Listen to Lawrence…Clarifying “Pay Status” for a ROTH IRA

February 11, 2021
LISTEN TO LAWRENCE
My last article about Roth IRAs prompted another follow-up question that I will present and answer here.
QUESTION:
I do not understand what you mean by “pay status” for a ROTH IRA. As an accountant, we know that you don’t have to take an RMD from a Roth so how can it be in “pay status?” I need some clarity on that, if not for my clients then for myself.  Can you elaborate a little more for me?
MY RESPONSE:
In a prior email, I told you that your IRAs, including your ROTH IRAs, are essentially exempt from being considered an asset by Medicaid, as long as they are in “pay status.” Many questions ensued because everyone knows that you do not have to take out RMDs (required minimum distributions) from a ROTH IRA during your lifetime. Is it possible that both of these statements are true?
The bottom line is that “pay status” does not mean RMD! While there are no RMDs for a ROTH IRA, in order to exempt it from being an asset that Medicaid can go after, it still must be put in pay status. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, this means that one must withdraw an amount from their ROTH IRA each year based upon Medicaid’s life expectancy chart (which I supplied in a prior email). I understand your frustration with this, but that is the rule. Of course, because it is a ROTH IRA, there will be no income tax on this withdrawal, but it will still be considered income for Medicaid’s purposes. Yikes!
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 eblast newsletter, 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.
LISTEN TO LAWRENCE
Stay safe!