Formation of Trusts and Spend Down to Medicaid

TitleFormation of Trusts and Spend Down to Medicaid
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1999
AuthorsTaylor, Jr., DH, Sloan, FA, Norton, EC
JournalThe Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences
Volume54B
Issue4
PaginationS194-201.
Call Numberpubs_1999_Taylor_FJGSeriesB.pdf
KeywordsAdult children, Demographics, Health Conditions and Status, Healthcare, Medicare/Medicaid/Health Insurance, Methodology, Net Worth and Assets
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the proportion of community-dwelling elderly persons (70 ) who could affect their eligibility for Medicaid financing of a nursing home stay through the use of a trust and to quantify the prevalence and predictors of trusts. METHODS: State-specific Medicaid eligibility regulations were used to determine eligibility and to identify those who could affect the same through the use of trusts. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify correlates of having a trust. Wave 1 of the Assets and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old (AHEAD) data base was used. RESULTS: Four in 10 elderly community dwellers could potentially qualify for Medicaid by using a trust; however, less than 10 had a trust. On average, wealthier persons had trusts. Avoidance of probate and controlling assets after death appear to be stronger motivations for trust creation among the elderly than achieving Medicaid spend down. DISCUSSION: The use of trusts was not common, and motives other than spend down were more important for those with trusts. Our results suggest little need for policy efforts to limit the use of trusts to achieve spend down.

URLhttps://watermark.silverchair.com/54B-4-S194.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAArkwggK1BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggKmMIICogIBADCCApsGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMp0UUg1PuPyPtW2TQAgEQgIICbKvSCKf7gEQSGvy-WxqpuojGLR3OKgcObNMZ3E6gB4hR
Endnote Keywords

Aged, 80 and Over/Assets/Eligibility Determination/Financing, Personal/Homes for the Aged/Intergenerational Transfers/Medicaid/Nursing Homes/Support, U.S. Government--PHS/United States

Endnote ID

4320

Citation Key6645