Medicaid Planning & Asset Protection

Planning Ahead to Protect What You've Earned

As we age, the cost of long-term care becomes a pressing concern—especially in New York, where nursing homes and assisted living facilities can exceed $150,000 per year. Without proper planning, families may be forced to spend down hard-earned assets just to qualify for Medicaid coverage.



At Zeh & Associates, P.C., we help clients navigate the Medicaid system while preserving their wealth and ensuring access to the care they deserve. Our Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection strategies are designed to safeguard your home, savings, and legacy—so you can move forward with peace of mind.

Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)

One of the most effective tools in long-term Medicaid planning is the Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). These trusts allow you to legally transfer assets out of your name while retaining income or usage rights, such as the ability to remain in your home. Benefits include:

  • Protection of real estate and financial assets

  • Removal of trust assets from Medicaid consideration after five years

  • Preservation of inheritances for children and loved ones

  • Continued access to income generated by trust assets (if structured that way)

Crisis Medicaid Planning

Even if you or a loved one is already in a nursing home—or facing imminent placement—it’s not too late to protect assets. Our firm provides crisis Medicaid planning, which may include:

  • Spousal refusal strategies

  • Promissory notes and annuities

  • Asset reallocation and exempt transfers

  • Accelerated Medicaid application preparation

What Is Medicaid Planning?

Medicaid is a government program that covers long-term care costs for eligible individuals. However, qualifying for Medicaid isn’t automatic—you must meet strict income and asset requirements. Medicaid planning involves legally and strategically arranging your finances to meet these qualifications without depleting everything you’ve worked for.

Our Attorneys Help Clients:

  • Understand eligibility rules and asset limits

  • Restructure finances to qualify for benefits

  • Prepare and submit Medicaid applications

  • Handle denials, appeals, and fair hearings

  • Avoid penalties and spend-down mistakes

We create customized plans based on your unique health, financial, and family circumstances.

Reach Out to the Professionals at Zeh & Associates, P.C. Today (631) 350-7700

Understanding the Look-Back Period

New York’s Medicaid program enforces a five-year look-back period for nursing home care, during which all financial transfers are scrutinized. Improper transfers within this window can lead to penalties and delays in eligibility.

Our Attorneys Help Clients:

  • Identify and reverse problematic transfers

  • Strategically gift or transfer assets outside the penalty period

  • Use permissible exceptions to avoid disqualification

Planning early is key—but even in a crisis, we can act quickly to protect assets and reduce exposure.

Reach Out to the Professionals at Zeh & Associates, P.C. Today (631) 350-7700

Secure Your Future Without Sacrificing Your Legacy

Don’t let the high cost of care consume a lifetime of savings. With the right plan, you can qualify for Medicaid and preserve what matters most.

  • Decades of Elder Law & Medicaid Experience: We’ve helped countless families across Long Island secure coverage and protect their assets.

  • Crisis & Long-Term Planning: Whether you have years to plan or need help today, we’re ready.

  • Custom Solutions: Every client receives a unique plan—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

  • Application Support: From paperwork to appeals, we stay with you through the entire process.

  • Compassionate & Clear Communication: We make complex Medicaid rules understandable and manageable.

Let Zeh & Associates, P.C. guide you through every step with confidence and care.

Reach Out to the Professionals at Zeh & Associates, P.C. Today (631) 350-7700

395 North Service Rd, Suite 408,

Melville, NY 11747

(631) 350-7700

Mon, Thru & Fri: 9am to 5pm

395 North Service Rd, Suite 408,

Melville, NY 11747

(631) 350-7700

Mon, Thru & Fri: 9am to 5pm

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