Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid Planning in Sewanee
Medicaid planning can be an essential part of protecting assets and ensuring access to long-term care when a loved one needs it. At Jay Johnson Law Firm, we help Sewanee residents and families understand options under Tennessee law and how those options affect eligibility, care choices, and family finances. This introduction explains the basics you need to consider before taking action, including timing, documentation, and the most common planning strategies used locally to preserve benefits while addressing care needs and legal requirements.
Decisions made now about asset protection, income rules, and placement of resources can change the availability of long-term care benefits later. In Sewanee and across Franklin County, careful planning helps families arrange care and minimize unexpected financial burdens. This overview covers typical scenarios that lead families to pursue Medicaid planning, the types of services available through estate planning and probate practice areas, and how a local legal approach can align with state rules to protect client interests and family security.
Why Medicaid Planning Matters for Sewanee Families
Medicaid planning matters because it can preserve lifetime savings, home ownership, and family financial stability while qualifying a person for needed care. For many Sewanee households, planning prevents the rapid depletion of assets when nursing care or in-home services become necessary. Proper planning also provides peace of mind by clarifying who will make decisions about care and finances and by reducing the likelihood of family disputes. When executed under Tennessee law, planning strategies can balance benefit eligibility with dignity, allowing individuals to remain in familiar settings whenever possible.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Medicaid Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves Tennessee clients from Hendersonville to Sewanee, offering estate planning and probate services that include Medicaid planning. Our approach focuses on clear communication, careful review of financial circumstances, and customized legal documents that reflect client goals and comply with state rules. We guide families through eligibility assessments, transfer considerations, and long-term care arrangements, emphasizing practical solutions and timely planning. Our aim is to help Sewanee residents secure benefits while protecting assets and maintaining family harmony throughout the process.
Understanding Medicaid Planning in Tennessee
Medicaid planning involves analyzing income, assets, and care needs to develop strategies that comply with Tennessee Medicaid rules and protect family resources. This often includes reviewing bank accounts, property ownership, trusts, and existing estate plans to determine how changes may affect eligibility. Effective planning is proactive and tailored to the individual’s timeline and health outlook, helping families decide whether immediate measures or delayed steps are most appropriate. A clear understanding of federal and state requirements is necessary for making choices that will hold up under program review.
Many clients come to Medicaid planning with questions about spousal protections, home ownership, and the timing of transfers or trust funding. Tennessee has rules that allow certain protections for spouses and dependents, and learning how those protections operate can prevent unnecessary loss of resources. Planning also addresses administrative procedures, documentation needed for applications, and what to expect during eligibility assessments. The goal is to make the process less stressful and more predictable for families facing the prospect of long-term care.
What Medicaid Planning Entails
Medicaid planning refers to legal and financial steps to help individuals qualify for Medicaid benefits for long-term care while minimizing the impact on family assets. It includes analysis of countable assets, income rules, exemptions such as a primary residence, and allowable transfers. Strategies may use trusts, annuities, or structured transfers consistent with state law, always considering look-back periods and potential penalties. The objective is to align personal resources with program rules so that needed care can be obtained without unnecessary financial hardship for the individual or family.
Key Elements and Typical Processes in Medicaid Planning
Key elements include a complete financial inventory, documentation of medical needs, identification of exempt assets, and the assessment of transfer look-back rules. The process commonly begins with a detailed consultation to gather financial and medical information, followed by a written plan that may recommend trusts, qualified income trusts, or other tools permitted under Tennessee law. Careful attention to timing and reporting is essential, as is coordination with existing estate planning documents to ensure consistency and avoid unintended consequences for beneficiaries and family members.
Key Terms and Glossary for Medicaid Planning
Understanding common terms makes planning more approachable. This glossary highlights words and concepts you will encounter in conversations about Medicaid planning in Tennessee, helping demystify legal language and enabling better decision making. Familiarity with these terms prepares families for meetings and paperwork, and reduces surprises during application review. The definitions below are presented in straightforward language to support Sewanee residents in navigating eligibility criteria and planning options.
