Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care planning is the process of preparing in advance for the potential need for extended care services. It involves legal and financial strategies to:
- Cover the high costs of nursing home or assisted living care
- Maximize eligibility for public benefits
- Preserve assets for spouses and future generations
- Minimize financial and emotional stress on your family
Our elder law attorneys work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that balances your healthcare needs, financial goals, and legal protections.
A Need for All
As we age, the need for long-term care becomes a reality for many — whether due to chronic illness, disability, or the natural course of aging.
The costs of nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home support can be overwhelming, often placing a significant financial burden on families. At Everbright Legacy Law, we help individuals and families navigate these challenges with thoughtful, strategic long-term care planning.
Our goal is to protect your dignity, preserve your assets, and ensure you receive the care you need without exhausting a lifetime of savings.
Key Areas of Long-Term Care Planning
Medicaid (Medical Assistance) Planning
Medicaid is the primary government program that covers long-term nursing home care, but it has strict income and asset eligibility rules. We help clients:
- Qualify for Medicaid while preserving assets
- Navigate complex look-back and transfer rules
- Complete and manage the Medicaid application process
- Develop spend-down and exemption strategies
Asset Preservation & Protection Strategies
We use legal tools to help clients protect their hard-earned assets while still qualifying for long-term care assistance. Strategies include:
- Preserve the family home
- Spousal income and resource protections
- Gifting and transfer planning (with Medicaid compliance)
- Caregiver agreements
- Avoid unnecessary spenddowns
Irrevocable Trust Planning
Asset protection trusts can play a critical role in Medicaid planning by safely transferring assets out of your name in advance of the look-back period, while maintaining some control or benefit. We carefully structure trusts to:
- Comply with state and federal Medicaid laws
- Preserve eligibility for benefits
- Preserve control through carefully designed trust terms
- Avoid probate and ensure legacy protection
Annuity & Income Planning
For some clients, Medicaid-compliant annuities can be used to convert countable assets into income for a healthy spouse. We guide clients through:
- Proper annuity structuring
- Regulatory compliance
- Coordination with Medicaid rules
Veterans Benefits & Minnesota Veterans Homes*
Many Minnesota veterans and their spouses may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits or admission to a Minnesota Veterans Home. Our VA Accredited Attorneys help families:
- Determine eligibility for VA pensions and supplemental benefits
- Apply for VA Aid & Attendance
- Navigate the application process for Minnesota Veterans Homes
- Coordinate VA and Medicaid benefits for maximum coverage
*Minnesota Veterans Homes offer high-quality long-term care to qualifying veterans. Understanding income limits, asset thresholds, and application procedures is critical to securing placement and benefits — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Who Needs Long-Term Care Planning?
At Everbright Legacy Law, we work with individuals and families across Minnesota to create personalized long-term care plans that provide peace of mind and financial security.
You may need long-term care planning if you or a loved one:
Are approaching retirement
Preparing for the future means more than saving for travel or leisure — it means protecting your health, your independence, and your assets in case long-term care becomes necessary.
Have a chronic illness or diagnosis
Conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, or other progressive illnesses can increase the likelihood of needing in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home placement. Early planning ensures that resources are in place when they’re needed.
Are a caregiver or family decision-maker
If you’re helping a parent, spouse, or other loved one plan for their care — or managing a crisis — legal and financial guidance is critical. We help families navigate benefits, protect assets, and make informed choices during difficult times.
Want to qualify for Medicaid or veterans benefits
Programs like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and VA Aid & Attendance can help cover the cost of long-term care, but eligibility rules are complex. We help clients structure their finances and plan ahead to preserve assets while qualifying for support.
Are a veteran or the spouse of a veteran
You may be eligible for financial assistance or placement in a Minnesota Veterans Home — but the application process and asset rules can be daunting. We can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Own a home or significant savings
Without proper planning, the cost of long-term care can quickly deplete your estate. We use proven strategies — including trusts, annuities, and spousal protections — to help clients preserve their homes, savings, and legacy.
The Everbright Way
At Everbright Legacy Law, we do things differently from traditional law firms that rely on hourly billing and limited-duration representation for long-term care planning.
We understand that a diagnosis often brings uncertainty, difficult questions, and concerns about what the future holds. That’s why we offer ongoing representation designed to stand by your side through every step of this journey.
Our commitment is to walk alongside you—providing guidance, support, and clarity as you navigate the complexities of long-term care. Together, we help you make informed decisions that protect your well-being and preserve your legacy, so your future truly remains Everbright.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of long-term care services are available?
Long-term care can include a range of services such as in-home personal care, adult day care, assisted living facilities, memory care units, and nursing home care—each designed to meet different levels of medical and personal support.
2. How much does long-term care typically cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the type of care, location, and level of support needed. For example, in-home care may cost less than nursing home care, but all can be expensive over time without proper planning.
3. Can insurance cover long-term care expenses?
Long-term care insurance policies can help cover some costs, but not everyone has coverage, and policies often have limits or exclusions. Medicaid and Veterans Benefits often serve as important safety nets for many families.
4. How does Medicaid help with long-term care costs?
Medicaid (Medical Assistance in Minnesota) covers many long-term care services for eligible individuals with limited income and assets. However, qualification rules are complex, making early planning crucial to protect assets and qualify for benefits.
5. What is “spend down” and why is it important?
“Spend down” refers to reducing your countable assets to meet Medicaid eligibility limits. Proper planning ensures spend down is done strategically, protecting as much of your estate as possible.
6. Won’t the County tell me what to do with my assets?
When applying for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), the application is submitted to a county financial worker through the Department of Human Services. It’s important to understand that the role of the financial worker is not to provide advice on how to preserve or reduce your assets—they are tasked with determining eligibility based on the information you provide. In most cases, they will advise you to spend down your assets on care until you meet the financial limits for eligibility.
By contrast, an experienced elder law attorney can help you identify legal strategies to preserve assets, reduce unnecessary spend-down, and make informed decisions that align with your goals. With knowledgeable guidance, you can navigate the complex Medicaid process while protecting your financial security and your legacy.
7. Can I keep my home while receiving long-term care benefits?
Yes, with appropriate planning such as using trusts or other legal tools, it is often possible to protect your home from being counted toward Medicaid eligibility or estate recovery.
8. How does long-term care planning affect my family?
Planning can reduce the financial and emotional burden on family members, clarify care decisions, and help preserve your legacy for future generations.
9. What legal documents should I have in place as part of long-term care planning?
Essential documents include a will, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive, and potentially trusts—each serving to manage your finances, healthcare decisions, and asset protection.
10. When is the best time to start long-term care planning?
The sooner, the better. Early planning maximizes your options, helps protect assets, and avoids crisis-driven decisions.
11. Can I make changes to my long-term care plan over time?
Absolutely. Your care needs, finances, and laws can change, so ongoing reviews and updates are vital to keep your plan effective.