Medicaid Estate Recovery in Illinois How It Works and How Families Avoid It By Martin Fogarty, Founder of ElderSmart For many Illinois families, the real surprise does not come when a loved one qualifies for Medicaid. It comes later, after death, when the state files a claim against...
Does Medicaid Have to Be Paid Back in Illinois? Understanding Medicaid Estate Recovery and What It Means for Your Family By Martin Fogarty, Founder of ElderSmart Families planning for long term care often ask a simple question with serious consequences: Does Medicaid have to be paid back in Illinois? The...
Medicaid planning plays a central role in protecting your home, savings, and long-term financial security when care becomes necessary. Illinois has strict Medicaid eligibility rules, and nursing home costs often exceed $7,000 per month. Families who wait until a crisis hits are usually left with...
Nursing homes in Illinois cost an average of $7,000 to $9,000 per month, depending on location and level of care. That’s well over $100,000 per year. Without a plan, families can be forced to sell the home or drain savings to cover those costs. The good...
How to Apply for Medicaid in Illinois (2025 Guide): For many Illinois families, applying for Medicaid isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting the health and dignity of a loved one while also shielding the family home and savings from being drained by long-term care costs....
An Eldersmart Guide to Irrevocable Trusts for Illinois Residents: An irrevocable trust is a legally binding agreement where the grantor permanently gives up ownership and control of assets—such as property, investments, or life insurance—by transferring them into a trust. Once established, the terms of the trust...
Avoid Losing Your Life Savings to Nursing Home Costs: In Illinois, long-term care can cost over $80,000 per year—and Medicaid is the only safety net for most families. But qualifying isn't simple. Between income limits, asset rules, and a strict 5-year look-back period, one wrong move...
Why Medicaid Planning with an Elder Law Attorney Matters in Illinois: Long-term care (LTC) ranks among the biggest and most underestimated expenses of retirement. In Cook County, the median monthly cost of a nursing home bed is about $5,834 for a semi-private room. These costs can...
Medicaid Planning in Illinois: What It Is, Who It Helps, and Why It Matters: Medicaid planning involves developing legal and financial strategies that help individuals qualify for long-term care Medicaid while protecting their assets. In Illinois, where nursing home care often exceeds $7,000 per month, families...
2025 Medicaid Income Limits in Illinois: What You Need to Know: If you're wondering whether you qualify for Medicaid in Illinois, one of the most important factors is your monthly income. Illinois sets specific income thresholds that determine eligibility for different types of Medicaid, including long-term...