Brown Borkowski & Morrow

Free Consultation 888-757-1681

  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
    • Support Staff
  • Attorneys
    • Susan Leigh Brown
    • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
    • Matthew N. Morrow
    • David James Eagles
    • Mary A. Mahoney
    • Sara Gorman Rajan
  • 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
  • Testimonials
  • Attorney Referrals
  • Resources
    • Articles
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
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
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Articles
  • Contact Us
  • X Close
Email
CALL

A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

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.

What is the Medicaid look-back period?

The Medicaid look-back period in Michigan defines the timeframe during which the state reviews an applicant’s financial transactions to identify asset transfers. In Michigan, this period also spans five years. During this review, Medicaid checks if applicants sold or gave away assets for less than fair market value to qualify for Medicaid eligibility. Asset transfers within this timeframe may result in penalties under Michigan law.

How penalties are calculated

Medicaid in Michigan calculates penalties for disqualifying transfers by dividing the total value of improperly transferred assets by the average monthly cost of nursing home care in Michigan. For instance, transferring $60,000 in assets in Michigan, where the average monthly nursing home cost is $9,000, results in a 6.7-month penalty period. During this penalty period, the applicant becomes ineligible for Medicaid coverage for nursing home care.

Strategies for avoiding penalties

Advance planning helps families avoid penalties related to the look-back period. Families can use strategies such as creating an irrevocable trust, transferring assets to a spouse or disabled child, or spending down assets on legitimate expenses like home modifications or medical bills. Consulting with an elder law attorney ensures compliance with Medicaid regulations and reduces the risk of penalties.

Waiting until the need for nursing home care arises limits options for Medicaid planning. Taking early action allows individuals to protect their assets and secure eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Understanding the rules and working with professionals to create a sound strategy ensures access to future care without unnecessary financial strain.

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...

Securing your business’s future: Why experienced legal guidance is essential

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 16, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Starting a business is an exciting venture full of potential and opportunity. However, behind the thrill of innovation and growth lies a web of legal considerations that can significantly impact success. From choosing the right business structure to drafting strong...

« Older Entries

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?

Categories

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Contact Brown Borkowski & Morrow

Brown Borkowski & Morrow


Address

37887 W 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow


Phone

248-987-4040
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Review The Firm

© 2025 Brown Borkowski & Morrow • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review The Firm