When I sit down with families to talk about estate planning, the conversation almost always starts with questions about wills, trusts, and “who gets what.” But as we dig deeper, one of the biggest concerns that comes up—especially for those in or approaching retirement—is how to plan for the possibility of needing long-term care. It’s a topic that can feel overwhelming and even a little scary, but it’s also one of the most important pieces of a comprehensive estate plan.
The truth is, most of us will need some form of care as we age, and the costs can be substantial. Without a plan in place, families may find themselves making rushed decisions during a crisis, often at the expense of the assets they worked so hard to build. The good news? With thoughtful planning and the right strategies, you can prepare for long-term care in a way that protects your dignity, your independence, and your legacy.
Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a parent or loved one navigate the aging process, here’s what you need to know about paying for long-term care in Ohio, and how to incorporate it into your estate plan with confidence.
The Real Cost of Long-Term Care
First things first—long-term care isn’t cheap. In Ohio, the average cost of nursing home care is over $100,000 per year, and even in-home care can quickly add up. Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t cover most long-term care needs. That means paying out of pocket unless you’ve planned ahead.
Protecting Your Assets with a Trust
One of the smartest ways to plan ahead is by using an asset protection trust, specifically a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT).
Here’s how it works:
You move certain assets—like your home or savings—into the trust.
As long as the trust is set up at least five years before you apply for Medicaid, those assets aren’t counted against you.
You still get to live in your house and may receive income from the trust, but the principal is protected from nursing home bills.
For families who want to keep the family home in the family, or protect a lifetime of savings, this is a powerful tool.
Qualifying for Medicaid in Ohio
Medicaid is a government program that can help cover long-term care costs, but qualifying takes more than just filling out a form. There are strict rules about how much you can own and earn.
A few things to know:
Single applicants can only have $2,000 in countable assets.
If you’re married, your spouse can usually keep a portion of the assets (called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance).
Medicaid has a 5-year look-back period—so giving money away or transferring property without proper planning can hurt your eligibility.
In some cases, you may also need a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) to handle income that’s over Medicaid’s limit. Don’t worry—we help clients set these up all the time.
Planning ahead, rather than waiting until care is needed, makes a huge difference in what you’re able to preserve.
Curious about your eligibility for Medicaid to pay for long term care in Ohio? Learn more about Ohio Medicaid eligibility here.
Veterans Benefits You Might Not Know About
If you or your spouse is a veteran, you may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance benefits. This is a tax-free monthly payment that can help cover long-term care costs—whether that’s at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility.
To qualify, a veteran must:
Have served at least 90 days of active duty, with one day during wartime
Meet certain financial and medical need requirements
This benefit is often overlooked, but it can provide a big financial boost. We love helping veterans and their families access these funds when they qualify.
Learn more about Veteran’s benefits here.
What About Long-Term Care Insurance?
Another option is long-term care insurance, which helps pay for nursing home care, home care, and other long-term care services. These policies can work well, especially if you purchase them when you’re younger and in good health.
Just keep in mind:
Premiums can get expensive as you age.
Some people are denied coverage based on health conditions.
Many companies have increased rates or stopped offering new policies, so the market is changing.
If you already have a policy, great! Be sure to include it in your estate plan so your agents know how to use it when the time comes.
Hybrid Life Insurance: A Two-in-One Option
Hybrid policies combine permanent life insurance with long-term care coverage. Think of it as getting two benefits from one policy:
If you need long-term care, the policy pays for it.
If you don’t, your loved ones receive the life insurance benefit when you pass.
It’s a great option for people who want peace of mind knowing they’re covered either way.
Don’t Forget These Essentials
Planning for long-term care goes beyond choosing the right financial product. Your estate plan should also include:
A solid Financial Power of Attorney with Medicaid planning powers
A Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will
Proper asset titling and beneficiary designations
A funded trust, if applicable
A clear file or letter of instruction so your family knows your wishes
When all of these pieces work together, you can avoid unnecessary stress and expenses—and make sure your plan actually works when it’s needed.
How We Can Help
At Ohio Heritage Law LLC, we specialize in helping families plan for the future with clarity, confidence, and care. Whether you’re concerned about protecting your home, qualifying for Medicaid, or just want to make sure your family is taken care of, we’ll help you build a plan that fits your life.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s talk about how you can protect your assets, qualify for benefits, and prepare for the unexpected.
Call us at (330) 571-4151 or visit our home page at www.ohioheritagelaw.com to schedule a consultation.
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