FLORIDA MEDICAID 5-YEAR LOOKBACK: CAN YOU GIVE MONEY TO YOUR CHILDREN BEFORE APPLYING?

By Cynthia Arevalo, Esq., Florida Estate Planning, Elder Law & Probate Attorney | Updated October 2026

You can give money to your children, but if you may need Florida Medicaid long-term care, a gift can create a period of ineligibility. Florida generally reviews transfers made during the 60 months before an application for certain long-term care Medicaid benefits.

What Is the Florida Medicaid 5-Year Lookback?

When someone gives away money, transfers property for less than fair value, or makes certain other uncompensated transfers during the lookback period, Florida Medicaid may impose a transfer penalty. The penalty does not necessarily begin on the date of the gift.

That is why last-minute transfers can create serious problems when someone already needs nursing home care or home- and community-based long-term care.

Are Any Transfers Allowed?

Yes. Some transfers are permitted, and planning options may depend on whether the applicant is married, owns a home, has a disabled child, has a caregiver child, or has other special circumstances.

The biggest mistake is transferring assets first and asking questions later.

Before You Give Away Money or Change a Deed

Before moving money, adding someone's name to property, changing a deed, or making a large gift, speak with a Florida elder law attorney who understands Medicaid planning. What looks like a simple gift today can affect eligibility years later.

Get Advice Before Taking the Next Step

At Arevalo Law P.A., we help families in Hollywood, Broward County, and throughout Florida review income, assets, prior transfers, property ownership, and Medicaid planning options. If an application has already been denied or a transfer has already occurred, there may still be options to review. Contact our office to schedule a Florida elder law consultation. Good Medicaid planning often begins with knowing what not to do.