Can I qualify for Florida Medicaid if I have significant assets?

Yes. Florida Medicaid looks at countable assets, not total wealth. Many assets are exempt, and legal strategies including irrevocable trusts, Medicaid-compliant annuities, and spousal protections can reduce countable assets while preserving real wealth.

What is the Medicaid look-back period in Florida?

Florida Medicaid reviews all financial transactions made in the 60 months before an application. Improper transfers during this period can trigger a penalty delaying eligibility. Early planning is the most effective way to avoid look-back issues.

Do I need a new Florida estate plan if I moved here from another state?

Yes. Florida has unique probate rules, homestead laws, and Medicaid planning tools like the Lady Bird Deed. Out-of-state documents may be legally valid but are rarely optimized for Florida's specific rules.

How does Palm Beach County probate work?

Palm Beach County probate cases are handled by the 15th Judicial Circuit at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. The court uses a structured electronic filing system with specific checklist requirements. Familiarity with 15th Circuit procedures helps cases move efficiently.

Palm Beach Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorney

CALL US NOW

GET CONSULTATION

The Palm Beach area is one of Florida's most distinctive elder law markets. The Town of Palm Beach itself has one of the highest concentrations of seniors anywhere in the country, with more than 62% of its residents aged 65 or older. The surrounding communities, including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Wellington, draw a steady stream of retirees and wealthy snowbirds who spend their winters here and are increasingly putting down permanent roots. Many of these families have built substantial financial legacies and need thoughtful, sophisticated legal guidance to protect them.

Elder Needs Law, PLLC serves families throughout northern Palm Beach County. Led by Jason Neufeld, Esq., a Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney and author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book, our firm brings the same board-certified expertise to Medicaid planning, estate planning, probate, and guardianship that Palm Beach County families deserve. Whether you are managing a parent's long-term care transition, planning ahead to protect your own assets, or navigating Medicaid for the first time, we are ready to help.

Serving Northern Palm Beach County

Elder Needs Law serves Palm Beach County clients from our Boca Raton office at 5550 Glades Road, Suite 500, as well as through phone and video consultations for clients who prefer not to travel. We provide in-person, phone, and video appointments for families throughout the northern Palm Beach County region.

Primary Service Area West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, Tequesta

Appointments In-person, phone, and video – by appointment

Languages English and Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Ready to get started? Contact our office to schedule your consultation.

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning in Palm Beach County

For families in the Palm Beach area, elder law planning carries distinct considerations. Many residents have accumulated significant wealth through careers, real estate, and investments, and their primary concern is protecting those assets while still qualifying for Medicaid when long-term care becomes necessary. Others are recent retirees or seasonal residents who have relocated permanently and are establishing Florida-based estate plans for the first time.

What unites these families is the need for an attorney who understands both the legal complexity of Florida Medicaid and the financial sophistication of the clients they serve. A general estate planning attorney who occasionally handles elder matters is rarely sufficient for Medicaid planning in a high-asset environment. The strategies that protect a $300,000 estate look very different from those that protect a $1.5 million one, and both require experienced, current guidance.

Private nursing home care in Palm Beach County averages between $9,000 and $10,900 per month for a private room, with assisted living running $4,000 to $5,500 per month. Our guide on how to pay for nursing home and assisted living care covers all major funding options available to Florida families and is a useful first read before your consultation.

Medicaid Planning for Palm Beach Area Seniors

Florida's Medicaid planning rules can feel overwhelming, particularly for families with significant assets who assume they simply will not qualify. That assumption is often wrong. With the right legal strategy, many high-asset families achieve Medicaid eligibility while preserving a meaningful portion of their estate for spouses and heirs.

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	Up to $162,660 retained by non-applying spouse
Home equity exemption	Up to approx. $730,000 if spouse resides there or applicant intends to return
Look-back period	60 months (5 years)
Personal needs allowance in nursing home	$160 per month

Countable assets above the $2,000 limit do not automatically disqualify a family. Legal strategies including Qualifying Income Trusts, irrevocable Medicaid asset protection trusts, Medicaid-compliant annuities, and spousal protections under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance can bring a family into eligibility while protecting substantial wealth. Our article on protecting your Florida home with a Medicaid asset protection trust explains one of the most effective tools available to Palm Beach County homeowners.

