Medicaid Estate Recovery — MERP
Medicaid Estate Recovery is when a state collects what it spent on long-term care for a person from their estate after death, usually from a home.
Official source: medicaid.gov
Medicaid Estate Recovery is when the state tries to get back money it spent on your health care. This happens after you die. The state can try to get this money from your property, like your house. This usually happens if you received long-term care paid for by Medicaid. Long-term care can include nursing home care or care at home.Medicaid Estate Recovery mainly applies to people who got Medicaid long-term care benefits. These benefits help with things like nursing home costs. If you are under 55 and received Medicaid for other types of care, this usually does not apply to you. Some states may try to recover costs from people who got any Medicaid benefits, even if they were not for long-term care. This is why it is important to know your state's rules.Estate recovery matters because your home or other property could be taken to pay back the state. This could mean your family does not inherit your home. There are some ways to protect your property. For example, if you have a spouse who is still alive, the state usually cannot take your home. If you have a child who is disabled or under 21 and lives in your home, the state also usually cannot take your home.A good next step is to learn more about your state's rules for Medicaid Estate Recovery. Each state has different laws about this. You can look at your state's Medicaid website. Or you can talk to an elder law attorney. They can help you understand your choices and protect your home and other property. See also: <a href="/glossary/medicaid-waiver">Medicaid Waiver</a>.
In real life
- A state recovered nursing home costs from the deceased's home through estate recovery.
- When Mary passed away, the state took money from her bank account to pay back what Medicaid spent on her medical care.
- After John died, the state put a claim on his property because Medicaid paid for his time in a special care facility.
Also known as
Take the next step
Frequently asked questions about Medicaid Estate Recovery
What is Medicaid Estate Recovery?+
Medicaid Estate Recovery is when a state collects what it spent on long-term care for a person from their estate after death, usually from a home.
Who qualifies for Medicaid Estate Recovery?+
Income-eligible adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Income limits and rules vary by state.
How do I apply for Medicaid Estate Recovery?+
Apply through your state Medicaid agency (find yours at medicaid.gov) or through healthcare.gov. Official forms and instructions: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/estate-recovery/index.html.
Where can I get help?+
Apply through your state Medicaid agency (links at medicaid.gov) or use BenefitKarma's Find Benefits tool to see if you qualify in your state.
Source: medicaid.gov