Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

Benefits of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is a powerful planning tool that offers peace of mind for individuals preparing for the possibility of long-term care. When structured properly, a MAPT can provide a range of important benefits, including:

Medicaid Eligibility
Assets transferred into a MAPT are not counted when determining your eligibility for Medicaid—provided the transfer occurs outside the five-year look-back period. This allows you to qualify for long-term care assistance without sacrificing your life savings or property.

Asset Protection
Once you qualify for Medicaid, your protected assets are shielded from being spent down on nursing home or in-home care expenses. Instead of depleting your estate, those assets can be preserved for your loved ones.

Income Generation
Although the assets themselves are no longer under your control, you may still receive income generated by the trust—such as interest or dividends—so long as that income stays within Medicaid’s eligibility limits.

Wealth Preservation and Control
While you relinquish ownership of the trust assets, you still control who receives them and how they are distributed after your death. This ensures your wishes are carried out and your legacy is passed on as intended.

Potential Tax Advantages
In some cases, using a MAPT may reduce the size of your taxable estate, which can help lower or eliminate estate taxes for your beneficiaries.

Rules of Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts in Tennessee and Kentucky

In Tennessee, a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is a type of irrevocable trust used to help individuals preserve their assets while planning for long-term care needs. When you create a MAPT, you—the grantor—relinquish legal ownership and control over the assets placed into the trust. Once transferred, those assets are no longer considered yours and cannot be taken back or used for your personal benefit.

Importantly, the terms of the trust cannot be changed or revoked without court approval or the consent of all beneficiaries. However, you may still receive income generated by the trust assets, such as interest or dividends, so long as that income stays within Medicaid’s income limits.

A critical component of MAPT planning in Tennessee is the five-year look-back period. If you transfer assets into a MAPT within five years of applying for Medicaid, those transfers may trigger a penalty period, delaying your eligibility for benefits. That’s why early planning is essential—ideally, well before you anticipate needing long-term care.

At Crow Estate Planning & Probate, we understand the intricacies of Tennessee’s Medicaid rules and can help you structure a MAPT that complies with state law, protects your assets, and preserves your eligibility for care.

Why Choose Our Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Services?

At Crow Estate Planning & Probate, we proudly offer the following:

Comprehensive services: Our team provides many estate and business planning services to help you manage your wealth.

Valuable resources: We provide several educational resources about financial planning, management, and distribution.

Proven results: Check out our client testimonials to see how we’ve helped individuals safeguard their savings and property.

Tailored solutions: We provide tailored advice and services to help you secure your legacy for future generations.

Transparent prices: When you partner with us, you’ll receive upfront estimates for flat rates without any hidden fees.

Multiple locations: Review the areas we serve to see our locations throughout Tennessee and Kentucky.

Let’s Create a Strategy to Protect Your Legacy

Ready to learn if a MAPT is the right plan for you and your family? Crow Estate Planning & Probate is committed to helping you prepare for your long-term care with irrevocable trusts that protect your assets and help you qualify for Medicaid.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable professionals look forward to discussing your needs and creating a strategy aligned with your goals. Call 931-213-5543 or contact us to schedule a free consultation and get started today.

Bill Boyd

Where do I begin? I truly can’t say enough nice things about Crow Estate Planning & Probate and Alexandra Hulme, without her and everyone around her, I can truly say I don’t know where I would be today. Like many after losing my mother, I was lost, in a dark place and things weren’t happening how my mother had planned in her trust and will. Before waiting too long, I retained Alexandra’s services and she took me through the process step-by-step. Something that I never thought I could afford or I’d have to do. She knew I wasn’t asking her to do anything more than complete my mother’s last wishes. She did just that. They did it because they’re passionate about what they do. Communication was A+. She never left me hanging. I know family means a lot to her/them. I am indebted to her and these people forever. If you need help, call her today. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Alexandra from the bottom of my heart.

Travis Henry

I was referred to John by a fellow real estate investor when I needed guidance on structuring a couple of LLCs. From the start, he made the process incredibly smooth and straightforward. John was consistently responsive, thorough in his explanations, and showed a genuine commitment to getting everything completed on time—even working late to accommodate my schedule while I was operating from Hawaii, several time zones away. His mix of professionalism, attention to detail, and approachable demeanor made the entire experience seamless. I’m grateful to have him as a resource and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable attorney.

Andre Christophe

Bridget and Thomas were very professional and knowledgeable in responding to my needs. Also, they were very organized and easy to work with.

Allen Moser

This firm has done several things for me and real estate clients. Most recently setting up a TIST (Tennessee Investment Services Trust). And redoing my Will, Medical Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive. Appreciated their understanding of all of the intricacies of each document. Their timely communication and prompt service.

Sarah Pichardo

I cannot recommend Thomas Steelman highly enough! From the very start, he made the entire process of setting up our estate trust absolutely painless. His expertise and clear explanations turned what I expected to be a daunting task into a smooth and stress-free experience.

Not only did he handle every aspect of our estate trust with great attention to detail, but he (and law firm colleagues) also took care of transferring over our home deeds so we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of going to the county office ourselves. That alone saved us so much time and stress!

I honestly thought the process was going to cost a small fortune, but I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the pricing was. Most importantly, though, Thomas gave us peace of mind knowing that our hard-earned assets are protected and will go exactly where we want them—without placing unnecessary burdens on our loved ones.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and professional estate trust attorney, Thomas and team are the ones to trust. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Scott Donnellan

John and his team are professional and do quality work.

Ariel Ottinger

John and his team did an amazing job helping my family get our affairs in order. Could not recommend them more!

Larissa Ottinger

hey are so prompt to respond and attentive!

Emily Vick

Alexandra Hulme was extremely helpful, professional, and punctual! I highly recommend using this firm.

Austin Joaquin

Highly recommend for all of your probate needs. Compassionate and professional.

Benefits of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

Rules of Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts in Tennessee and Kentucky

Why Choose Our Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Services?

Let’s Create a Strategy to Protect Your Legacy

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