Boca Raton Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorney

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Boca Raton has long been one of Florida's premier retirement destinations. Its combination of warm winters, upscale amenities, and proximity to world-class medical facilities makes it a natural draw for retirees relocating from the Northeast and Midwest, as well as for snowbirds who divide the year between Boca and colder climates. More than 28% of Boca Raton residents are aged 65 or older, nearly double the national average, and many of those families arrive with substantial assets they have spent a lifetime building and are now focused on protecting.

At Elder Needs Law, PLLC, we have an office right here in Boca Raton to serve you. Led by Jason Neufeld, Esq., a Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney and author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book, our firm helps Palm Beach County seniors and their families navigate Medicaid planning, estate planning, probate, and guardianship with the care and precision these matters deserve. Whether you are a retiree who has just moved to the area, a longtime resident facing a long-term care decision, or an adult child helping an aging parent plan ahead, we are here to help.

Our Boca Raton Office

Address  5550 Glades Road, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Appointments  By appointment  –  in-person, phone, and video consultations available

Languages  English and Spanish (Hablamos Español)

We serve clients throughout Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Highland Beach, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to set up your consultation.

Why Palm Beach County Families Need an Elder Law Attorney

Planning for aging is not the same as general estate planning. A general estate planning attorney can draft a will or set up a simple trust. When Medicaid eligibility, nursing home costs, guardianship, or disability planning enters the picture, you need an attorney whose entire practice is built around the legal and financial realities of aging.

The cost of long-term care in Boca Raton is significant. Private nursing home care in the Palm Beach County area averages between $9,000 and $10,900 per month for a private room. Assisted living typically runs $4,000 to $5,500 per month. Without proper planning, a senior's life savings can be depleted within a year or two. Medicaid exists to help cover these costs, but qualifying for it while protecting as much of your family's assets as possible requires careful, strategic planning. Our guide on how to pay for nursing home and assisted living care covers the main options available to Florida families.

Florida's Medicaid rules are complex and constantly changing. Income limits, asset thresholds, look-back periods, exempt property rules, and spousal protections all interact in ways that are genuinely confusing. The rules that apply depend on your marital status, the type of care you need, what you own, and when you apply. A misstep, even an unintentional one, can result in a lengthy period of ineligibility or the unnecessary loss of assets.

Time matters. Many families wait until a crisis before consulting an elder law attorney. At that point, options narrow significantly. Planning years or even months in advance opens strategies that are no longer available once someone is already in a facility or applying for Medicaid under pressure. Our article on when to hire an elder law attorney explains why starting early makes such a difference.

An experienced Boca Raton elder law attorney at Elder Needs Law will assess your full picture and help you make informed decisions well before the pressure begins. Reach out to our office to start that conversation.

Medicaid Planning for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Seniors

Medicaid planning is the cornerstone of what we do. Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program covers nursing home care, assisted living, and home and community-based services for seniors who meet both medical and financial eligibility criteria. Many families discover that qualifying is more achievable than they expected, especially with proper legal guidance.

2026 Florida Medicaid Eligibility at a Glance

Understanding where you or a loved one stands financially is the first step. The table below outlines the key thresholds for Florida Nursing Home Medicaid in 2026.

Eligibility Factor 2026 Threshold
Income limit (single applicant) $2,982 per month
Asset limit (single applicant) $2,000 in countable assets
Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) Up to $162,660 retained by non-applying spouse
Home equity exemption Up to approx. $730,000 if applicant intends to return or spouse resides there
Look-back period 60 months (5 years)
Personal needs allowance (nursing home) $160 per month

If your income exceeds the limit, you may still qualify through a Qualifying Income Trust (QIT), sometimes called a Miller Trust. Not meeting the thresholds today does not mean you cannot qualify.

What Medicaid Planning Actually Involves

Medicaid planning is not about hiding assets or gaming the system. It is about understanding what the rules permit and applying them strategically to your family's situation. Depending on your circumstances, our Boca Raton Medicaid planning attorneys may help you with the following.

