Safeguard Your Legacy — Keep Your Assets Secure While Qualifying for Medicaid
Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming, especially when you worry about losing everything you’ve worked so hard to build. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is a smart legal strategy that helps Brooklyn families protect their homes and savings while preserving eligibility for Medicaid benefits that cover nursing home or home health care costs.
What Is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is an irrevocable trust that allows you to transfer ownership of certain assets — like your Brooklyn home — so they won’t count against you when applying for Medicaid. This planning tool ensures you can receive the care you need without spending down your life savings.
Why Brooklyn Residents Use Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
Many Brooklyn seniors fear the high cost of nursing home care. With a MAPT, you can:
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Protect your family home from being sold to pay for long-term care.
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Secure savings and investments for your spouse and heirs.
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Qualify for Medicaid without exhausting your assets.
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Gain peace of mind knowing your legacy stays intact.
How Does a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Work in New York?
Here’s how it works:
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You transfer assets — like your primary residence — into the trust.
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You name a trusted family member or friend as trustee.
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After a five-year look-back period, those assets are no longer counted for Medicaid eligibility.
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You can continue living in your Brooklyn home and benefit from income the trust generates.
However, you give up direct ownership and control, which is why it’s critical to work with an experienced Brooklyn Medicaid planning attorney who can guide you.
What Assets Can You Protect?
Common assets to place in a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust include:
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Your primary residence in Brooklyn or surrounding areas.
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Vacation homes.
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Savings accounts.
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Investments like stocks, bonds, or CDs.
Timing Matters — The Five-Year Look-Back Rule
New York’s Medicaid program uses a five-year look-back period. This means you must transfer your assets at least 60 months before applying for Medicaid. Transfers made within this period could delay your eligibility.
👉 Tip: The sooner you plan, the more you protect!
Case Example: Protecting a Brooklyn Brownstone
A local couple came to Alatsas Law Firm worried about losing their Brooklyn brownstone if one needed nursing home care. By setting up a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, they secured their home for their children and qualified for Medicaid when the time came — without the burden of last-minute spend down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep living in my Brooklyn home after transferring it to a Medicaid trust?
✅ Yes! You retain the right to live in your home for life.
Q: How soon should I set up a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
✅ Ideally, at least five years before you’ll need Medicaid to avoid penalties.
Q: Can I change my mind?
✅ A MAPT is irrevocable, meaning you can’t dissolve it, but you can change trustees or beneficiaries under certain circumstances.
Q: What happens to the assets after I pass away?
✅ The assets go directly to your named beneficiaries — avoiding probate and protecting your family’s inheritance.
Is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Right for You?
This trust isn’t for everyone. It requires careful planning and legal guidance to ensure your assets are protected properly and your wishes are honored.
Why Work with Alatsas Law Firm?
For nearly 30 years, Theodore Alatsas and his team have helped Brooklyn families navigate Medicaid planning, elder law, and estate planning challenges with compassion and local expertise. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Take the First Step Today
Don’t let long-term care expenses jeopardize your family’s future.
✅ Contact our Brooklyn Medicaid planning attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 Or call us now at (718) 233-2903 — we’re here to help you plan ahead with confidence.
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