Hernando County Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorney

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Hernando County has become one of Florida's fastest-growing retirement destinations. Spring Hill, the county's largest community, draws retirees who want the warmth and tax advantages of Florida without the cost and congestion of the Tampa Bay urban core. Brooksville, the county seat, maintains the character of an older Florida town surrounded by oak hammocks and rolling terrain.

Nearly one in four Hernando County residents is age 65 or older, well above the national average. For families who have settled here, built their retirement savings, and now face decisions about long-term care, protecting those assets while planning for Medicaid, probate, and guardianship is exactly the work a Hernando County elder law attorney is built to handle.

Contact Elder Needs Law for a consultation about Florida Medicaid and elder law planning. Call (352) 570-5133 or request a consultation online.

Elder Needs Law, PLLC serves Hernando County clients from its nearby Spring Hill location, available by appointment. The firm is led by Jason Neufeld, Esq., a Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney and author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book. Whether you recently retired to Spring Hill, have lived in Brooksville for decades, or are an adult child helping an aging parent plan ahead, we are here to help. Appointments are available by phone, video, or in person at the Spring Hill office by arrangement.

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Nearest Office for Hernando County Clients

Address 12511 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609
Phone (352) 570-5133
Availability By appointment only. In-person, phone, and video consultations available.
Languages English and Spanish (Hablamos Espanol)
Serving All of Hernando County and surrounding West Central Florida communities
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We serve clients throughout Hernando County, including Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Masaryktown, Ridge Manor, and Aripeka, as well as neighboring Pasco County communities such as Hudson and New Port Richey. Phone and video consultations are available for clients who prefer not to travel. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Why Hernando County Families Need a Trusted Elder Law Attorney

Planning for aging is not the same as general estate planning. A general practitioner can draft a will or a basic trust. Once Medicaid eligibility, nursing home costs, guardianship, or disability planning enters the picture, you need an attorney whose entire practice is dedicated to helping clients with the legal and financial realities of aging.
The cost of long-term care in the Spring Hill area is substantial and rising. Skilled nursing facility care in the Hernando and Pasco County region commonly runs $8,000 to $11,000 per month or more, depending on the level of care and facility. Assisted living in Hernando County typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 per month. Without proper planning, a senior's lifetime savings can be depleted within a year or two.

Medicaid exists to help cover these costs, but qualifying while protecting as much of the family's assets as possible requires careful, strategic planning. Florida's Medicaid rules change every year. Income limits, asset thresholds, the five-year look-back period, exempt property rules, and spousal protections all interact in ways that are difficult to navigate without a knowledgeable Hernando County elder law attorney guiding you through the process.

3 Reasons to Start Planning Early

  • More strategies stay available. Planning ahead opens options that disappear once someone is already in a facility or applying under pressure.
  • You avoid costly mistakes. An accidental transfer or the wrong asset titling can create a Medicaid penalty period that proper planning would have prevented.
  • Your family has a roadmap. Clear documents spare loved ones from guessing during a crisis.

Hernando County Medicaid Planning Attorney for Spring Hill Seniors

Medicaid planning is the cornerstone of what we do. Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care 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 Hernando County families find that qualifying is more achievable than they expected, especially with experienced legal guidance from an attorney dedicated to helping clients with Florida Medicaid planning.

2026 Florida Medicaid Eligibility at a Glance

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 the non-applying spouse
Minimum monthly income for community spouse (MMMNA) $2,644, up to a maximum of $4,066.50
Home equity limit Up to approximately $752,000
Look-back period 60 months (5 years)
Personal needs allowance (nursing home) $160 per month
Figures are current as of January 2026 and are adjusted periodically. Always confirm the latest numbers against current Florida DCF eligibility standards or with our office before relying on them.
If your income exceeds the limit, you may still qualify through a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), sometimes called a Miller Trust. Not meeting a threshold today does not mean you cannot qualify. This is where guidance from an attorney experienced in Florida Medicaid planning makes all the difference.

What Medicaid Planning Involves

  • 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 and income-first calculations
  • Create or modify an irrevocable trust to shelter assets outside the look-back window
  • Navigate Medicaid applications with the Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Appeal a Medicaid denial when an application has been improperly rejected
Have Medicaid questions specific to your situation? Speak with a Hernando County Medicaid planning attorney.

