321-723-8388
At Lemieux & Jacoby Elder Law Advocates, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of Medicaid Planning in Florida, so you can focus on your health and loved ones—not financial stress. As Florida's population ages, more families are facing the difficult question: how can a loved one afford long-term care without losing a lifetime of savings? The cost of nursing home care in Florida can exceed $100,000 per year, and many assume they must deplete their assets before qualifying for Medicaid assistance. The good news is, with proper Medicaid Planning in Florida, it's possible to receive the care you need while protecting your financial legacy.
Understanding Medicaid and Long-Term Care in Florida
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including seniors in need of long-term care.
In 2025, to be eligible for Florida’s Long-Term Care Medicaid, an individual applicant must have:
Income below a certain threshold (approximately $2,829/month)
Countable assets under $2,000
But not all assets are counted, and that's where Medicaid planning strategies come in.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid planning refers to the legal strategies used to structure your assets and income in a way that allows you to qualify for Medicaid benefits without losing everything you've worked for. It includes reviewing current assets, creating trusts, converting countable assets into exempt ones, and ensuring compliance with Florida’s Medicaid eligibility rules.
Key Strategies to Protect Your Assets
At Lemieux & Jacoby Elder Law Advocates, we use a variety of tools and strategies for Medicaid Planning in Florida, including:
1. Spending Down Strategically
This involves using excess assets in a purposeful way—such as paying off debt, prepaying funeral expenses, or making necessary home modifications.
2. Creating a Trust to Safeguard Assets for Medicaid Eligibility
It allows you to transfer assets into a trust that won’t be counted for Medicaid eligibility, provided the transfer occurs at least five years before applying (known as the look-back period).
3. Converting Countable Assets to Exempt Ones
Some assets, such as your primary residence, vehicle, and personal belongings, are exempt. You can legally shift assets to fall within these categories.
4. Spousal Protections
For married couples, Florida allows certain protections for the “community spouse” (the spouse not applying for Medicaid), enabling them to retain a portion of income and assets without affecting the applicant’s eligibility.
5. Caregiver Agreements
If a family member is providing care, a properly structured caregiver agreement can allow compensation without violating Medicaid’s asset transfer rules.
Why Work with an Elder Law Attorney?
Medicaid regulations are complex, and making the wrong move—such as transferring assets too late—can result in disqualification or penalties. At Lemieux & Jacoby Elder Law Advocates, our Florida-based attorneys bring decades of experience helping families like yours preserve their assets and achieve peace of mind.
We offer:
Tailored Medicaid planning designed specifically for your individual needs.
Protection of your home and retirement savings
Guidance through the Medicaid application process
Crisis planning for urgent nursing home placement
Don’t Wait—Start Planning Today
It’s never too early—or too late—to start planning. Whether you're preparing for the future or facing an immediate long-term care crisis, Lemieux & Jacoby Elder Law Advocates is here to help you make smart, legal decisions about your future.
Contact us today at 321-723-8388 or visit lemieuxjacoby.com to schedule a consultation and learn how Medicaid Planning in Florida can protect your assets and ensure you or your loved one receives the care you deserve.
