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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Trust Administration
    • Elder Law
    • Real Estate Law
    • Insurance Defense
  • Attorney Referrals
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

The lookback period makes early planning for Medicaid crucial

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Oct 14, 2022 | Elder Law |

Many older adults in Michigan will eventually need extensive medical support as they age. Some people want to age in place and try to continue living in the same home in their golden years, which may require visits from nursing professionals. Others may have more significant support needs and may eventually need to move into a nursing home.

Nursing home facilities cost thousands of dollars a month even if someone shares a room with another resident, which can be more than someone can pay with their retirement savings and Social Security benefits. Your Medicare coverage won’t apply to your nursing home expenses, which may mean that you require Medicaid.

Qualifying for Medicaid can be a challenge for some people if they don’t plan ahead.

Michigan looks back at years of financial records

Advance planning is key to getting Medicaid benefits because the state cares about more than just your immediate financial circumstances. When you apply because you need to move into a nursing home or receive other expensive medical care, the state will review five years or 60 months’ worth of your financial transactions.

Any large gifts or transfers made during that time will trigger a penalty. The state will determine the value of the inappropriate transfers and then expect you to pay for a comparable amount of care with your own resources. Planning ahead so that you have already made transfers and change the ownership of your most valuable property will make it much easier for you to get benefits quickly.

You also will reduce the chance of needing to pay a penalty or of your loved ones losing property from your estate to Medicaid recovery efforts.

How does advance planning work?

An adult preparing for retirement or thinking about their estate can also make plans to qualify for Medicaid if they need benefits later. Medicaid planning often involves transferring assets, making it trust or creating a schedule for annual gifts for family members and loved ones. The exact approach that you employ will depend on what assets you have, how soon you think you may need benefits and the beneficiaries that you want to receive property from your estate.

Thinking ahead about your future medical needs and how you will cover those costs will both protect you and preserve the legacy you want to leave.

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or...

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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Address

37887 W 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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248-987-4040
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