Our Medicaid Planning Process
Last updated on September 21, 2026
Applying for Medicaid and planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming. Families are often managing a medical crisis, nursing home admission, hospital discharge, dementia diagnosis or concerns about protecting assets — all while trying to understand confusing eligibility rules and paperwork requirements.
At Hobbs Legacy Law Group, LLC, we guide families in Phoenixville and surrounding communities through the process step-by-step. Our goal is to simplify complex situations, identify opportunities to protect assets and help Pennsylvania families make informed decisions about care, benefits and long-term planning.
Step 1: Initial Consultation And Goal Setting
Every family’s situation is different. During our initial consultation, we take the time to understand:
- The current health situation
- Where care is being provided
- Whether a nursing home admission is anticipated
- Family concerns and goals
- Available assets and income
- Existing estate planning documents
- Whether a spouse remains at home
- Potential Veterans benefits opportunities
Most importantly, we identify what matters most to your family. For some families, the primary goal is qualifying for Medicaid quickly. For others, it may be protecting the healthy spouse, preserving the family home, reducing stress or protecting assets for future generations.
Step 2: Asset And Eligibility Analysis
We will make it a point to understand your goals. Once we know what we are working with, our lawyers perform a detailed review of:
- Income sources
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Retirement assets
- Real estate
- Life insurance
- Existing trusts
- Prior gifts and transfers
- Marital status
- Potential exemptions
We evaluate how Medicaid rules apply to your specific circumstances and identify any issues that may affect eligibility.
Step 3: Development Of A Customized Planning Strategy
After reviewing your situation, we develop a strategy designed to achieve your goals. Depending on the circumstances, recommendations may involve:
- Medicaid asset protection planning
- Spousal protection planning
- Medicaid Compliant Annuity Strategies
- Exempt transfers
- Caregiver agreements
- Trust planning
- Income planning
- Veterans benefits coordination
- Spend-down strategies
- Real estate planning
- Crisis planning strategies
We carefully explain your options and answer questions so you understand how the proposed strategy works before implementation begins.
Step 4: Document Preparation And Implementation
If planning opportunities are available, we prepare the necessary legal documents and assist with implementation. This may include:
- Powers of attorney
- Caregiver agreements
- Asset protection trusts
- Medicaid-compliant transfers
- Trust funding
- Beneficiary coordination
- Real estate transfers
- Veterans benefits planning documents
Our focus is not simply providing legal documents but helping ensure that the strategy is properly implemented.
Step 5: Application Preparation
When Medicaid eligibility is appropriate, we assist with preparation of the application and supporting documentation. This often involves:
- Gathering financial records
- Organizing supporting documents
- Reviewing transactions
- Preparing explanations of transfers
- Completing application forms
- Communicating with government agencies
Because Medicaid applications are highly document-intensive, proper organization at this stage can help avoid delays and unnecessary complications.
Step 6: Submission, Follow-Up And Appeals
After the application is submitted, the process is not necessarily over. The County Assistance Office frequently requests additional information, clarification or supplemental documentation before making an eligibility determination. In some cases, applications may be denied because of missing records, misunderstandings regarding Medicaid rules, transfer issues, verification concerns or disagreements regarding eligibility. We assist with:
- Requests for verification
- Requests for additional documentation
- Eligibility questions
- Clarification of transfers
- Ongoing communication with the County Assistance Office
- Responding to application denials
- Administrative appeals
- Fair Hearings
- Representation during the appeals process
Unfortunately, many Medicaid applications are initially denied even when the applicant may ultimately be eligible for benefits. A denial does not necessarily mean the matter is over.
When appropriate, we help families evaluate the basis for the denial, gather additional evidence, prepare appeals and represent applicants at Fair Hearings. We work to ensure that eligibility determinations are based on a complete and accurate understanding of the facts and applicable Medicaid rules.
Whether the issue involves asset transfers, income calculations, verification requirements, eligibility determinations or procedural errors, we work to protect our clients’ rights and help move the case toward a successful resolution.
Our goal is to help move the application through the system as efficiently as possible while providing continued advocacy if problems arise.
Step 7: Ongoing Planning And Review
After eligibility is established, we continue helping families navigate issues that may arise. These include:
- Changes in care needs
- Estate recovery concerns
- Changes in marital status
- Trust administration issues
- Asset protection opportunities
- Estate planning updates
- Long-term care planning adjustments
Medicaid planning is often not a one-time event. As circumstances change, additional planning opportunities may arise.
Why Families Work With Us
Families often come to us because they are facing questions they need help with. We often get asked:
- “Do we have to spend everything?”
- “Can we protect the house?”
- “What happens to my spouse?”
- “Is it too late to plan?”
- “Can the nursing home take our assets?”
- “Should we let the nursing home handle the application?”
- “How do Medicaid and Veterans benefits work together?”
Our role is to help families understand their options before making decisions that may have long-term consequences.
Our Commitment
At Hobbs Legacy Law Group, LLC, we are committed to providing the complete Medicaid planning service. We believe this should be:
- Transparent
- Personalized
- Easy to understand
- Focused on your family’s goals
- Designed to protect assets whenever possible
- Centered around quality care and peace of mind
Whether you are planning years in advance or responding to an immediate crisis, we will help you understand your options and develop a strategy designed for your family’s unique circumstances.
Ready To Get Started?
The earlier you seek guidance, the more planning opportunities are typically available. Call Hobbs Legacy Law Group, LLC at 610-989-2135 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your family, your assets and your future care options.