Largo Medicaid Attorney

Far too many Florida residents have struggled to pay for health care and other long-term needs such as nursing homes. Florida’s Medicaid system provides a way to help these individuals. But Medicaid itself is a complex web of laws, regulations, and policies that often frustrate the very people it is intended to help.

This is where an experienced Largo Medicaid attorney can help. William Rambaum is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Specialist who assists clients in applying for Medicaid and maintaining their eligibility. With over 35 years of experience, he can explain how the system works to you and advise you on the best legal strategies for obtaining the benefits and care that you need.

Who Is Covered by Florida Medicaid?

As of May 2024, there are about 145,000 Pinellas County residents who are eligible for Medicaid, according to official figures from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the state agency that administers Medicaid in conjunction with the federal government. Although we often associate Medicaid with seniors who need medical or nursing home care, the program is actually open to people of all ages who have a demonstrated need.

Medicaid is only available to Florida residents who are also United States citizens, permanent residents, or legal aliens. You must demonstrate a financial need based on your household size and income. And you must fall within one of the following categories:

• You are a person age 65 or older;
• You are blind, have a disability, or have a family member with a disability living in your household; or
• You are pregnant or caring for a child who is 18 years old or younger.

Medicaid’s income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level and are periodically revised. As of 2024, Florida Medicaid sets a maximum income level of $20,030 for a 1-person household, with the threshold increasing by $7,155 for each additional household member. Additionally, if you are looking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care, your maximum income per month and total assets cannot exceed certain amounts. Fortunately, there are many types of “exempt” assets that do not count for purposes of determining your Medicaid eligibility.

A Largo Medicaid Lawyer Can Help

If you have any concerns that you may not qualify for Florida Medicaid based on your current income or asset levels, it is critical that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can become eligible by “giving away” assets to family members, or selling their property for below-market value. Medicaid anticipates such actions by enforcing a 5-year “lookback” period, which basically looks to see if you made any non-exempt transfers of property for the 5 years preceding your Medicaid application.

Fortunately, there are often legal means of protecting your assets while still maintaining your Medicaid eligibility. Our Largo Medicaid lawyer will be happy to sit down with you to discuss your options. Call attorney William Rambaum today at 727-781-5357 to schedule an appointment.