Elder Law

Elder law is a broad area that covers the legal issues older adults and their families face — things like Medicaid eligibility, long-term care planning, guardianship, asset protection, and navigating benefits programs. It's not one single law; it's a way of looking at the whole picture of aging with legal tools.

The best time is before there's a crisis. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period for asset transfers in Iowa, which means planning ahead gives you more options. That said, if you're already dealing with an immediate situation, there are still strategies available — and I can help you understand them.

Iowa Medicaid has income and asset limits that determine whether someone qualifies for long-term care coverage. The rules are complex and change periodically. Generally, the applicant's countable assets must fall below a threshold set by the state, and certain assets — like a primary residence, in some circumstances — may be exempt. Every situation is different, and getting the details right matters.

Not necessarily. In many cases, a primary residence is exempt from Medicaid's asset calculation while the applicant is living or while a spouse still resides there. However, there can be estate recovery implications after the applicant passes. This is one of the most common concerns families bring to me, and the answer depends heavily on your specific circumstances.

When someone applies for Medicaid in Iowa, the state reviews financial transactions from the previous five years. If assets were transferred for less than fair market value during that period — for example, gifting money to family members — it can result in a penalty period during which Medicaid won't cover long-term care costs. Planning ahead helps families avoid this.

It depends on what your family needs. A Medicaid planning consultation is different from a full asset protection plan or a guardianship filing. We'll discuss scope and cost during your free discovery call so you can make an informed decision.

In many cases, yes — but it requires careful, legal planning. There are legitimate strategies under Iowa and federal law for protecting assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. The key is working with an attorney who understands both the rules and your family's specific situation. Doing this without guidance can create serious problems.

Even if your parent is already receiving care, there may be steps you can take to protect a spouse's assets, structure income correctly, or address Medicaid eligibility. It's not too late to get help — but the sooner you reach out, the more options we'll have.