Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Medicaid is back in the news, and the headlines aren’t exactly comforting. With over 70 million Americans depending on Medicaid—seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families alike—it’s no wonder folks are paying attention.
Here at Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, we’re not in the business of panic. We’re in the business of preparation. Because no matter what’s happening in Washington, the best way to protect your future is to plan for it.
What’s Going On With Medicaid?
Right now, Congress is hashing out ways to balance the federal budget, and guess what’s on the chopping block? Yep—Medicaid.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is being asked to identify nearly $880 billion in savings. To put it plainly, that kind of number is hard to hit without taking a good hard look at Medicaid.
While no final decisions have been made (yet), some of the proposals on the table include:
- Scaling back federal funding to states that expanded Medicaid
- Introducing work requirements for certain recipients
- Tightening eligibility for specific groups, particularly non-citizens
- Targeting “waste, fraud, and abuse” (a.k.a. bureaucratic red tape)
Some lawmakers say they’ll protect the most vulnerable. Others are sounding the alarm. The truth? We don’t know what will happen—but the uncertainty is reason enough to take action now.
Why This Matters (Even If Nothing Happens Yet)
Let’s face it—these debates are unsettling. Even if things don’t change tomorrow, families are left wondering: Will my care still be covered? Will my loved one lose benefits? What if we can’t afford long-term care?
The hard truth is that Medicaid is the go-to source for nursing home care for millions of Americans. And if the rules change, families without a solid plan could be left scrambling.
You Can’t Predict the Future—But You Can Plan for It
That’s where we come in.
At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, we help families create forward-thinking plans that don’t rely on government stability. We’re talking real strategies to help you protect what matters—your home, your savings, and your ability to get the care you deserve.
Here are just a few of the tools we use:
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs): Keep your home and hard-earned savings safe
- Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives: Make sure someone you trust can step in if needed
- Customized Estate Plans: Adaptable and built with potential law changes in mind
- Long-Term Care Planning: Because it’s not just about today—it’s about tomorrow (and next year, and the next)
Don’t Let Uncertainty Become a Crisis
Laws change. Budgets fluctuate. But your family’s well-being shouldn’t be left hanging in the balance.
If you’re already using Medicaid, might need it down the road, or just want to keep your options open—we need to talk. Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis (because planning under pressure is not where anyone wants to be).
Ready to feel confident about your future—even if Washington can’t get it together?
Request a Consultation with Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, and let’s create a plan that puts your mind at ease, no matter what the headlines say.
