time, they can trigger costly penalties.
Starting early allows you to:
● Shield assets with legal strategies before they’re subject to penalties
● Avoid crisis-mode spend-downs that drain savings
● Build a complete application without racing against medical urgency
● Create a long-term plan that considers both financial protection and quality of care
Waiting until a health crisis limits your options and often forces you to make rushed, high-stakes decisions under pressure.
What Documents You’ll Need
The Medicaid application process is document-heavy and can be overwhelming if you’re unprepared. Early planning gives you time to collect and organize the following commonly required records:
● Proof of income (Social Security, pensions, VA benefits)
● Five years of detailed bank statements
● Asset documentation (deeds, investment and retirement accounts, vehicle titles)
● Insurance policies (life, health, long-term care)
● Federal and state tax returns
● Proof of medical need, especially for home care or nursing home placement
Applications are frequently delayed due to missing paperwork. Having these documents ready in advance not only shortens processing time but also reduces stress for your loved ones.
What Makes The Feller Group Different
At The Feller Group, Medicaid planning isn’t just about submitting paperwork; it’s about creating a personalized, protected path forward. Families turn to us for hands-on guidance and peace of mind. What sets us apart:
● A dedicated Medicaid Coordinator manages your application from start to finish
● Home visits for clients who need extra support or can’t travel easily
● Comprehensive application preparation, including both financial and medical documentation
● Asset protection strategies tailored to your situation
● In-home Medicaid planning to secure home care hours, not just nursing home coverage
● Ongoing support through MLTC evaluations, appeals, and care coordination
We don’t disappear after your paperwork is filed. Our team remains involved, ensuring your care hours are maximized and your plan is working as intended.
Start Planning Today — Before You Need It
Thinking about long-term care may feel uncomfortable now, but early Medicaid planning offers important benefits: protection, choice, and peace of mind. Whether you’re planning for yourself
or aging parents, taking action before a health crisis puts your family in the strongest possible position.
If you’re ready to explore your options or have questions about Medicaid eligibility, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation or join one of our upcoming webinars to learn more.