Elder Law Services We Provide to Hernando County Clients

Estate Planning

An estate plan is more than a will. For seniors and their families in Spring Hill and Brooksville, 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 keep flexible control during your lifetime
  • Durable Power of Attorney naming 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 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 your estate does not inadvertently disqualify you from benefits you need

Probate

When a loved one passes away, their estate may need to go through Florida's probate process. Hernando County probate and guardianship matters are handled by the 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Our probate attorneys are well-versed in the circuit's procedures and can handle formal or summary administration, represent personal representatives, resolve creditor claims, and work to minimize costs and timelines.

Summary Administration may be available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years or if the total value of non-exempt assets is less than $75,000. Because protected homestead property is excluded from this limit, many estates involving Spring Hill or Brooksville homes still qualify for this faster, less costly process.

Guardianship

When a senior can no longer make safe decisions due to dementia, a stroke, or a serious illness, a Florida court can appoint a legal guardian. Our guardianship attorneys are knowledgeable about Hernando County court procedures and help families determine whether guardianship is necessary, file petitions, navigate the process, and protect the ward's interests throughout.

Special Needs Planning

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

Hernando County Probate and Guardianship Court

Circuit : 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Main Courthouse : 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
Spring Hill Branch : 7405 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Probate Clerk Phone : (352) 754-4201
Probate Email : hernandoprobate@circuit5.org
Hours : Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:

Circuit 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Main Courthouse 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
Spring Hill Branch 7405 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Probate Clerk Phone (352) 754-4201
Probate Email hernandoprobate@circuit5.org
Hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All probate and guardianship matters for Hernando County are handled by the 5th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Court's main office in Brooksville handles official correspondence, while the Spring Hill branch on Forest Oaks Boulevard provides convenient access for residents in the county's largest community. Our elder law team is well-versed in the circuit's filing requirements and case completion timelines.

Getting to Our Nearest Office from Hernando County

Appointments for Hernando County clients are held at 12511 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609, by arrangement. Phone and video consultations are also available and are a convenient option for clients throughout the county who prefer not to travel.
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From Brooksville

Take US-19 South (Commercial Way) approximately 11 miles into Spring Hill. Turn left onto Spring Hill Drive. The office will be on the right. Allow approximately 20 to 25 minutes from the Brooksville Courthouse.
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From Weeki Wachee and Northern Spring Hill

Head south on US-19 (Cortez Blvd) into Spring Hill and turn onto Spring Hill Drive heading east. Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
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From Hudson and New Port Richey

Take US-19 North from Hudson or New Port Richey into Spring Hill and turn onto Spring Hill Drive. Allow approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
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From Tampa and Land O Lakes

Take I-75 North and follow SR-50 West toward Spring Hill, then turn onto Spring Hill Drive. Alternatively, take US-41 North to US-19 and head north into Spring Hill. Allow approximately 45 to 55 minutes without traffic.

Parking is available on-site at the Spring Hill location. Please call ahead or schedule online to arrange your appointment before visiting.

Senior Care Facilities Near Spring Hill and Brooksville

Families often need a reference point when a loved one needs care. The facilities below serve Hernando County. Before committing to any facility, verify current ratings and inspection reports through the AHCA Florida Health Finder facility search, and consider visiting in person.

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

Evergreen Woods Health and Rehabilitation Center‍

7045 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill, FL 34608. A 116-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility offering long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and specialty care for Hernando County seniors.

Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center

12170 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613. A 120-bed skilled nursing community in northern Spring Hill, accepting Medicare and Medicaid.

Northbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center

Brooksville, FL. A 120-bed facility accepting private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid, providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Heron Pointe Health and Rehabilitation

1445 Howell Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601. Located near the Brooksville Courthouse, serving both short-term and long-term skilled nursing needs.

Brooksville Healthcare Center

1114 Chatman Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601. A nonprofit skilled nursing and therapy facility providing memory care and long-term care in a community setting.

Assisted Living and Memory Care

The Residence at Timber Pines

3140 Forest Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34606. Assisted living and memory care with personalized care plans and a full activities calendar.

Crown Pointe of Spring Hill

11291 County Line Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. Assisted living and memory care with full-time nursing, 24-hour security, and daily programming for up to 58 residents.

Tangerine Cove of Brooksville

725 DeSoto Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601. A 170-resident assisted living and Alzheimer's care community with walking trails and 24-hour staff.

Facility information is provided for reference only. Elder Needs Law does not endorse and has no financial relationship with the facilities listed. We recommend that families visit in person and review state inspection reports through AHCA before making any care decision.