  • Protect the family home from Medicaid estate recovery
  • Spend down countable assets in permissible ways that benefit you and your family
  • Establish a Medicaid-compliant annuity to convert a countable asset into an income stream
  • Maximize spousal protections through CSRA planning and income-first calculations
  • Create or modify an irrevocable trust to shelter assets outside the look-back window. See our article on protecting your Florida home with a Medicaid asset protection trust.
  • Navigate Medicaid applications with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • Appeal a Medicaid denial if an application has been improperly rejected

Every family's situation is different. Our approach starts with a thorough review of your income, assets, family situation, and care needs and builds from there. Our Medicaid planning page covers these strategies in full.

Have Medicaid questions specific to your situation? Speak with a Boca Raton Medicaid planning attorney.

Elder Law Services We Provide to Boca Raton Clients

Estate Planning

An estate plan is more than a will. For seniors and their families in Boca Raton, our estate planning attorneys prepare a comprehensive plan that typically includes the following.

  • Last Will and Testament ensuring your assets pass to the people you choose
  • Revocable Living Trust to avoid probate and maintain privacy while allowing flexible control during your lifetime
  • Durable Power of Attorney designating a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated
  • Healthcare Surrogate Designation naming someone to make medical decisions on your behalf
  •  Living Will and Advance Directive clearly documenting your wishes about life-sustaining treatment
  • Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) a Florida-specific tool that passes real estate directly to heirs while preserving Medicaid eligibility

We design estate plans that work in concert with Medicaid planning so that your estate does not inadvertently disqualify you from benefits you need. Learn more about our estate planning services.

Probate

When a loved one passes away, their estate may need to go through Florida's probate process before assets can be transferred to heirs. Palm Beach County probate cases are handled by the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, with filings managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Our probate attorneys can:

  •  File and administer formal or summary administration proceedings
  • Represent personal representatives through the entire process
  • Handle creditor claims and estate disputes
  • Work to minimize probate costs and timeline

If your goal is to avoid probate entirely, we can also structure your estate through trusts, beneficiary designations, and strategic asset titling to accomplish that.

Need help with a probate matter in Palm Beach County? Talk to our Boca Raton probate attorney.

Guardianship

When a senior can no longer make safe or sound decisions for themselves due to dementia, a stroke, a serious illness, or injury, a Florida court can appoint a legal guardian. Guardianship cases in Palm Beach County proceed through the 15th Judicial Circuit. Our attorneys can:

  • Determine whether guardianship is truly necessary, or whether a durable power of attorney may suffice
  • File for guardianship of a person, their property, or both
  •  Navigate the court process efficiently and compassionately
  • Represent the interests of the ward throughout the proceeding

Special Needs Planning

If you have an adult child or family member with a disability, a Special Needs Trust (SNT) allows you to leave assets to that person without jeopardizing their eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other government benefits. We help Boca Raton families structure SNTs and broader special needs plans that protect a vulnerable loved one's long-term security.

Senior Facilities and Care Resources in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County

Families often need a reference point when a loved one needs care. The facilities below serve Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County. Our firm regularly works with families whose loved ones are transitioning into facilities like these. For guidance on evaluating any facility before committing, see our article on nursing home red flags to watch for.

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facilities in Boca Raton

Sinai Residences of Boca Raton

7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Award-winning skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation on a full-service senior campus. Offers assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing under one roof.

Willowbrooke Court at St. Andrews

6152 N. Verde Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility within the St. Andrews Estates community. Provides short-term recovery and long-term nursing care in a residential setting.

Life Care Center of Boca Raton

6363 Villa Lante Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. Accepts Medicare and Medicaid.

Assisted Living and Memory Care in Boca Raton

Artis Senior Living of Boca Raton

Boca Raton, FL

Palm Beach County's dedicated memory care community, offering specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care with a structured environment and highly trained staff.

