Clarity When You Need It Most.
Compassion You Can Count On.
Medicaid Planning & Applications That Protect Your Assets and Secure Long-Term Care
Florida’s Medicaid process is complex—but you do not have to face it alone. At Amy Dow Elder Law, we help you protect what you have earned while qualifying for the long-term care you or your loved one needs. Whether you are applying for the first time or managing a crisis, we guide you through every step with legal clarity, compassion, and peace of mind.
Navigating Medicaid Shouldn’t Feel Overwhelming
When Everything is on the Line, Uncertainty Is Not an Option
Facing the reality of long-term care costs, government applications, and strict eligibility rules can leave families feeling lost. The stakes are high—assets, healthcare, and your loved one’s comfort may all depend on decisions you’re unsure how to make.
Maybe you’ve already tried calling Medicaid. Maybe you’ve spent hours online. And maybe you’ve gotten a different answer every time. The result? Confusion, delays, and anxiety.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
From protecting a loved one’s home to understanding Florida Medicaid eligibility requirements without losing your savings, every decision can feel high-stakes — because it is.
If you’re trying to figure out Medicaid on your own, just stop right now and call Amy Dow! I tried for months and got nowhere… My life literally calmed down the moment I called her.
The Right Legal Help
Changes Everything
A Mission Built on Clarity, Care & Connection
When Medicaid decisions impact your family’s future, you need more than paperwork — you need protection, guidance, and peace of mind. At Amy Dow Elder Law, we simplify a confusing process and walk you through each step with clarity and compassion.
Whether you’re navigating a crisis, managing spend-downs, or protecting your home, we help you make informed decisions without fear, pressure, or delay.
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✅ Protects your assets from costly mistakes
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✅ Helps you qualify for benefits faster
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✅ Ensures legal documents are done right the first time
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✅ Supports urgent Medicaid needs or long-term planning
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✅ Gives family members peace of mind during difficult times
What’s Included in Medicaid Planning
Step-by-Step Guidance With Your Family’s Future in Mind
Planning for Medicaid is not just about paperwork — it is about protecting everything your loved one worked for. Whether you are helping a parent transition into care or planning for your own future, the decisions you make today can deeply impact your financial stability, peace of mind, and legal rights. We help you navigate every step with compassion, clarity, and proven legal strategy.
We explain Florida’s complex Medicaid eligibility requirements in plain English and help you structure your plan to avoid unnecessary delays, penalties, or spend-down errors. From your first consultation to final application, our legal team walks beside you with a clear path forward — so you can stop worrying and start planning with confidence.
Qualifying Without Losing Everything
We help you structure your income, assets, and documentation in a way that supports eligibility — without putting your home, savings, or independence at risk. Whether you’re applying for yourself or a parent, we guide you through the process with clarity and protection at every step.
Help When You're Already in Crisis
Facing sudden illness, urgent nursing home placement, or financial pressure? We assist with time-sensitive Medicaid applications and emergency asset protection strategies — even if your situation feels overwhelming. You are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out under pressure.
From Application to Approval — Done Right
We handle the fine print, forms, and follow-up — so nothing slips through the cracks. From your initial consultation through application submission, our team ensures everything is handled accurately, legally, and on time.
Real Families. Real Relief.
Because when it comes to Medicaid planning, peace of mind isn’t optional—it’s everything.
When the stakes are high and the future feels uncertain, families across Florida turn to Amy Dow Elder Law for more than just legal help—they turn to us for compassion, clarity, and real results. Whether they’re navigating Medicaid for the first time or facing a sudden care crisis, our clients know they’re not alone. These stories speak for themselves.
Who We Help – Medicaid Planning with Purpose
Tailored Legal Support for Families Facing Long-Term Care Decisions
No two families experience Medicaid planning the same way. Whether you are an adult child navigating your parent’s urgent care needs, a spouse facing rising nursing home costs, or an older adult worried about protecting your home — we guide you through every step with clarity, compassion, and proven legal strategies.
Below are four distinct groups we frequently help, each with unique needs and emotional realities.
Adult Children Handling a Parent’s Crisis
Get urgent support when time is short.
