Every month, thousands of people apply for Medicaid only to be denied—often because of a rule they didn’t even know existed. It’s called the “look-back period,” and it quietly disqualifies applicants who made certain financial moves years ago. This rule is designed to prevent people from giving away assets just to qualify for benefits, but it often punishes those who acted in good faith. If you or a loved one is planning for long-term care, understanding this Medicaid rule is essential. A single misstep could delay or derail your eligibility.
