I think it depends on the state. Here in AZ, it is 36 months or 3 years.

As far as the money, again I think it depends on the state. $2000 a few years ago isn't that much, and really is what, would cover 15 days in the nursing home? She gave it as a gift, not as a way to get rid of it so she could qualify.

IF the money did affect her eligibility, worst case would likely be that she would not be approved for the length of time the $2000 would cover. For example, if $2000 would cover part of 1 month, and your mom was found to be eligible as of 01/01/11, they might make the decision to not cover the nursing home until 02/01/11.

It can be very confusing and there are so many different rules. Have you tried asking the worker handling your mom's case?

I think it depends on the state. Here in AZ, it is 36 months or 3 years.

As far as the money, again I think it depends on the state. $2000 a few years ago isn't that much, and really is what, would cover 15 days in the nursing home? She gave it as a gift, not as a way to get rid of it so she could qualify.

IF the money did affect her eligibility, worst case would likely be that she would not be approved for the length of time the $2000 would cover. For example, if $2000 would cover part of 1 month, and your mom was found to be eligible as of 01/01/11, they might make the decision to not cover the nursing home until 02/01/11.

It can be very confusing and there are so many different rules. Have you tried asking the worker handling your mom's case?

I should have mentioned I live in Massachusetts. They have a 5 year look back period. I heard they might extend it to 7 years. They're giving my brother a hard time about the $2000. They need the money. My mother gave her son $2000 about 4 years ago because he was moving down to Texas. The overriding factor for Medicaid is they want MONEY. A mother giving her son a gift of $2000 when she was of sound mind doesn't matter. They want money.

I should have mentioned I live in Massachusetts. They have a 5 year look back period. I heard they might extend it to 7 years. They're giving my brother a hard time about the $2000. They need the money. My mother gave her son $2000 about 4 years ago because he was moving down to Texas. The overriding factor for Medicaid is they want MONEY. A mother giving her son a gift of $2000 when she was of sound mind doesn't matter. They want money.

Even if they want to hold it against her, again they can only 'penalize' her for the amount of time the $2000 would cover. Which for a nursing home, is not very much.

IF they try denying her based off the $2000, make sure you appeal!

Even if they want to hold it against her, again they can only 'penalize' her for the amount of time the $2000 would cover. Which for a nursing home, is not very much.

IF they try denying her based off the $2000, make sure you appeal!

I have a related question. For years now whenever I visit my mom and we buy things for her or her house, we put those purchases on my credit card for ease of use and to get me miles. In NJ would her reimbursements to me be considered gifts? I have every transaction documented in Quicken, and can show the credit card statements, but I don't have receipts for all of it. I'm not sure where I can find out the official answer to this question.

I have a related question. For years now whenever I visit my mom and we buy things for her or her house, we put those purchases on my credit card for ease of use and to get me miles. In NJ would her reimbursements to me be considered gifts? I have every transaction documented in Quicken, and can show the credit card statements, but I don't have receipts for all of it. I'm not sure where I can find out the official answer to this question.