Many Americans think Medicaid is free once they qualify—but few realize it can come with a bill after death. Under federal law, states are required to recover certain Medicaid costs from the estates of recipients who received benefits after age 55. That means your home, car, or bank balance could be used to repay long-term care expenses. For families, it’s often a shocking discovery made only after a loved one passes. But the rules aren’t always black and white. Here’s what to know about Medicaid’s estate recovery program, and when hardship waivers might protect your assets.