When your parent suddenly needs care, you are expected to make legal and financial decisions overnight. We help you manage Medicaid applications, crisis planning, and emergency asset protection — so you can step in without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
Married Couples Planning for Aging Together
Preserve what you’ve built — for each other.
Whether one spouse is already in care or you’re planning ahead, we help couples protect their home, income, and retirement while preparing for Medicaid eligibility. Our goal is to give both spouses long-term peace of mind.
Solo Seniors Planning Without Family
You do not have to go through this alone.
We work with independent seniors to organize legal documents, long-term care plans, and Medicaid strategies that protect your dignity and assets — even if you are navigating the process without immediate family support.
Caregivers Navigating Special Needs & Medicaid
Protect loved ones with complex needs.
If you care for someone with disabilities or special needs, we help you set up the right legal tools — from special needs trusts to long-term Medicaid coordination — so your loved one is protected now and in the future.
The Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish
Step-by-step guidance from your first call to peace of mind.
Navigating Medicaid planning is more than paperwork — it’s a journey of protection, clarity, and care. From your first conversation with our team to the moment your plan is complete, here’s what you can expect every step of the way.
Start with Clarity
Every plan begins with a real conversation. We take the time to understand your needs, explain your options in plain English, and offer compassionate advice that puts your mind at ease — no pressure, no jargon, just clarity.
Gather What You Need
We provide a simple list of what’s required and help you collect the right documents — from bank records to healthcare info — so your Medicaid application can move forward without delays.
Build a Plan That Fits You
Your situation is unique, and so is your legal solution. We create a personalized Medicaid strategy that protects your home, income, and loved ones — whether you are planning ahead or facing a care crisis.
Take Action with Confidence
We handle the forms, timelines, and legal filings — you stay focused on your family. From Medicaid submissions to follow-up coordination, we are with you from start to finish.
Protect What Matters Most
Your plan is complete, and your future is protected. Whether it’s securing care or preserving assets, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is in good hands.
Have questions about where to begin or what documents you’ll need?
We’ll walk you through every step —
starting with a free consultation.
Common Questions, Clear Answers
Florida Medicaid Planning FAQs
for Peace of Mind
If you are navigating Medicaid for yourself or a loved one, chances are you have more questions than answers. That’s okay. We are here to help. Below are some of the most common questions families ask when planning for long-term care in Florida. Our goal is to give you straight answers, ease your concerns, and help you make confident decisions at every step.
What is the Florida Medicaid plan?
The Florida Medicaid plan is a state and federally funded program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is administered by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and includes multiple service categories, such as medical care, prescriptions, and long-term care.
For seniors needing nursing home or assisted living care, Florida operates under a system called the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care Program. This plan provides services such as:
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Nursing home stays
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In-home caregiver support
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Assisted living
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Case management
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Medical transportation
Participants in the long-term care program are enrolled in managed care plans that coordinate services through approved providers across the state. While Medicaid is a national program, Florida’s plan is structured around region-specific networks and eligibility rules that can differ from other states.
Eligibility is based on both income and asset limits, which change annually and must be reviewed at the time of application. Many families seek legal guidance to understand which benefits are available and how to qualify lawfully.
You can explore a full breakdown of Florida’s Medicaid structure through the official Florida Medicaid portal run by the state’s contracted plan administrator.
What is the 5-year rule for Medicaid in Florida?
The 5-year rule for Medicaid in Florida refers to the “look-back period,” which is a timeframe Medicaid uses to review any asset transfers or gifts made before you apply. If you have given away money, property, or other assets within the 5 years leading up to your Medicaid application, the state may impose a penalty period where you are ineligible for benefits, even if you meet other requirements.
This rule is designed to prevent people from giving away assets just to qualify for Medicaid. However, there are legal strategies—like irrevocable trusts or caregiver agreements—that can help protect assets if done properly and early enough.
That’s why working with an experienced Medicaid planning attorney is so important. Planning ahead can help you avoid penalties, preserve your home and savings, and qualify for the care you need when you need it.
For more background, you can also visit Medicaid.gov’s official look-back explanation or explore our Elder Law Services for a complete picture of how we support Florida families.
Are Medicaid planners worth it?
