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 April 22, 2025 - At a recent meeting of the York East Rotary Club, members were treated to an informative presentation by Erik Spurlin, an elder law attorney with MLP Law Firm. Spurlin specializes in helping families plan for long-term care, and his talk focused on one of the most pressing concerns for many seniors and their loved ones: how to protect their assets in the event of a move to a nursing home. Spurlin began by outlining the average cost of nursing home care in Pennsylvania, which currently exceeds $130,000 per year. He emphasized that without proper planning, these costs can quickly deplete a person’s savings and leave little behind for spouses or heirs. He explained the basics of Medicaid eligibility in Pennsylvania, which is the primary payer for long-term care for individuals who cannot afford it. He walked the club through how Medicaid looks at income and assets, and the concept of the five-year “look-back” period, during which financial gifts or transfers can result in penalties or delayed eligibility. Spurlin also discussed a variety of tools that can be used to protect assets, including irrevocable trusts, annuities, and strategies for spousal protection under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance. He stressed that each family’s situation is unique and encouraged those in attendance to consult with an elder law attorney well before a crisis occurs. Club members asked thoughtful questions about gifting limits, real estate ownership, and the timing of Medicaid applications. Spurlin concluded with a reminder that estate and long-term care planning is not just about money—it’s about peace of mind for families during some of life’s most difficult transitions. |