Included in the recently passed New York State 2020 State budget Bill are drastic changes that significantly affect eligibility for New York Community Medicaid – commonly used to obtain aides to assist with daily living.

As of an anticipated start date of October 1, 2020, all new applicants for Community Medicaid home will be subject to a 30-month look-back period. In contrast to the previous one-month look-back period, in order to obtain Medicaid home care, applicants will be subject to a review of all financial transactions from the prior two and a half years. Any uncompensated transfer or gift that occurred during the two and a half year period is subject to ineligibility penalties.

If you are thinking of applying for home care services in the near future, we encourage you to meet with us as soon as possible to discuss your planning so that your Medicaid application can be filed prior to the October 1 requirements and avoid any potential penalty period.

Please note that the look-back period for Medicaid nursing home eligibility has not been changed and remains at 60 months (5 years).

Please feel free to reach out to us and we will be happy to assist you.