Countable Assets
Countable assets are resources the state reviews when determining Medicaid eligibility. These typically include bank accounts, investments, certain vehicles, and nonexempt real estate. The value of countable assets must be below specified limits for an individual to qualify. Understanding which assets are countable, and which are exempt, allows families to plan effectively to protect property like a primary residence or certain personal effects. Strategies focus on reorganizing assets within legal limits to meet eligibility while minimizing long-term loss of family wealth.
Look-Back Period
The look-back period is a timeframe during which Medicaid reviews asset transfers to determine if penalties apply. Tennessee evaluates transfers made within this period to calculate potential ineligibility periods, so timing is a critical consideration. Transfers that appear to reduce resources to qualify for benefits can trigger delays in eligibility. Planning must account for these rules, and families often need to consider whether immediate action or delayed planning better serves their long-term goals given the look-back implications.
Exempt Assets
Exempt assets are items the state does not count toward Medicaid eligibility limits. Common exemptions include a primary residence up to certain equity limits, personal belongings, and certain types of income or resources for a spouse or dependent. Proper documentation and clear ownership records help ensure that exempt assets remain protected during eligibility review. Identifying exempt assets early in the planning process supports strategies that preserve family property while meeting program requirements.
Qualified Income Trust
A qualified income trust is a legal tool used when an applicant’s income is above Medicaid income limits but still needs benefits for long-term care. Income placed into the trust may help meet eligibility standards under Tennessee rules while ensuring funds are used for care and related expenses. Establishing such a trust requires proper drafting and administration to comply with program requirements. It can be a practical option for families balancing monthly income with the cost of nursing home or in-home care arrangements.
Comparing Medicaid Planning Options in Sewanee
Families have several paths to consider when planning for Medicaid, from limited document updates to comprehensive asset restructuring. The right choice depends on health prognosis, the timeline for care needs, family dynamics, and asset composition. A comparative view helps Sewanee residents understand trade-offs between simplicity and protection. Limited approaches may be quicker and less intrusive, while full planning may offer more robust long-term protection. Each option requires compliance with Tennessee rules and careful documentation to avoid unintended eligibility issues.
When a Limited Planning Approach May Be Appropriate:
Short-Term Care Needs and Clear Eligibility
A limited planning approach can be sufficient when care needs are expected to be short-term and the individual already meets Medicaid financial eligibility. In such cases, updating documents like powers of attorney and ensuring current financial statements may be all that is needed. This path minimizes disruption and cost, focusing on ensuring applications are complete and timely. For Sewanee families with predictable circumstances, a targeted review can provide the necessary protection without broader asset transfers or complex instruments.
Minimal Assets and Straightforward Finances
When the applicant’s asset picture is simple and below Medicaid thresholds, a limited approach often suffices. This scenario typically involves few accounts, clear ownership, and no complex property issues. The planning emphasis is on documentation, assistance with the application process, and verifying exemptions such as primary residence protections. For Sewanee residents in this position, the focus is on smooth processing and ensuring the family understands reporting requirements and follow-up steps to maintain benefits once they begin.
Why a Comprehensive Planning Strategy May Be Necessary:
Significant Assets or Complex Ownership Structures
Comprehensive planning becomes important when an individual has significant assets, multiple properties, or complex ownership arrangements that could affect eligibility. In those cases, a detailed strategy can reorganize holdings within legal constraints to protect family resources while pursuing benefits. Comprehensive work may include trusts, re-titling, or using allowable income tools to align with Tennessee Medicaid rules. This approach requires careful timing and documentation but can provide long-term protection against asset depletion for families facing extended care needs.
Anticipated Long-Term Care Needs and Family Considerations
When long-term care is likely, and family members want to preserve a legacy or maintain financial stability for a spouse, comprehensive planning is often appropriate. This planning evaluates options to protect both the person needing care and their spouse or dependents, taking into account income rules, resource limits, and future care costs. For Sewanee households, comprehensive strategies can help ensure continuity of care without sacrificing long-term family goals, balancing eligibility needs with reasonable protection for heirs and surviving family members.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Medicaid Planning Approach
A comprehensive approach reduces the risk of unexpected ineligibility periods, preserves more of the individual’s estate, and provides a coordinated plan for long-term care funding. It also clarifies roles and responsibilities among family members and creates documentation that supports applications and appeals. By addressing both legal and practical aspects of care and finances, families in Sewanee can pursue benefits with greater predictability, knowing that planning choices were made with state rules and future needs in mind.