Because timing governs which strategies remain available, the earlier planning begins the better. Florida Medicaid's 60-month look-back period means that transfers made within five years of an application can result in a penalty. Beginning the planning conversation now, even if care is not yet needed, is always the right move. See our article on when to hire an elder law attorney for guidance on the key planning milestones.

Questions about Medicaid eligibility for your family? Speak with a Palm Beach Medicaid planning attorney.

Elder Law Services We Provide in Palm Beach County

Estate Planning

A complete estate plan for a Palm Beach area senior integrates asset protection with Medicaid readiness. Our estate planning attorneys prepare the full suite of documents: a revocable living trust to avoid probate and maintain privacy, a durable power of attorney with Medicaid-compliant language, advance directives and a healthcare surrogate designation, and a Lady Bird Deed where appropriate to protect real property from Medicaid estate recovery. Every plan is designed so that estate and Medicaid strategies reinforce each other rather than work at cross-purposes.

Probate

Estates in Palm Beach County go through the 15th Judicial Circuit Court at 205 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Whether the estate is straightforward or contested, our probate attorneys handle formal and summary administration, represent personal representatives throughout, manage creditor claims, and structure estates to minimize future probate exposure. For families who want to avoid probate entirely, we build that objective into the estate plan from the start through trusts, beneficiary designations, and strategic titling.

Navigating a Palm Beach County probate matter? Talk to our probate attorney today.

Guardianship

When a senior can no longer manage their own affairs safely due to dementia, a stroke, or serious illness, the 15th Judicial Circuit handles guardianship proceedings for Palm Beach County. Our attorneys help families assess whether guardianship is the right path or whether a properly drafted durable power of attorney can accomplish the same protective goals with less court involvement. When guardianship is necessary, we guide families through the process efficiently and with care.

Special Needs Planning

Families with a disabled child or dependent can protect their loved one's access to Medicaid and SSI while still leaving them meaningful assets through a Special Needs Trust. We help Palm Beach County families structure both first-party and third-party SNTs and coordinate special needs planning with the broader family estate plan.

Senior Care Facilities in the Palm Beach Area

Families in northern Palm Beach County have access to a strong range of senior care options. The facilities below serve the West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jupiter corridor. For guidance on evaluating any facility before committing, our article on nursing home red flags to watch for is a helpful starting point.

MorseLife Health System (Morse Geriatric Center)

4847 David S. Mack Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417

Nationally recognized, award-winning senior health system offering long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, independent living (The Levin Palace), hospice, and the only PACE program in Palm Beach County. Multiple U.S. News Best Nursing Home designations and AHCA five-star rating.

Rehabilitation Center of the Palm Beaches

301 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation facility serving West Palm Beach. Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy with individualized care plans for post-surgical and post-acute recovery.

Palm Garden of West Palm Beach

2300 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Short-term and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility focused on restoring independence and returning patients safely home. Interdisciplinary rehab team with personalized recovery programs.

The Gardens Court

3600 Masterpiece Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Life Care Centers of America skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Palm Beach Gardens, within 10 minutes of both Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and Jupiter Medical Center. Specializes in orthopedic and back-to-golf rehabilitation.

Devonshire by Erickson Senior Living

4000 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Full-service retirement community within the PGA National community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Rated among the top senior living communities in Palm Beach Gardens.

Facility information is provided for reference only. Elder Needs Law has no financial relationship with any facility listed. Ownership, ratings, and services can change. Verify current status directly with each facility and through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before making care decisions.

Key Senior Resources in Palm Beach County

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 connecting Palm Beach County seniors to Medicaid Long-Term Care coordination, home and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition programs, and legal referrals. The helpline is a strong first call for families who are not sure where to begin.

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 housing, food assistance, medical care, transportation, and crisis intervention. The Elder Crisis Outreach program provides one-on-one advocacy for at-risk seniors across all of Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach County Probate and Guardianship Court

Court 15th Judicial Circuit Court

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

All probate and guardianship matters for Palm Beach County, including cases arising in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Wellington, are filed with the 15th Judicial Circuit. The county's Elder Justice Center, one of the first in the country, coordinates court access and legal and social services for adults over 60. Our probate and guardianship attorneys are experienced with the 15th Circuit's filing requirements and procedures.

