Oak Lawn Elder Law | Changes in Medicaid Eligibility Rules

New eligibility rules (Public Act 97-689 in Section 75) took effect on June 14, 2012.  These new Medicaid eligibility rules were negotiated last fall between the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.  Some of these changes include the following: (1) A home transferred into a trust after the bill becomes a law may not be considered homestead property.  If the home was transferred into a trust before the bill becomes law, it prevents a person from being eligible for long-term care if the person’s equity interest in this homestead exceeds the minimum home equity as allowed under federal law. (2) People over the age of 65 can no longer participate in a federally created OBRA Pooled Trust unless the beneficiary is a ward of the county public guardian or the State guardian. Other changes were also made, so if you have any questions in regards to changes or any other eligibility questions call a knowledgeable attorney:

Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole

5013 W. 95^th Street

Oaklawn, Illinois 60453

708 529-7794