Comprehensive planning offers continuity by aligning estate planning documents with Medicaid strategies, reducing the potential for conflict or confusion later on. It can also help protect a spouse’s standard of living through spousal allowances and properly structured income arrangements. Careful planning minimizes the administrative burden during stressful times and supports smoother transitions to care settings. Ultimately, a broad plan provides families with practical options to meet care needs while retaining as much of their financial legacy as legally possible.
Asset Preservation for Families
One key benefit of a comprehensive approach is better protection of family assets from being consumed by long-term care costs. Through careful review and lawful planning tools, it’s often possible to shelter a larger portion of savings and property while complying with Medicaid rules. This protection helps ensure that a surviving spouse or heirs retain necessary resources, and it can reduce the emotional and financial strain on family members who might otherwise face difficult choices about care and support in Sewanee and surrounding areas.
Clarity and Peace of Mind
Comprehensive planning delivers clarity about how care will be funded, who will make decisions, and what happens to assets over time. Having documented plans and structured approaches reduces family uncertainty and potential disputes during a health crisis. For Sewanee residents, this peace of mind is invaluable, as it allows families to focus on care and quality of life rather than administrative stress. Clear planning also simplifies interactions with nursing facilities and Medicaid reviewers by providing consistent records and documentation.
Practice Areas
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Practical Tips for Medicaid Planning
Start planning early
Begin Medicaid planning sooner rather than later to allow for lawful strategies that require time to take effect under Tennessee rules. Early planning can avoid penalties from transfers during the look-back period and provide more options for asset protection. It also gives families time to gather documentation, coordinate with financial institutions, and update estate planning documents. A proactive timeline reduces stress during health declines and increases the likelihood that a chosen plan will achieve the family’s financial and care goals.
Keep clear records
Coordinate with other planning documents
Ensure your Medicaid planning aligns with wills, powers of attorney, and trust documents to avoid conflicts and unintended consequences. Coordination creates a cohesive plan that addresses decision making, asset protection, and the distribution of property. This holistic view reduces the chance that one document will undermine another and provides a clearer roadmap for family members and caregivers. For Sewanee families, coordinated planning simplifies transitions and supports consistent handling of legal and financial matters.
Reasons to Consider Medicaid Planning in Sewanee
Families should consider Medicaid planning when there is a reasonable expectation of needing long-term care, when preserving a home or savings matters, or when a spouse or dependent requires protection from depleted resources. Planning helps anticipate how care costs will be met and reduces surprises during the application process. For many in Sewanee, this planning is a way to balance current needs with long-term financial goals so that care decisions do not force the rapid erosion of family assets or create unnecessary stress for surviving family members.
Another strong reason to pursue planning is to provide structure and clarity for family decision makers when health declines make choices urgent. Legal documents and a clear Medicaid plan can reduce conflict, expedite care placement, and ensure funds are available for necessary services. Planning also offers options that preserve a reasonable lifestyle for a spouse and reduce the administrative burden during what can be an emotionally difficult time. Ultimately, preparation supports better outcomes for individuals and their families.
Common Situations That Lead Families to Seek Medicaid Planning
Typical circumstances include a recent health decline requiring long-term care, a diagnosis that makes future nursing care likely, significant healthcare expenses that threaten savings, or concerns about preserving a home for a spouse or heirs. Families also seek planning when an elderly person needs help managing finances or when children want to ensure a parent’s care without exhausting the estate. In Sewanee, these scenarios prompt conversations about timing, asset protection, and how to comply with Tennessee Medicaid requirements.
Sudden Need for Long-Term Care
A sudden medical event that necessitates long-term care often triggers urgent Medicaid planning. When hospitalization leads to nursing home placement or extended in-home services, families must move quickly to assess eligibility and protect assets. Immediate steps include gathering financial records, applying for benefits, and updating powers of attorney. While urgent situations limit some long-term strategies, a careful, focused plan can still help preserve resources and ensure that the person receives needed care without unnecessary delay.
Protecting a Spouse’s Income and Home
When one spouse needs long-term care, planning often focuses on protecting the community spouse’s income and residence. Tennessee law allows protections for a non-applicant spouse that help maintain a reasonable standard of living. Planning addresses allocation of resources, allowable income deductions, and how to document household expenses properly. These measures can prevent financial hardship for the spouse who remains in the home while ensuring the applicant receives appropriate care and benefits under Medicaid.