Banyan Place at Boca Raton

2950 NW 5th Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Assisted living and memory care accommodating up to 52 residents, with medication management, personal care, and dementia-specific programming.

Five Star Premier Residences of Boca Raton

Boca Raton, FL

Independent and assisted living located close to the coast, with restaurant-style dining, on-site physician services, and 24-hour nursing coverage.

Sonata Boca Raton

Boca Raton, FL

Assisted living and memory care community near Highland Beach, offering personalized care plans and a full activities calendar.

St. Andrews Estates

Boca Raton, FL

Full-continuum retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and respite care on an amenity-rich campus.

Nearby Facilities Serving South Palm Beach County

Grand Villa of Delray West

Delray Beach, FL

Independent living, assisted living, and memory care with resort-style amenities and 24-hour nursing staff.

Abbey Delray South

Delray Beach, FL

Active senior campus with independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.

The Forum at Deer Creek

Deerfield Beach, FL

Full-service retirement community near the Palm Beach County and Broward County line.

Facility information is provided for reference only. Elder Needs Law does not endorse or have any financial relationship with the facilities listed. We recommend that families visit facilities in person and review state inspection reports through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before making any care decisions.

Local Government and Senior Resources in Palm Beach County

Navigating the elder care system involves more than finding a facility. Knowing which government agencies and community organizations can help is just as important.

Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach and Treasure Coast

Address  4400 N. Congress Avenue, Suite 250, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Helpline  (866) 684-5885  |  aaapbtc.org

The primary regional organization coordinating services for seniors across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. They administer the Medicaid Long-Term Care managed care program locally, connect families to home and community-based services, provide caregiver support, and offer referrals to legal assistance, nutrition programs, transportation, and adult day care. The helpline is an excellent first call for families who do not know where to start.

2-1-1 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast

Phone  Dial 2-1-1  (free, confidential, available 24/7)  |  211palmbeach.org

A free community helpline connecting seniors and caregivers to local services including housing, food assistance, medical care, transportation, and crisis intervention. The Elder Crisis Outreach program provides one-on-one advocacy for vulnerable seniors. The Sunshine daily check-in program reaches out regularly to housebound or isolated adults over 60.

Florida DCF and Medicaid Applications

Medicaid applications and eligibility determinations for Palm Beach County are processed through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Applications can be submitted online through ACCESS Florida at myflorida.com/accessflorida or in person at a local DCF service center. Our office regularly assists families with the application process to help ensure submissions are complete, accurate, and supported by the documentation needed for approval.

Palm Beach County Probate and Guardianship Court

Court  15th Judicial Circuit Court

Filing Address  205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401  |  15thcircuit.com

Clerk  Joseph Abruzzo, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

All probate and guardianship matters for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County are handled by the 15th Judicial Circuit. The county also operates an Elder Justice Center providing elder-friendly court access and coordinated services for adults over 60. Our probate and guardianship attorneys are experienced with the 15th Circuit's procedures and filing requirements.

Alzheimer's Community Care

24/7 Crisis Line  (800) 394-1771  |  alzcare.org

Provides community-based, dementia-specific care coordination and family-centered services for patients and caregivers throughout Palm Beach County. Offers day centers, in-home support, caregiver training, and crisis intervention for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Adult Protective Services

Reporting Line  (561) 355-4751 or 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Reports elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Provides emergency services to high-risk older adults within 72 hours of a report. If you believe a senior is being financially exploited or abused, this is the right contact.

Why Choose Elder Needs Law for Your Boca Raton Elder Law Needs

Board-Certified Expertise

Jason Neufeld, Esq. is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney, a designation held by fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers. Board certification requires passing a rigorous examination, demonstrating substantial experience, and earning strong peer reviews. It is the highest credential available in Florida elder law. When you work with Elder Needs Law, you have a verified specialist, not a generalist who occasionally handles elder matters.

