My Child Helps Pay My Bills. Do I Need to Tell Medicaid? (From elder law answers)

Ed1937

I'm applying to Medicaid. I am over the income limit but have household expenses that exceed my income. My daughter also contributes so that I can make ends meet. Does Medicaid consider the money my daughter provides for support additional income? Or, does Medicaid view the money from others as a demonstration of need? I'm referring to money used to help pay taxes, house repairs, and things along those lines.

A

FREE

Elder Law Guides

Download our in-depth guides on elder law topics.

Get your Guide

If your daughter gives you the funds and you pay your bills, that’s income that needs to be reported on your Medicaid application. If, instead, she pays the bills directly, you don’t need to report it.

LicketyGlitz

Thanks, those guides are really helpful. I've added the site to the Resources Page on my site: https://www.winewomenanddementia.com/resources

Brooklyn74

Not sure if this depends on the state, but if you're over the Medicaid spending limit, you can put the "extra" money into a pooled trust, which is a trust you can use on household bills only. I would think though that if your daughter pays the bills and the money isn't in your name, then it doesn't count, but it's better to ask an expert.

It's an expensive consultation, but I spoke to Colin Sandler and she answered all of my questions. She also applies to Medicaid and the pooled trust for you (for a cost). https://www.medicaidsolutions.com/