Complex Asset Portfolios
Complex asset situations including multiple properties, business interests, or mixed ownership require more detailed planning to avoid unintended consequences. These scenarios need careful review to determine which assets are countable, how to structure ownership, and whether transfers will trigger penalties. A comprehensive plan evaluates options that comply with Tennessee rules while seeking reasonable protection of family wealth. Clear communication among family members and precise documentation are essential when complex assets are involved in Medicaid planning.
Local Medicaid Planning Support for Sewanee Residents
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides local guidance for Sewanee and Franklin County residents facing long-term care planning decisions. Our role is to help families assess eligibility, prepare applications, and implement lawful strategies to protect assets and support care needs. We prioritize practical solutions, clear communication, and compliance with Tennessee Medicaid rules so that clients understand options and consequences. With assistance, families can move forward with plans that reflect their goals and help manage the financial impact of long-term care.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Medicaid Planning
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for our practical approach to estate planning and Medicaid matters, our knowledge of Tennessee procedures, and our commitment to responsive client service. We work to understand each family’s unique situation and develop plans tailored to individual goals. Our focus is on clear communication, timely preparation, and documentation that supports successful applications. For Sewanee families, that means local attention and guidance designed to reduce uncertainty during difficult transitions.
We assist with assessing eligibility, recommending lawful strategies, preparing or updating documents like powers of attorney and trusts, and guiding clients through the application and appeals process when necessary. Our role includes coordinating with financial advisors and care providers to create a cohesive plan that addresses both legal and practical needs. This coordinated approach helps ensure that decisions align with a family’s broader estate and care objectives while complying with Tennessee requirements.
Our process emphasizes listening to family priorities, explaining options in straightforward terms, and crafting plans that minimize surprises during reviews or audits. We help families gather necessary records, complete applications accurately, and maintain documentation for ongoing eligibility management. For those in Sewanee, this means having a local legal resource familiar with regional care providers and the specific challenges families encounter when planning for long-term care.
Contact Us to Discuss Medicaid Planning in Sewanee
How Medicaid Planning Works at Our Firm
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to gather financial and medical information and understand family objectives. From there, we analyze assets, income, and eligibility rules to recommend a plan of action. That plan may include document updates, trust formation, or other lawful strategies. We assist with paperwork, communicate with agencies as needed, and provide ongoing support to maintain eligibility. The objective is to provide a clear, manageable path toward securing benefits and protecting family resources under Tennessee law.
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Information Gathering
The first step focuses on collecting financial statements, titles, income documentation, and medical records to create a comprehensive picture of the client’s situation. We review bank accounts, real property, retirement accounts, and existing estate planning documents to identify countable and exempt assets. This phase sets the foundation for recommendations by clarifying eligibility constraints, timing issues, and potential planning tools that fit within Tennessee Medicaid rules and the family’s goals.
Detailed Financial Review
A detailed financial review identifies assets that could affect Medicaid eligibility and evaluates options to protect exempt resources. We examine account ownership, recent transfers, and documentation of expenses to determine what counts toward eligibility. This review helps prioritize planning actions and estimate potential waiting periods based on look-back rules. With accurate financial information, families can make informed choices about whether to pursue immediate actions or adopt a staged approach to planning.
Medical and Care Needs Assessment
Understanding the client’s medical condition and anticipated care needs informs the timing and type of planning recommended. We collect medical records, care plans, and provider assessments to evaluate urgency and likely duration of long-term care. This information shapes the legal strategy, helping determine whether immediate eligibility steps or longer-term asset protection measures are most appropriate. Clear medical documentation also supports Medicaid applications and provides context for exceptions or special allowances under program rules.
Step 2: Planning Recommendations and Document Preparation
After the assessment, we present tailored recommendations that may include drafting or updating powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and other legal instruments compatible with Medicaid planning goals. We explain trade-offs, timing implications, and administrative steps required to implement each option. Where appropriate, we draft documents designed to protect exempt assets and clarify decision making, ensuring that all instruments work together to support eligibility and family objectives under Tennessee law.
