The Listen to Lawrence Letter: If we sell a house that’s in an irrevocable trust, will the Medicaid look-back period start again?

May 28, 2021
Dear Clients and Friends,
This next question appears to be straightforward and simple but unless you are absolutely sure of the answer, you will be confused and uncertain about how to move forward.
These are the questions I love to answer and not because they are quick answers! 😊 They are the type of questions most people have even after they’ve completed their planning. So, whether or not you’re a client that already has their planning in place or someone that is considering planning, you need to know the answers to your questions which is why I do what I do!
CLIENT QUESTION:
Our current house, in our irrevocable Medicaid trust, has passed the Medicaid look-back period, but if we sell it and buy a new one does the Medicaid look-back period begin again? Thanks for all your help.
MY RESPONSE:
NO! The look-back only applies when you transfer an asset into the trust, not when an asset inside the trust is changed into another asset (cash or another house). They only get one bite at the apple!
I hope this helps! Please forward this information to your friends and relatives to share these informative answers to some very commonly asked questions.
And, if anyone you know would like to receive this
Listen to Lawrence Letter, just have them email me at
info@davidowlaw.com and I’ll add them to the list!
As always, please send me your questions. If you are thinking about it, others are probably too, so my answers will no doubt help you and many others.
Let’s stay connected.
Stay safe!
Until next time…
peace, health and happiness,
Lawrence Eric Davidow