Protecting Your Future with a Massachusetts Irrevocable Medicaid Shelter Trust.

At The Law Office of John A. Laine PC, we understand that planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming—especially in Massachusetts, where the costs of nursing homes and assisted living facilities often exceed $12,000 per month. For many families, the question isn’t just “How will we pay for care?” but “How can we protect what we’ve worked so hard to build?” One powerful tool we recommend to our clients is the Massachusetts Irrevocable Medicaid Shelter Trust (IMST). Let’s explore what this trust is, how it works, and how our firm can help you use it to secure your financial future.

What Is a Massachusetts Irrevocable Medicaid Shelter Trust?
An IMST is a legal strategy designed to shield your assets while helping you qualify for Medicaid—known as MassHealth in Massachusetts—to cover long-term care costs. Medicaid has strict eligibility rules, limiting individuals to just $2,000 in countable assets. Without planning, you might have to “spend down” your savings to qualify, leaving little for your spouse or heirs. An IMST changes that equation.
The trust is “irrevocable,” meaning once you transfer assets—like cash, investments, or your home—into it, you relinquish direct control. This is the magic that allows those assets to be excluded from MassHealth’s eligibility calculations. The “shelter” part? It protects your wealth from being liquidated to pay for care, preserving it for your loved ones. At The Law Office of John A. Laine PC, we’ve guided countless Massachusetts families through this process, ensuring their trusts are tailored to their unique needs.

How Does It Work in Massachusetts?
Creating an IMST starts with a consultation at our office. You’ll work with Attorney John A. Laine to identify which assets to transfer into the trust—perhaps your savings or even a second home. A trustee (often a family member or professional) is appointed to manage the trust according to its terms. But here’s the catch: Massachusetts follows federal Medicaid rules, including the five-year look-back period. Any assets moved into the trust within five years of applying for MassHealth could trigger a penalty, delaying coverage.

For example, imagine you’re a 68-year-old client who transfers $400,000 into an IMST in 2025 with our help. If you need care in 2027, MassHealth might penalize you for that transfer. But if you wait until 2030—beyond the five-year window—those assets won’t count against you, and you could qualify for coverage while keeping your wealth intact. Timing is everything, and at The Law Office of John A. Laine PC, we’ll help you plan strategically.

Why Choose an IMST?

• Asset Protection: Safeguard your savings and property from MassHealth’s spend-down requirements.
• Legacy Planning: Pass wealth to your children or grandchildren instead of losing it to care costs.
• Peace of Mind: Qualify for MassHealth without sacrificing your financial security.
  Massachusetts’ high cost of living makes these benefits especially critical. Our firm has seen firsthand how an IMST can transform a family’s future, and we’re here to make it work for you.

What to Watch Out For.
An IMST isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Its irrevocability means you can’t dip into those assets later, so flexibility is limited. The five-year look-back period demands early action—last-minute planning won’t cut it. Plus, setting up a trust involves legal fees and meticulous drafting to comply with MassHealth rules. That’s where Attorney John A. Laine’s expertise shines. With years of experience in elder law, he ensures your trust is ironclad, avoiding costly mistakes.

How The Law Office of John A. Laine PC Can Help.
Wondering if an IMST is right for you? We’ll sit down with you to assess your health, finances, and goals. Are you in your 60s, healthy, and looking to protect a nest egg? Perfect—this could be your solution. Already facing health challenges? We’ll explore alternatives like long-term care insurance. Our personalized approach means you get a plan that fits your life—not a cookie-cutter fix.
From drafting the trust to navigating MassHealth applications, The Law Office of John A. Laine PC is your partner every step of the way. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters: your family and your future.

Take the Next Step Today.
Long-term care planning isn’t just about protecting money—it’s about protecting your legacy. At The Law Office of John A. Laine PC, we’re committed to helping Massachusetts families find peace of mind with tools like the Irrevocable Medicaid Shelter Trust. Don’t wait until care costs loom large. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Attorney John A. Laine and start building a plan that works for you. The clock on that five-year window is ticking—let’s get ahead of it together.

Book a Call today.