Implementing Protective Measures
Implementation may involve creating a trust, retitling assets, or establishing a qualified income trust when income rules require it. Each measure is selected to comply with Medicaid regulations while addressing the family’s protection goals. We prepare the legal documents, coordinate necessary transfers, and provide instructions for administration. Our goal is to implement these measures thoughtfully so they withstand administrative review and align with the client’s broader estate plan and family priorities.
Coordinating With Other Advisors
Coordination with financial advisors, accountants, and care providers can improve outcomes and reduce surprises. We work with other professionals to ensure tax, income, and care considerations are aligned with the recommended legal strategy. This collaboration helps address potential conflicts and streamlines implementation. Clear communication between advisors and family members ensures that changes are documented and managed consistently to support Medicaid applications and long-term goals.
Step 3: Application Support and Ongoing Management
Once documents are in place, we assist with Medicaid applications, appeals, and ongoing management to maintain eligibility. This includes preparing required forms, gathering supporting evidence, and responding to agency requests. We also advise families on reporting obligations and how to handle changes in income or resources. Ongoing management preserves benefits and addresses new circumstances as they arise, reducing the chance of interruptions in care due to administrative issues.
Application Preparation and Submission
We help prepare and submit complete, accurate Medicaid applications with supporting documentation to reduce processing delays. This includes compiling medical records, financial statements, and any required attestations. Clear, thorough applications improve the likelihood of timely determinations and mitigate the need for repeated requests for information. Families receive guidance on what to expect during the review process and support if additional documentation is requested by the agency.
Monitoring and Adjustments Over Time
After benefits begin, ongoing monitoring ensures continued compliance with reporting rules and adapts plans as circumstances change. We advise on how changes in income, property, or household composition may affect eligibility and recommend adjustments when necessary. Regular reviews help prevent inadvertent loss of benefits and ensure that legal documents continue to reflect current goals. This proactive attention preserves access to care for Sewanee residents while protecting family assets over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid Planning
What is Medicaid planning and who needs it?
Medicaid planning refers to legal strategies that help individuals qualify for Medicaid benefits for long-term care while protecting family assets within the limits of Tennessee law. It typically begins with a financial and medical assessment to determine eligibility status, countable assets, and exemptions. The planning process may include document updates, trusts, or income structuring to meet program rules. Families pursue planning to ensure access to care without unnecessary depletion of savings and property. Proper documentation and timing are essential to avoid penalties or delays.Not everyone needs the same level of planning. Those with simple finances who already meet eligibility may require only application assistance and document updates, while households with significant assets or complex ownership may benefit from a more thorough plan. A thoughtful approach helps families weigh options and choose the path that best preserves resources and meets care needs, taking into account look-back rules and spousal protections under state law.
How does the look-back period affect transfers?
The look-back period is a timeframe during which Medicaid reviews asset transfers to determine whether penalties or periods of ineligibility apply. Tennessee examines transfers made within this period to calculate whether the transfer was intended to reduce countable assets and qualify for benefits. Transfers made during the look-back can lead to a delay in eligibility, so timing matters when planning. Understanding past transfers and documenting reasons for them is part of the review process and can influence how planning moves forward.If transfers fall within the look-back, a careful assessment can show whether penalties apply and what steps can be taken to mitigate impacts. In some situations, other lawful options exist to secure benefits without triggering penalties, but these require advance planning and precise documentation. Families should disclose transfers and consult on how look-back rules affect their particular circumstances to minimize surprises during the application review.
Can I keep my home while receiving Medicaid?
In many cases, individuals can retain their primary residence while receiving Medicaid benefits, subject to certain equity limits and spousal protections under Tennessee rules. The home may be considered an exempt asset for eligibility purposes, and there are provisions that protect a spouse or dependent living in the residence. However, home equity limits and estate recovery rules may apply, so understanding how ownership and equity are documented is important to preserve the residence while obtaining benefits.Planning measures can help protect a home from being considered countable or reduce the impact of estate recovery after death. These options depend on the client’s complete financial picture and timing considerations. Proper documentation and consistent ownership records are essential to ensure that the home’s status is correctly evaluated during the Medicaid application process.
What documents are needed to apply for Medicaid?
