How long does the Medicaid lookback period last?
Medicaid planning is one of the most important parts of nursing home planning since you need to ensure you make a plan to qualify for Medicaid as soon as you need to get care. Medicaid planning can be done in a crisis if you need care right away and want to protect as many of your assets as possible. However, it is usually best and easiest to protect assets if you begin the Medicaid planning process early.
Beginning early is vital because of the Medicaid lookback period. The Medicaid lookback period lasts for five years. When you need care, Medicaid will look back to determine if you made any transfers of assets in the prior five years that could result in a temporary disqualification from Medicaid coverage.