Protect What You've Built from Nursing Home Costs.

Georgia Medicaid (under the federal Medicaid program) pays for long-term nursing home care for eligible individuals — but the eligibility rules are complex, and the consequences of getting them wrong are severe. GA Law Group provides the kind of Medicaid planning that protects your family's financial security.

Understanding Georgia Medicaid Eligibility

To qualify for Georgia Medicaid nursing home benefits, an applicant must meet both medical and financial criteria. The financial test limits countable assets to approximately $2,000 for an individual (though certain assets are "exempt" — including a primary residence, one vehicle, and personal property). Spouses of nursing home residents have additional protections under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.

The Five-Year Look-Back Rule

Georgia Medicaid reviews all asset transfers made within five years before application. Gifts or transfers for less than fair market value during this period can result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for care. Proactive planning — ideally five or more years before anticipated need — provides the greatest protection.

Crisis Planning

Even when planning begins after a nursing home admission, significant assets can often be protected through legal strategies including: spousal asset protection, exempt asset conversion, prepayment of legitimate expenses, and Medicaid-compliant annuities. While less comprehensive than proactive planning, crisis planning can still preserve meaningful assets for a spouse or family.

Estate Recovery

Georgia's Medicaid Estate Recovery Program seeks reimbursement from the estates of deceased Medicaid recipients for benefits paid. Proper planning can minimize or eliminate estate recovery claims on your home and other assets.