Published Authority

Jason is the author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book, available on Amazon in print and audio. This practical guide for families navigating Medicaid options reflects our core philosophy: informed clients make better decisions and experience better outcomes.

Responsive and Personalized Service

Our team is known for responsive communication, clear explanations, and solutions tailored to each family's unique circumstances. We do not treat your case as a form to be filled out. We take time to understand your situation, explain your options honestly, and work efficiently toward your goals.

Bilingual Service

We serve Spanish-speaking clients and families throughout the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County area. Hablamos Español.

Serving Boca Raton and All of Palm Beach County

Our Boca Raton office serves the full breadth of Palm Beach County's communities. Whether you live in the Town of Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Royal Palm Beach, or anywhere in between, we are accessible and ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does an elder law attorney cost in Boca Raton?

A. Elder law attorney fees vary based on the complexity and scope of your matter. Estate planning documents are often handled on a flat-fee basis, while Medicaid planning and probate administration are typically quoted based on the specific work involved. Schedule a consultation and we will give you a clear picture of fees at the outset. Many families find that professional elder law guidance recovers or protects far more than it costs.

Q. What is the Medicaid income limit in Florida for 2026?

A. For a single applicant seeking nursing home Medicaid in 2026, the income limit is $2,982 per month. If your income is above this threshold, you may still qualify through a Qualifying Income Trust (QIT). Limits differ for married couples and for different types of Medicaid programs. Our Medicaid planning page covers the full range of program types and thresholds.

Q. Can I still qualify for Medicaid if I have too many assets?‍

A. Yes, in many cases. While a single applicant must have no more than $2,000 in countable assets, there are numerous legal strategies to reduce countable assets in permissible ways, including purchasing exempt assets, paying off certain debts, making home improvements, establishing irrevocable trusts, and utilizing Medicaid-compliant annuities. The key is working with an experienced Medicaid planning attorney before making any financial moves.

Q. Does Medicaid take my house in Florida?

A. Not while you or a qualified dependent is living in it. Your primary residence is generally an exempt asset for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Florida does have an estate recovery program that can seek reimbursement after death, but tools like the Lady Bird Deed can protect your home from that process. Our estate planning attorneys can advise you on the right approach for your family.

Q. What is the Medicaid look-back period in Florida?

A. Florida Medicaid has a 60-month (5-year) look-back period. When you apply for long-term care Medicaid benefits, the state reviews all financial transactions going back five years for improper asset transfers. Gifts, transfers below fair market value, and certain trust contributions during this period can result in a penalty period of ineligibility. Even within the look-back window, experienced attorneys have tools to minimize or eliminate penalties.

Q. When should I start working with an elder law attorney?

A. The best time is well before a crisis, ideally in your 60s or early 70s when options are broadest and time is on your side. The second-best time is right now. Even if you or a loved one are already facing a care transition or a Medicaid application, an experienced attorney can often still help significantly. Our article on when to hire an elder law attorney outlines the key life events that should prompt a conversation.

Q. What is the difference between a power of attorney and guardianship?

A. A durable power of attorney is signed voluntarily while someone has legal capacity, naming a trusted person to act on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Guardianship is a court-imposed process that removes legal rights from the individual and transfers decision-making to a court-appointed guardian. Guardianship is more costly, more restrictive, and more adversarial. Having proper documents in place while you are healthy is the most effective way to avoid a guardianship proceeding entirely.

Q. Does Elder Needs Law handle cases anywhere in Florida, or only Boca Raton?

A. We serve clients throughout Florida. In addition to our Boca Raton office, we have locations in Aventura, Plantation, Spring Hill, Miami, Tampa, Brandon, and Lakewood Ranch. We also conduct consultations by phone and video for clients who prefer not to travel. Our Palm Beach County elder law page has more information about our broader regional coverage.

Ready to speak with a Boca Raton elder law attorney? Speak with a Boca Raton elder law attorney.

