When a loved one needs long-term care in a Massachusetts facility, the costs can be exorbitant. MassHealth is a program designed to help people who do not have the wherewithal to cover for the costs. However, applying can be confusing, with many potential missteps.
For many applicants, a sticking point is that they have too many assets in their name or too high an income, rendering them ineligible for the benefits. Because assets and income are key factors in eligibility for MassHealth, it’s important for all applicants to know the rules about transferring income, assets and/or a home. It’s best for the applicant to get started with this process long before they expect to need MassHealth benefits.
Be careful when transferring assets
When determining eligibility, MassHealth looks back to relatively recent transfers of assets. If the applicant sold assets for less than what they were worth, or otherwise did not properly execute the transfers, this could render them ineligible for benefits. This ineligibility might not be permanent, but it could delay the process. All transfers will be assessed to gauge whether they were made in an upfront manner.
The assets in question can include the applicant’s income, the applicant’s home and other types of property. An applicant can transfer their home (to a an adult child or sibling, for example) and still be eligible for benefits, but they must do so according to MassHealth rules.
Do not let missteps jeopardize getting approved for MassHealth
People who need long-term care and need MassHealth coverage should not let a mistake prevent them from being approved. In addition to the basic rules such as being a citizen of the United States, living in Massachusetts, and having less than $2,000 in countable assets, there are ways a person who has property, higher income, and other assets to be approved for benefits without a problem. Knowing how to do so or to confront any other challenge related to elder law and MassHealth may require professional assistance.