Elder law in Pennsylvania encompasses legal planning for aging, long-term care, and Medicaid eligibility. Pennsylvania Medicaid has a five-year look-back period, meaning asset transfers made within five years of applying for Medicaid can result in a penalty period of ineligibility. Effective Medicaid planning — including irrevocable trusts, spousal protections, and exempt asset strategies — should begin well before any anticipated need for nursing home care. Pennsylvania nursing home costs average $10,000-$14,000 per month, making advance planning critical to preserving family assets.

Planning for Long-Term Care

Elder law addresses the unique legal needs of seniors and their families. As healthcare costs continue to rise and life expectancy increases, planning for long-term care has become essential for protecting your assets and ensuring quality care.

At Ament Law Group, we help families navigate the complex intersection of estate planning, healthcare, and government benefits.

Our Elder Law Services

Medicaid Planning — We help clients understand Pennsylvania Medicaid eligibility rules, develop strategies to protect assets while qualifying for benefits, and navigate the application process.
Asset Protection — We create legal structures to shield assets from the high costs of nursing home care while preserving eligibility for government assistance programs.
Long-Term Care Planning — We help families plan ahead for potential long-term care needs, including evaluating insurance options and legal tools.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives — We ensure that the right people are authorized to make financial and medical decisions if a loved one becomes incapacitated.
Guardianship — When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, we help families pursue guardianship through the appropriate Pennsylvania courts.

Why Plan Early?

Medicaid has a five-year look-back period in Pennsylvania. This means that any asset transfers made within five years of applying for Medicaid benefits may be penalized. The earlier you begin planning, the more options are available to protect your family's resources.