Trusted Long Island Medicaid Lawyer Helping You Protect What Matters Most
At some point in our lives, each of us will need help. And sometimes, help comes in the form of government-subsidized healthcare. Medicaid is a government program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals with limited financial resources. For many Long Island residents, Medicaid is crucial in covering medical expenses. However, navigating Medicaid eligibility rules and planning strategies can be complex. As an award-winning Long Island Medicaid lawyer, Andrew Lamkin helps clients understand their options and secure the benefits they need while protecting their assets. Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C., today to safeguard your future.
Types of Medicaid Services
New York Medicaid covers a broad range of services, including:
- Home and community-based services (HCBS)—services can include personal care, home health aides, and adult daycare services to help individuals remain in their homes;
- Nursing home care—includes full-time care for those who require round-the-clock medical attention;
- Managed long-term care (MLTC) for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries’ long-term care services; and
- Medicaid spend-down program—allows individuals who exceed Medicaid income limits to qualify by deducting medical expenses.
Medicaid is a crucial safety net for many who need daily care but are concerned about their ability to afford it. If you qualify for Medicaid, support from this program can be life-saving.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid?
To receive Medicaid in New York, you must meet specific financial limits set by the state. Eligibility varies depending on factors such as age, disability status, and whether you need long-term care.
Income and Asset Limits
Asset and income thresholds help determine Medicaid eligibility. The government examines your assets over an extended period (which can be several years) to determine your eligibility.Â
As of 2025, income limits for many Medicaid applicants in New York are:
- For single individuals, $1,732 per month;
- For married couples, when both are applying, $2,351 per month; and
- For a married individual, when only one spouse is applying, $1,732 per month for the applicant and a $3,948 limit for the non-applying spouse.
If your household contains 10 people, your monthly income cannot exceed $7,935. The law adds $619 to the 10-person monthly limit for each individual beyond the 10th person.
For married people seeking Medicaid coverage to reside in assisted living communities, there are limits to how many assets they can own. A spouse seeking assisted living cannot have more than $31,175 in countable assets. And a spouse who lives independently cannot have more than $157,920 in assets.
The above figures scratch just the surface of what limitations or options you might have when applying for Medicaid. Our experienced Medicaid attorney in Long Island can present you with personalized options.
Medicaid vs. Medicare: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse Medicaid with Medicare, but they serve different purposes. Medicaid is a need-based program that covers healthcare costs for low-income individuals, including long-term care. Medicare is a federal program providing healthcare coverage for individuals aged 65 and older and individuals with disabilities, regardless of income.
Using Trusts to Protect Assets and Qualify for Medicaid
So, do you have to forsake your belongings before accessing Medicaid benefits? Not necessarily. One of the most effective Medicaid planning strategies involves using trusts to guard your assets and bring you within Medicaid eligibility limits. Our Long Island Medicaid planning attorney can help you determine which type of trust best suits your needs.
Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)
This trust allows individuals to transfer assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. Once assets are placed in an irrevocable trust, they may no longer be counted for Medicaid purposes. This often depends on whether your assets were transferred outside the look-back period. Our experienced Medicaid planning lawyer in Long Island can help you create an enforceable MAPT that meets your needs.
Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT)
For individuals with disabilities, an SNT helps preserve Medicaid eligibility while allowing funds to be used for non-medical expenses. A first-party SNT is funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, while a third-party SNT utilizes assets from another person, such as a parent or grandparent.
Pooled Income Trust
If an applicant is certified as having a disability and their income exceeds Medicaid limits, a pooled income trust can help manage excess income while maintaining eligibility for Medicaid services. Non-profit organizations manage these trusts, and the money left after a Medicaid recipient dies goes to the non-profit organization or the state, up to the amount Medicaid paid for the recipient.
Ensuring any trust you use to access and maintain Medicaid benefits is effective is tricky. There are many legal formalities to follow, and your timing is a key factor. By enlisting the help of our Long Island Medicaid lawyer, you can avoid setbacks and ineffective legal strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Keep My Home and Still Qualify for Medicaid?
In many cases, yes. Medicaid allows applicants to keep their primary residence if their equity is below the allowed limit. A properly created trust might also preserve your right to keep your home.
What Happens If I Gift Assets to a Family Member Before Applying?
If you give money or transfer assets below market value within the look-back period, Medicaid may impose a penalty period and delay your benefits.
Can I Use a Trust to Protect My Assets?
Yes. Trusts can help protect your assets while you maintain Medicaid eligibility.
How Can a Medicaid Attorney Help Me?
A Medicaid attorney in Long Island can guide you through the complex rules, create asset protection strategies, and ensure your application is submitted correctly to avoid delays.
Plan Smarter: Long Island Medicaid Lawyer Ready to Assist
Applying for Medicaid without proper legal guidance can result in costly mistakes and delays in receiving benefits. You can find the best legal guidance at the Law Offices of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C. Andrew Lamkin assists clients with:
- Determining Medicaid eligibility,
- Asset protection strategies,
- Creating and managing trusts,
- Navigating the Medicaid application process, and
- Handling Medicaid denials and appeals.
With the right planning, you can secure Medicaid benefits while preserving your financial security. If you need assistance with Medicaid planning in Long Island, Andrew Lamkin is here to help. He has over a decade of experience and countless satisfied clients. Contact our office online or by phone to schedule a consultation and secure your best future today.