Caring for Loved Ones Without Losing Everything: How Medicaid Planning Helps Families
When a loved one needs long-term care, the financial impact can feel overwhelming. In Colorado, the average cost of a nursing home can exceed $8,000 a month. For many families, Medicaid is a vital resource—but it comes with rules that can feel confusing, especially when it comes to protecting your home and your spouse.
The good news? With the right Medicaid planning, it is possible to get care while preserving what matters most.
What’s at Risk Without Planning?
Many people mistakenly believe they have to spend down everything—including their home—before qualifying for Medicaid. But that’s not true. Without planning, though, families may end up selling assets unnecessarily, or worse, facing estate recovery later on (when the state seeks repayment after a Medicaid recipient passes away).
Protecting the Spouse at Home (the “Community Spouse”)
Medicaid recognizes that the spouse who remains at home still needs financial support. That’s why there are special rules that allow them to keep:
Your home
A portion of the couple’s savings and income
A vehicle
These protections are part of the Spousal Impoverishment Rules, designed to prevent one spouse from becoming destitute when the other needs care.
But navigating these rules isn’t always easy—especially if income or assets are slightly over the limit. That’s where Medicaid planning comes in.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
The earlier you start Medicaid planning, the more options are available. Even if a loved one already needs care, it’s not too late—there may still be legal and ethical ways to preserve assets, protect the well-being of a spouse, and ensure care is affordable.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Every family situation is unique, and Medicaid rules can change. That’s why it helps to work with professionals who understand Colorado’s Medicaid system inside and out.
At Beneficent, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate long-term care planning—protecting homes, supporting spouses, and reducing stress along the way.
Want to explore your options? Your first consultation is free. Let’s plan a better tomorrow—together.