Why Palm Beach County Families Choose Elder Needs Law

Board-certified expertise. Jason Neufeld, Esq. holds Florida Bar Board Certification in Elder Law, a credential earned by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys. It requires a rigorous examination, demonstrated experience, and peer recognition. For Palm Beach County families with complex financial situations, working with a verified specialist rather than a generalist matters.

Published authority. Jason is the author of the Florida Medicaid Planning Book, a practical guide for families navigating Medicaid options and long-term care costs in Florida. Available on Amazon in print and audio, the book reflects the firm's philosophy that educated clients reach better outcomes.

Accessible and bilingual. We offer in-person consultations at our Boca Raton office as well as phone and video appointments for clients throughout northern Palm Beach County. Our team serves Spanish-speaking clients throughout the region. Hablamos Español.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have significant assets. Can I still qualify for Florida Medicaid?

A. Yes, in many cases. Florida Medicaid looks at countable assets, not total wealth. Many assets, including your primary home (up to a certain equity value), one vehicle, personal property, and properly structured irrevocable trusts, are exempt. Legal strategies including Medicaid-compliant annuities, spousal protections, and permissible spend-down can reduce countable assets while preserving real wealth. High-asset planning is one of the areas where working with a specialist matters most. Contact us to review your specific situation.

Q. What is the Medicaid look-back period and how does it affect planning?

A. Florida Medicaid reviews all financial transactions made in the 60 months before an application for improper transfers. Gifts, asset transfers below fair market value, and certain trust contributions during this period can trigger a penalty that delays eligibility. The look-back period is one of the main reasons to begin planning early. Even if a crisis has already occurred, an experienced attorney may still be able to minimize penalties. Our Medicaid planning page covers the look-back rules in detail.

Q. What happens to my spouse's assets if I need nursing home care?

Florida's spousal impoverishment protections allow the community spouse, the one remaining at home, to retain a significant portion of the couple's assets. In 2026, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance is up to $162,660. Income protections also apply. These rules are nuanced and depend on what you own and how assets are titled. An experienced Medicaid planning attorney can walk you through the options and help maximize what your spouse retains.

Q. Do I need a separate Florida estate plan if I moved here from another state?

A. Yes. Florida has its own probate rules, homestead laws, and estate planning tools, including the Lady Bird Deed, that do not exist in most other states. If your documents were drafted in another state, they may still be legally valid in Florida but are likely not optimized for Florida's Medicaid rules, homestead protections, or probate procedures. Our estate planning attorneys regularly update out-of-state plans for Florida residents and new arrivals.

Q. How is the Palm Beach County probate process different from other counties?

A. Palm Beach County probate cases are handled by the 15th Judicial Circuit, which operates a structured electronic filing and scheduling system. The court has specific checklist and workflow requirements that must be met before a file advances. While the underlying Florida probate law is the same statewide, familiarity with 15th Circuit procedures and staff expectations matters in practice. Our probate attorneys have that familiarity and can guide families through the process efficiently.

Have questions about your specific situation? Schedule a consultation with our Palm Beach elder law team.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Palm Beach County Team

Whether you are a longtime Palm Beach County resident, a retiree who has recently relocated to the area, or a seasonal resident considering making Florida your permanent home, Elder Needs Law is ready to help you plan with confidence. Our board-certified elder law attorneys understand both the legal complexity and the financial sophistication that Palm Beach County families bring to these decisions.

Ready to get started? Contact our Palm Beach team →

Communities We Serve in Northern Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach · Palm Beach Gardens · Jupiter · Wellington · Royal Palm Beach · North Palm Beach · Lake Worth · Riviera Beach · Tequesta · Greenacres · Boca Raton · Boynton Beach

Related Resources on Our Website

• 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

• Boca Raton elder law attorney

• Elder law and Medicaid blog

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

Google Review

"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

Google Review

“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

Google Review

“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

VIEW MORE REVIEWS

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

GET THE BOOK

Let's Talk

We need to verify that you are not a bot.

Please enter your primary email address below so we can send you a verification link. We know this requires a little extra time, so we send two valuable guides to Estate Planning and Medicare Planning for your trouble. We will never spam you!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form

Elder Needs Law - Office Locations

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

Text Us

To contact us, please text this number:

305-363-1955

By texting us you authorize Elder Needs Law, PLLC to send text messages and marketing content to the mobile number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message & data rates apply. Message frequency may vary. Text HELP for support or more information. Text STOP to opt out at any time.