Yes, Medicaid planners can be well worth it—especially if you want to protect your assets, avoid costly mistakes, and increase your chances of qualifying for benefits in a timely manner. Without proper guidance, families in Florida may lose tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to nursing home costs, unnecessary spend-downs, or application delays.
An experienced Medicaid planning attorney doesn’t just fill out paperwork—they help you explore legal strategies such as qualified income trusts (QITs), spousal refusal, and asset protection tools that align with Florida’s Medicaid rules. This may help preserve your home, income, or savings while seeking long-term care benefits.
Trying to “DIY” Medicaid can lead to avoidable setbacks—especially with Florida’s complex Medicaid eligibility rules. That’s why many families turn to Amy Dow Elder Law for experienced and compassionate legal help.
The truth? Medicaid planning is often the key to making informed choices and protecting your family’s financial future.
What does Medicaid planning mean?
Medicaid planning refers to the legal and financial strategies used to help someone qualify for Medicaid benefits—especially for long-term care—while preserving as many of their assets as possible. In Florida, Medicaid planning can include reviewing income and resources, setting up trusts, and ensuring all paperwork aligns with state eligibility rules.
The goal is to help individuals afford nursing home or in-home care without depleting their life savings. Done correctly, Medicaid planning can reduce financial stress on spouses, protect the family home, and ensure care is in place when it’s needed most.
This process is especially important in Florida, where Medicaid eligibility requirements can be complex and change frequently. That is why many families work with a Medicaid planning attorney to make informed, lawful decisions based on their unique situation.
You can also explore our Elder Law Services to understand how Medicaid planning fits into a broader plan to protect your health, assets, and family legacy.
What is the biggest issue with Medicaid?
One of the biggest issues with Medicaid—especially for older adults needing long-term care—is how complex and confusing the application process can be. Many families in Florida struggle to understand the rules, meet income or asset limits, and submit the right documentation without making a mistake.
Even small errors or missing information can lead to delays, denials, or costly penalties, putting critical care out of reach just when it is needed most. And with the rising cost of nursing home care—often over $100,000 per year—this can quickly become a crisis.
That is why Medicaid planning matters. Working with an experienced Medicaid planning attorney can help you navigate Florida’s complex eligibility rules, avoid spend-down surprises, and create a legal plan to protect your savings, income, and home.
If you are trying to understand your options, Amy Dow Elder Law is here to help. You can also explore Florida’s official Medicaid long-term care program to learn more about the services available.
What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Florida?
As of 2024, the monthly income limit for long-term care Medicaid in Florida is approximately $2,829 for a single applicant and $5,658 for a married couple applying together. These limits are specific to Florida’s Institutional Care Program (ICP), which helps pay for nursing home or assisted living care.
But hitting or exceeding that income limit does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Medicaid.
Florida law allows the use of a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)—a legal tool that enables applicants over the income cap to redirect their excess income into a special, state-compliant trust. When created and managed correctly, this trust brings the applicant’s income within Medicaid eligibility guidelines.
However, the trust must:
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Be drafted to meet Florida legal requirements
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Be funded correctly each month the applicant seeks benefits
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Be set up before applying for Medicaid
Even small missteps can result in a denied application or months of lost benefits. That is why many families seek professional guidance to understand not just the limits—but how to legally and ethically work within them.
To check the most current income criteria or confirm eligibility based on your exact situation, visit Florida’s official Department of Children and Families website or speak with a qualified elder law attorney.
Still have questions about Medicaid planning in Florida?
You’re not alone — and we’re here to help.
Ready to Talk Through Your Options?
Let’s Take the First Step — Together
Whether you’re planning ahead or already facing a long-term care decision, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You don’t have to figure this out alone — and you don’t have to risk your life savings to get the care your family deserves.
At Amy Dow Elder Law, we provide compassionate Medicaid guidance rooted in Florida law and built on real experience. Let’s talk about what’s possible — no pressure, just peace of mind.
Office Number: (561) 288-1750
Your message is 100% confidential.
Trusted Guidance From the Florida Bar
Download the Elder Law Booklet Amy Dow Helped Write
Amy Dow, a respected Elder Law Lawyer and co-author of this official Florida Bar guide, brings you vital insights into Medicaid planning, asset protection, and elder law strategies. This free resource gives you the knowledge to protect your loved ones — and avoid costly mistakes.
