Medicaid Planning

Medicaid Eligibility & Long-Term Care Planning

Protecting What You’ve Built: Medicaid Planning for Rockingham County Families

The statistics are sobering: 70% of adults aged 65 and older will require long-term care at some point, and the average nursing home stay runs just over three years, with 20% of residents staying longer than five years. In New Hampshire, the average monthly cost of a private room in a skilled nursing facility is $12,000. A stay of three or more years can exhaust decades of savings without a plan in place.

It doesn’t have to be this way. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, our Medicaid planning attorneys help families throughout Rockingham County, NH plan ahead for long-term care needs or respond quickly when care is needed right now. We offer free in-person and virtual consultations and flat fees whenever possible, so cost isn’t a barrier to getting the guidance you need.

Call (603) 769-3491 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

What Is Medicaid Planning?

Medicare covers Americans 65 and older, but it doesn’t cover long-term nursing home care. Medicare Part A may pay for short-term skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, but it won’t cover the ongoing custodial care most people need. Federal Medicaid funds can help pay for long-term care, but eligibility comes with strict income and asset limits.

To qualify, applicants typically must “spend down” countable assets and income to meet those thresholds. Medicaid also enforces a five-year look-back period: asset transfers made for less than fair market value within that window can delay eligibility when you need benefits most.

Fortunately, legal tools exist to protect assets from nursing home costs while still qualifying for Medicaid. Planning ahead gives you the widest range of options, but some protection may still be possible even in a crisis.

Crisis Medicaid Planning

Many families don’t think about Medicaid planning until a loved one urgently needs nursing home care. If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone, and we can help. Informal guidance from nursing home staff or well-meaning family members is often incomplete, and Medicaid eligibility rules change frequently. Working with a Medicaid planning attorney helps your family avoid application errors that can lead to denial or costly delays.

Our services include:

Evaluating your family member’s current Medicaid eligibility, including reviewing any recent gifts or transfers that could jeopardize or delay benefits
Taking all legal measures available to convert countable assets to exempt assets
Preparing and filing the Medicaid application with care to support your loved one’s opportunity for timely approval

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions because we know a Medicaid crisis rarely happens on a schedule.

Schedule a Free Medicaid Planning Consultation

Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an immediate care need, the right guidance makes a real difference. We offer free in-person and virtual consultations, 24/7 availability, and Spanish-speaking staff on hand, so you can reach us when it matters most and get help in the language you’re most comfortable in.

Call (603) 769-3491 or contact Beaton & Kiers, PLLC to schedule your free consultation with a Medicaid planning attorney serving Rockingham County and throughout New Hampshire.

Asset Protection Tools in Medicaid Planning

Not all assets are treated equally under Medicaid rules. “Countable” assets, such as bank accounts, investment accounts, and non-primary real estate, are measured against eligibility limits. “Exempt” assets, commonly a primary residence (subject to conditions), one vehicle, and personal property, are not. Understanding that distinction is the foundation of any effective long-term care plan.

One of the most widely used planning tools is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), an irrevocable trust that removes assets from countable status for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Because it’s irrevocable, the grantor gives up direct control of assets placed in the trust. A revocable living trust, by contrast, doesn’t protect assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements. The grantor retains control, so those assets remain countable.

Timing matters. Assets transferred for less than fair market value within five years of a Medicaid application can trigger a disqualification period calculated against the average monthly cost of nursing home care in New Hampshire. Early planning, ideally before any anticipated care need, gives families the widest range of options.

Planning for a Healthy Spouse

When one spouse requires nursing home care, a complete Medicaid plan must also protect the spouse who remains at home. Federal rules provide for a “community spouse resource allowance,” which permits the at-home spouse to retain a portion of the couple’s marital assets. The specific amount is determined under New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services guidelines and varies by circumstance. Proactive planning helps the community spouse maintain financial stability while the other receives the care they need.

Continue Reading Read Less

Your Future Starts Here

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (603) 769-3491 today or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Beaton & Kiers, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Trustworthy Advocates for Life’s Toughest Moments

Why Clients Trust Beaton & Kiers

With decades of combined trial experience, a proven record of success, and a reputation for compassionate, responsive service, we combine deep legal knowledge with a client-first approach to guide you through every challenge with confidence and care.

Experienced Advocates

We have decades of experience in New Hampshire courts, including drug and mental health courts.
A History of Wins

Our impressive record of favorable trial outcomes spans a wide range of complex cases.
Deep Local Knowledge

With extensive understanding of New Hampshire laws, we're ready to fight for you.
Full-Service Support

We offer comprehensive legal services for individuals and families in crisis.
Trusted Locally

We've cultivated respected relationships and a solid reputation in the legal community.
Client-Focused Care

Our approach features compassionate, attentive, and responsive service at every step.

Medicaid Planning Attorneys Serving New Hampshire Families

The Medicaid planning process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Attorneys Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers are both members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys® (NAELA) and bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case. We serve families throughout New Hampshire, including Rockingham County, in both advance planning and urgent care situations. Spanish-speaking staff are available, and free in-person and virtual consultations make it easy to take the first step.

To learn how to protect yourself or a loved one through Medicaid and long-term care planning, contact Beaton & Kiers, PLLC to schedule a consultation.

Read All Testimonials

"Above and Beyond"
It’s evident that she is knowledgeable about the law, is committed to bringing fair justice, and is efficient in her approach to resolving cases.

- K.S.
"Highly Recommend Them Both"
They are both very experienced, dedicated, and compassionate attorneys. Larissa and Amy never stop fighting for their clients. The vast knowledge of these two attorneys makes them a powerhouse in the private sector.

- Amy Wallace, Private Investigator AW Investigations, LLC
"Top Notch Service."
By far the most compassionate lawyer I’ve ever had. When you think of a good lawyer Amy Beaton is one of those. I wish I would have found her a lot sooner.

- R.A.
"Highly Recommended!"
Beaton & Kiers had been highly recommended to me by others in the field. Now, I understand why. As soon as I met Amy and Larissa, I began to feel safe.

- J.F.
"Highly Recommend!"
Attorney Amy Beaton provided exceptional results! She made sure the whole process was as stress-free as possible.

- A.J.
"Professional Services"
Great law firm! We really appreciated the professionalism with our elder care questions and concerns. Thank you Attorney Kiers.

- M.L.
"Reliable, Respectful, and Professional"
Amy, no matter how big or small the case, gave her all and made sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. With Attorney Amy Beaton by your side, you will not be let down!

- J.R.
"Someone You Can Trust"
We hired Larissa to work for my mother. She was very punctual, compassionate, and willing to go the extra mile.

- T.K.

Meet the Attorneys We Are Ready to Help

Attorneys Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers are respected not only for their legal knowledge and advocacy skills, but for their integrity and compassion as they guide clients through challenging legal matters.

About Us