Greensboro Medicaid Planning Lawyers 

Navigating Medicaid for Nursing Home Coverage in North Carolina 

Most people are aware that Medicaid is an insurance provider for low-income individuals. However, you may not be aware that Medicaid is one of the primary payers for nursing home care services throughout the United States. Medicaid pays for nursing home care for many people because Medicare and private insurance don’t cover custodial care in a nursing home. Nursing homes are prohibitively expensive, so all but the very wealthy will need help covering costs.

Unfortunately, because Medicaid is needs-based, it may be necessary to spend down assets before you can get the coverage you need to pay nursing home bills. The good news is, however, that you do not have to lose a lifetime’s work before Medicaid kicks in. If you create a Medicaid plan in advance, you can shield your assets and get Medicaid coverage without spending down your nest egg or selling property. The Law Offices of Cheryl David assists clients with Medicaid planning. Give us a call to find out how to protect your assets, get nursing home care covered, and get answers to questions including:

• When should I get started with Medicaid planning?
• What is involved in Medicaid planning?
• How can a Medicaid planning lawyer in Guilford County, North Carolina, help?

Making proactive decisions about Medicaid can significantly benefit your financial and personal well-being. Many families are surprised to learn too late about the comprehensive benefits they could have leveraged with timely Medicaid planning. Beyond financial protection, Medicaid planning can provide more choices about the type and location of care received, ensuring that personal preferences and comfort are prioritized. This planning can also prevent common pitfalls that individuals encounter, such as unexpected tax implications or disqualifications from benefits.

Call Law Offices of Cheryl David today at (336) 717-0375 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Medicaid planning attorney in Greensboro!

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities. In North Carolina, Medicaid is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

For older adults, Medicaid is often the primary source of financial assistance for long-term nursing home care, which can easily exceed $7,000–$9,000 per month in Greensboro and surrounding areas. Unlike Medicare, which only covers short-term rehabilitation, Medicaid can cover ongoing care in a skilled nursing facility—if you qualify.

That’s where Medicaid planning becomes essential. It allows you to legally structure your assets and income so you can meet eligibility requirements without losing everything you’ve worked for.

Eligibility for Medicaid

Medicaid eligibility in North Carolina is based on income and asset limits, which vary depending on your situation. To qualify for long-term care Medicaid, applicants must generally meet:

• Income Limit: As of 2025, an individual’s monthly income must not exceed the Medicaid income threshold (subject to annual adjustments).
• Asset Limit: Typically, a single applicant can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples applying together have higher thresholds, and special spousal allowances may apply.
• Medical Necessity: The applicant must require a level of care consistent with nursing home placement.

“Countable assets” include things like bank accounts, investments, and extra real estate. However, certain assets are non-countable, such as your primary residence (within a certain equity limit), personal belongings, one vehicle, and some life insurance policies.

Without proper planning, individuals can easily disqualify themselves or deplete their savings paying for care. That’s why consulting with our Greensboro Medicaid planning attorney is so important—you can protect your future while staying compliant with Medicaid regulations.

What is Involved in Medicaid Planning?

Medicaid planning is the legal process of arranging your finances and assets to qualify for Medicaid benefits. It involves both pre-crisis and crisis planning:

• Pre-Crisis Planning: Done well in advance—typically five or more years before long-term care is needed. This approach may involve establishing irrevocable trusts, transferring certain assets, or structuring income to preserve wealth.
• Crisis Planning: For families who need immediate nursing home care, there are still legal strategies available. Our firm can help you reduce spend-down losses, apply for exemptions, and expedite eligibility while maintaining as much financial stability as possible.

Effective planning may include:

• Establishing a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)
• Converting countable assets into exempt ones
• Structuring annuities or promissory notes
• Managing spousal allowances to protect the community spouse
• Preparing accurate Medicaid applications and documentation

Understanding the Medicaid Wait Period for Nursing Homes

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Medicaid is the five-year look-back period. When applying for long-term care Medicaid, the state reviews all financial transactions made in the previous 60 months. Any asset transfers for less than fair market value during that time can trigger a penalty period, delaying eligibility.

For example, if you gifted property or transferred money to family members within five years of applying, the value of those transfers could result in months (or even years) of ineligibility.

Our attorneys help clients in Greensboro identify potential red flags and take corrective measures, such as undoing problematic transfers, documenting legitimate expenses, or exploring hardship waivers. Understanding and planning for the look-back period is key to ensuring a smooth and timely Medicaid approval.

Local Medicaid Considerations

Medicaid rules are state-specific, and North Carolina has its own regulations governing asset limits, spousal allowances, and estate recovery. For residents in Greensboro and Guilford County, applications are typically handled through Guilford County Social Services.

Our firm stays current with NCDHHS updates and local DSS procedures to ensure your application complies with all state and county guidelines. We also assist families with appeals, redeterminations, and asset reviews when necessary.

Strategies for Greensboro Residents

At Law Offices of Cheryl David, we tailor Medicaid planning strategies to each client’s unique situation. Common approaches include:

• Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs): Allow you to transfer assets while maintaining some control, shielding them from being counted toward Medicaid limits.
• Spousal Protections: Ensuring the non-applicant spouse retains sufficient income and assets to maintain their quality of life.
• Exempt Asset Conversions: Turning countable assets into exempt ones—such as paying off a mortgage, purchasing a new vehicle, or home improvements.
• Caregiver Agreements: Paying family members for legitimate caregiving services to reduce countable assets lawfully.
• Annuities and Promissory Notes: Structuring income streams to comply with Medicaid rules while preserving family wealth.

Our goal is to help you qualify for long-term care benefits without sacrificing your home, savings, or legacy.

Our legal team assists clients in Greensboro, NC, Guilford County, and surrounding regions of North Carolina with the Medicaid planning process. Call us today at (336) 717-0375 or contact us online to learn about the personalized assistance we can offer you!