Whatcom County Medicaid and the Family Home: 5 Things to Know
If you are brand new to Medicaid and trying to help a parent, start here. These are the five essentials that will keep you from making rushed decisions and will set you up for a smooth plan.
1) Medicaid is not Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older. It is great for doctors, hospitals, and short rehab. It is not designed to pay for long term custodial care like daily help with bathing, dressing, or meals.
Medicaid, called Apple Health in Washington, can pay for long term care when someone qualifies. Think in home care, adult family homes, assisted living with limits, and nursing homes. If your parent needs day to day help, you are looking in the Medicaid direction.
2) Eligibility is about income, assets, and the five year lookback
To qualify, Washington reviews monthly income and countable assets. There are specific limits for long term care programs and they update each year. The state also looks back five years for gifts or transfers for less than fair market value. These can create a penalty period that delays benefits.
You do not have to know every number today. Your first move is to list current income and assets on one page and gather five years of bank statements. That snapshot lets an elder law attorney give you precise guidance in a single call.
3) The Family home can be exempt for eligibility but recovery may apply later
The primary residence is often treated as exempt while a parent receives Apple Health long term care, especially if a spouse or certain dependents live there or there is a documented intent to return. That helps with eligibility today.
Separate issue. After the owner passes away, Washington may seek repayment from the estate for certain Medicaid benefits paid after age 55. That process is called estate recovery. Your plan should consider both eligibility now and what happens later.
4) Covered services are broad, but expect a cost share
Apple Health Long Term Services and Supports can cover nursing home care, adult family homes, assisted living with limits, in home personal care, and hospice. Most recipients pay a monthly share of cost based on income, and Apple Health pays the rest for approved services. Room and board at assisted living is often not fully covered. Understanding the cost share prevents surprises when services begin.
5) Do not transfer property or add kids to the dead before you get advice
Well meant moves like gifting money, selling a car to family for a discount, or adding a child to the house title can create penalties or tax problems. Talk with a Washington elder law attorney first. One short consult can save months of delays.
If a sale or rental of the home is on the table, loop in a real estate professional who handles probate and Medicaid related sales. Ask for an as is value, a short list of high value repairs, and the realistic time on market in your area.
Quick Starting Checklist
Create a one page financial snapshot for your parent
Gather five years of bank and investment statements
Pull the latest property tax bill, mortgage statement, and insurance declarations page
Write down any gifts or transfers from the last five years with dates and amounts
Book a consult with a Washington elder law attorney and a local real estate pro
If you are in Bellingham or anywhere in Whatcom County, I can help you build a local plan for the house. I will walk the property, give you a realistic value in its current condition, and show you which fixes are worth doing and which to skip. Then you can move forward calmly and confidently.
This article is general education. Your situation is unique, so confirm details with qualified professionals before you act.