Applying for Medicaid typically requires documentation including proof of identity, social security numbers, income statements, recent bank and investment account statements, property deeds, and medical records demonstrating the need for long-term care. Powers of attorney, trust documents, and records of transfers or gifts may also be required. Having organized and current records speeds processing and helps avoid requests for additional information that delay decisions.It is helpful to gather evidence of household composition, expense records, and documentation of any prior transfers to or from family members. Clear records of medical necessity and care plans support the application and provide context for eligibility determinations. Assistance in compiling and reviewing documents can make the application process more efficient and reduce administrative headaches for families.
How long does the Medicaid application process take?
The length of the Medicaid application process varies depending on the completeness of documentation, the complexity of assets, and the workload of the reviewing agency. Simple, well-documented applications can be processed more quickly, while applications involving complex assets or transfers during the look-back period may take longer. Typical timelines can range from weeks to several months, so planning ahead is important to avoid gaps in care coverage or financial exposure.Promptly responding to requests for additional documentation and ensuring applications are complete at submission reduces delays. When urgent care is required, expedited review or temporary coverage options may be available in some cases. Families should plan for potential wait times and seek assistance to streamline submissions and follow up appropriately with the agency.
Will Medicaid planning affect my taxes?
Medicaid planning can have tax considerations depending on the tools used, such as trusts, transfers, or income restructuring. Some transactions may have gift tax or capital gains implications, while others primarily affect eligibility and not immediate tax liability. It is important to coordinate planning with a tax advisor to understand the tax consequences of any proposed changes to asset ownership or income flows under Tennessee and federal rules.Working with both legal and tax professionals ensures that asset protection measures achieve the desired Medicaid outcomes without creating unintended tax burdens. A coordinated approach balances eligibility, income needs, and tax implications so families make informed decisions while pursuing long-term care solutions.
What is a qualified income trust and when is it used?
A qualified income trust is a legal arrangement used when an applicant’s income exceeds Medicaid income limits but care costs make benefits necessary. Funds are placed into the trust to reduce countable income for eligibility purposes while ensuring those funds are used for care-related expenses. Proper drafting and administration are required to meet Tennessee rules and to ensure the trust accomplishes its intended purpose.These trusts are appropriate in specific situations and must be structured carefully to avoid unintended consequences. They provide a lawful method for aligning income with eligibility requirements while protecting the applicant’s access to needed care. Guidance from a legal professional helps determine whether this tool is appropriate for a particular family’s circumstances.
How do spousal protections work in Tennessee?
Spousal protections in Tennessee are designed to prevent a healthy spouse from falling into poverty when the other spouse requires long-term care. Rules allow certain income and resource allowances for the community spouse, including minimum monthly maintenance needs and a portion of countable resources. These protections ensure the non-applicant spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living while the applicant receives care through Medicaid.Understanding how these protections apply requires a careful review of household income, resources, and living expenses. Planning can structure assets and document household needs to take full advantage of spousal allowances. This helps families preserve jointly held resources and provides a smoother transition during a loved one’s move to long-term care.
Can family help with transfers without penalty?
Transfers to family members can create penalties if they fall within the look-back period and are deemed to have been made to qualify for benefits. However, certain transfers are permitted or may be structured in ways that do not trigger penalties, based on timing, exemptions, or the nature of the transaction. Clear documentation of the transfer purpose and proper legal structuring can reduce the risk of a negative determination by Medicaid reviewers.Families should avoid informal or undocumented transfers intended to circumvent eligibility rules, as these often lead to penalties and delays. Consulting about the timing and method of any transfer helps ensure it aligns with legal options and does not inadvertently create a period of ineligibility for the loved one needing care.
How can Jay Johnson Law Firm assist with Medicaid planning?
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists Sewanee families by evaluating financial and medical circumstances, recommending lawful planning options, drafting necessary documents, and supporting Medicaid applications and appeals. We focus on practical, compliant strategies that fit the client’s goals and coordinate with other advisors as needed. Our role includes helping gather documentation, preparing applications, and responding to agency inquiries to reduce delays and confusion during the process.By providing local guidance familiar with Tennessee rules and regional care options, we aim to make Medicaid planning manageable and understandable for families. We work to preserve assets where possible, protect spousal needs, and create a clear plan to support long-term care funding that aligns with each family’s priorities.