Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Legalities of Monetary Gifts

My widowed grandmother needed to go into an assisted living facility about 2 years ago. She had a substancial amount of money saved at that time and has been using this money to pay the monthly expenses at her residence. It is my understanding that once these funds are depleted, Medicaid will take over the expenses. Is there a limit to monetary gifts my grandmother can give to family members in a calendar year? She feels that all her savings is going to go to this living facility and will have nothing to give to her family and is frustrated because if she never bothered to save, or gave it away sooner, Medicaid would be paying her expenses.


Asked on 8/13/08, 12:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Berman Law Offices of Michael A. Berman

Re: Legalities of Monetary Gifts

Unfortunately, this is becoming a common problem....

While it is possible to give "gifts", Medicaid imposes an asset "look-back" that would make any action now close to impossible. There are some limited exceptions, but you'll need a more detailed consultation than allowed here to explain those.

Estate Planning needs to be done early and often! You should contact a local attorney to take care of your self and you parents ASAP.

Michael A. Berman, Esq.

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Answered on 8/13/08, 2:32 pm
Soleiman Raie Joel Every & Associates

Re: Legalities of Monetary Gifts

call me and i can set u up with an estates attorney to handle such matters!

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Answered on 8/13/08, 5:29 pm


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