Local Elder Law Resources in Hernando County

Elder Options, Area Agency on Aging for Hernando County

Elder Options is the state-designated Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center for Hernando County. The agency operates the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243, which serves as Florida's entry point for long-term care programs and senior resources in the region. Elder Options also administers the SHINE program, providing free and unbiased Medicare counseling, and runs the Care Transitions Program to help seniors return home safely after a hospital or nursing home stay.

Hernando County Senior Services, Multiservice Center

Main Office : (352) 796-1425
Senior Services Line : (352) 796-1426

The Multiservice Center for Seniors connects Hernando County residents with in-home care, meal programs, transportation, and benefits assistance. Call the Senior Services line to inquire about eligibility and available programs in Spring Hill, Brooksville, and surrounding communities.
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SHINE, Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders

SHINE counselors provide free, confidential counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage, and long-term care insurance through Elder Options. This is a helpful first step for Hernando County families sorting through Medicare plan choices or trying to understand how Medicare and Medicaid interact. Reach SHINE through the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243.

Florida DCF, Medicaid Applications

Medicaid applications for Hernando County are processed through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Submit online through the ACCESS Florida portal or in person at a local DCF service center. Our office regularly assists families with the application process to ensure submissions are complete and accurate.

Adult Protective Services

Reporting Line : 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Adult Protective Services investigates elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and provides emergency services to high-risk older adults in Hernando County.

Why Families in Hernando County Choose Elder Needs Law

1

Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney

Jason Neufeld, Esq. holds Florida Bar Board Certification in Elder Law, a designation earned by fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers. The certification process 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 are working with an attorney focused on elder law, not a generalist who occasionally handles elder matters.

2

Published and Well-Versed in Florida Medicaid Law

Jason is the author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book, available on Amazon in print and audio. Informed clients make better decisions and experience better outcomes.

3

Appointments Available for Hernando County Clients

Hernando County clients can schedule appointments at the nearby Spring Hill office, by phone, or by video. In-person visits at the Spring Hill location are available by arrangement. We understand that traveling can be a challenge for older clients and their families, and we make the process as accessible as possible.

4

Bilingual Service

We serve Spanish-speaking clients and families throughout Hernando County and West Central Florida. Hablamos Espanol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does a Hernando County elder law attorney cost?
A. 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 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 experienced legal guidance 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 Qualified Income Trust (QIT). Limits differ for married couples and for different Medicaid programs.
Q. Can I still qualify for Medicaid if I have too many assets?
A. Often, yes. While a single applicant must have no more than $2,000 in countable assets, there are many legal strategies to reduce countable assets in permissible ways, such as purchasing exempt assets, paying off debts, making home improvements, establishing irrevocable trusts, and using Medicaid-compliant annuities. The key is working with an attorney experienced in Florida Medicaid planning before making any financial moves.
Q. Does Medicaid take my house in Florida?
A. Not while you or a qualified dependent lives in it. Your primary residence is generally an exempt asset for eligibility purposes. Florida has an estate recovery program that can seek reimbursement after death, but tools like the Lady Bird Deed can protect your home from that process.
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 benefits, the state reviews financial transactions going back five years. Gifts and transfers below fair market value during this window can create a penalty period of ineligibility, though attorneys experienced in Medicaid planning often have tools to minimize or eliminate penalties.
Q. Do you serve clients throughout Hernando County, or only Spring Hill?
A. We serve the entire county, including Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Masaryktown, Ridge Manor, and surrounding unincorporated areas, as well as neighboring Pasco County communities such as Hudson and New Port Richey. Appointments are available in person at the nearby Spring Hill office by arrangement, or by phone and video for clients who prefer not to travel.
Q. Do I need to visit the office in person?
A. No. Phone and video consultations are available and work well for most matters. The Spring Hill office is available for in-person appointments by arrangement for clients who prefer to meet face to face.

Schedule a Consultation with a Hernando County Elder Law Attorney

You do not have to navigate these decisions alone. Whether you are beginning to think about long-term care planning, facing an immediate Medicaid application, managing the loss of a loved one, or protecting a family member who can no longer care for themselves, Elder Needs Law is here to help. Our team serves families throughout Hernando County with knowledge, responsiveness, and genuine care for the people we work with.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with our Hernando County elder law team or call (352) 570-5133.

Also Serving These Hernando County and West Central Florida Communities

Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Masaryktown, Ridge Manor, Aripeka, Hudson (Pasco County), New Port Richey (Pasco County), Land O Lakes (Pasco 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

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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

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Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Pembroke Pines

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

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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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