Schedule a Consultation with a Boca Raton Elder Law Attorney

You do not have to navigate these decisions alone. Whether you are just beginning to think about long-term care planning, facing an immediate Medicaid application, managing the loss of a loved one, or trying to protect a family member who can no longer care for themselves, Elder Needs Law is here to help. Our Boca Raton office serves clients throughout Palm Beach County with the knowledge, responsiveness, and genuine care that complex elder law situations require.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with our Boca Raton elder law team →

Also Serving These Palm Beach County Communities

Delray Beach  ·  Boynton Beach  ·  Lake Worth  ·  Wellington  ·  Palm Beach Gardens  ·  Jupiter  ·  Royal Palm Beach  ·  Deerfield Beach  ·  Highland Beach  ·  Palm Beach County

Related Resources on Our Website

•        Florida Medicaid Planning overview

•        Estate planning services

•        Probate attorney services

•        Guardianship attorney services

•        Power of attorney guidance

•        Advance health care directives

•        How to pay for nursing home care

•        Nursing home red flags

•        Special Needs Trust planning

•        Elder law and Medicaid blog

•          Florida Medicaid Planning Book (Amazon)

TESTIMONIALS

What People Say About Us

"Jason and his team are responsive and communicate very well. Jason helped me to get the benefits that I qualified for much faster than expected. I would recommend him highly. My case seemed complicated to me, but Jason explained everything in detail and made everything go quite smoothly. I interviewed several elderlaw attorneys prior to choosing Jason Neufeld."

Mitchell Nm
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"Quick turn around time for appointments, great response time, very thorough, never rushed through and soooo easy to do business with over the internet! Read the website info, very very helpful!"

Linda Cadogan
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“The attorney Jason and his team are amazing at planning and execution. Me and my family would not trust anyone else with our estate planning needs.”

Mo Perez
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“I've been very impressed! A friend referred me and I've experienced nothing but perfect service and professionalism. I am extremely grateful!”

Kim F.

“A strong recommendation for Jason Neufeld and his Elder Law firm - very professional, patient, reliable, and experienced. When my father fell terminally ill, I became responsible for his assets and finances overnight, including the daunting task to qualify him for Medicaid. I interviewed several elder law firms but was most impressed by Jason’s client approach and practices. Throughout the process, Jason and his team provided clear guidance and support to successfully complete all the new and complex tasks required as a POA, and more importantly he enabled us to quickly achieve our goals related to Medicaid and estate planning. His fees are more than reasonable for the level of due diligence and support we received.”

J. Dekate
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Serving Elder Law Clients in the Following Areas

Miami, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Aventura, South Miami, Kendall

‍Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Hollywood, Dania Beach,
Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Pembroke Pines

Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach.

Spring Hill, Hernando Beach,  Brooksville, Land O Lakes, Odessa, Hudson, New Port Ritchey, Tampa

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Elder Needs Law - Office Locations

AVENTURA
(MAIN OFFICE)
(305) 931-0478
2641 NE 207th Street, #100
Aventura, FL 33180
Plantation
(By-Appointment Only)
(954) 329-0418
8551 West Sunrise Blvd,
Suite 102
Plantation, FL 33322
Boca Raton
(By-Appointment Only)
(561) 763-9779
5550 Glades Road, Suite 500
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Spring Hill
(By-Appointment Only)
(352) 570-5133
12511 Spring Hill Dr,
Spring Hill, FL 34609
Miami
(By-Appointment Only)
(305) 889-7768
8950 S.W. 74th Court, Suite 2201-B, Miami, FL 33156
Tampa
(By-Appointment Only)
(813) 279-2798
2102 W Cass St FL 2,
Tampa, FL 33606
Brandon
(By-Appointment Only)
(813) 437-3516
350 East Robertson Street, Suite 101, Brandon, FL 33511
Lakewood Ranch
(By-Appointment Only)
(941) 203-1655
9040 Town Center Pkwy, Suite B, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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All information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this website without first hiring a lawyer licensed in your state to discuss the particular facts and circumstances at issue | Privacy Policy

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