Glossary
Look-Back Period (Medicaid)
Definition
The five-year window before a Medicaid long-term care application during which any uncompensated transfers — gifts, transfers below market value — are reviewed and can trigger a penalty period of ineligibility.
When you apply for Medicaid long-term care, the state looks back 60 months at any asset transfers. Transfers within that window for less than fair market value create a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for long-term care.
California is currently a notable exception with a shorter look-back. Always confirm with a state-specific elder law attorney.
Related terms
- Medicaid Spend-Down — The process of reducing assets and income to meet Medicaid's eligibility limits — usually by paying medical expenses, modifying a home, or using legally permitted asset transfers.
Sources
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