The eligibility rules for community Medicaid for long-term care services have been fundamentally altered. For the first time, there will be a look-back period. However, the exact date that the change will be implemented is not clear.

The Medicaid rules have long been considered by many to be exceedingly complex, but the agency could be counted on to follow its own illogical guidelines. Now a change to Medicaid eligibility for community based long-term care in New York state has introduced a high level of uncertainty. This ambiguity presents a tremendous quandary for seniors and elder law attorneys attempting to plan rationally.