Medicaid Planning Attorney in Fruitport, MI

Medicaid Planning in Fruitport

Many families in Fruitport assume that Medicaid planning means giving up everything they have saved in order to qualify for coverage. That assumption leads families to avoid the conversation entirely, which is one of the most costly decisions they can make. Michigan Medicaid has a well-defined set of rules, and within those rules, there is significant room for a family that plans carefully to protect assets, preserve a spouse's financial security, and still qualify for the coverage they need.

The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt has been helping families in Fruitport and throughout Muskegon County navigate Medicaid planning for over 30 years. Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) David Waterstradt provides practical legal guidance that translates Michigan Medicaid law into a clear, workable plan for each family's specific situation.

What Counts Under Michigan Medicaid

Michigan Medicaid divides assets into two categories. Exempt assets, including your primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, a prepaid irrevocable funeral contract, and life insurance with a combined face value of $1,500 or less, are not counted against you. You may also retain up to $9,660 in cash or other countable assets.

Non-exempt assets, including cash beyond that threshold, savings accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and additional real estate, must generally be reduced before Medicaid coverage begins. What many Fruitport families do not realize is that the five-year look-back period means Medicaid reviews every financial transaction made in the five years before an application is filed. Asset transfers that seemed straightforward can trigger a penalty period that delays coverage and leaves families covering full nursing home costs on their own.

How David Waterstradt Helps Fruitport Families

No two families arrive at this conversation with the same assets, the same health timeline, or the same goals. That is why personalized planning matters. David Waterstradt works with each family to identify which strategies apply to their situation and develop a plan that makes the most of what Michigan law allows.



For married couples, the community spouse may retain one-half of the countable assets up to a maximum of $162,660 as of 2026. Excess assets can be protected through a Medicaid-compliant annuity or a sole benefit trust rather than being spent down entirely. For families with time to plan ahead, an irrevocable trust removes assets from Medicaid's consideration once five years have passed. For families already facing an immediate care need, crisis Medicaid planning still offers real opportunities to protect a portion of assets using annuities and compliant spend-down strategies.

Schedule Your Medicaid Planning Consultation Today

Medicaid planning is not a conversation to put off until a crisis forces it. The earlier Fruitport families begin, the more strategies are available and the more assets can be protected. Contact the Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt today to schedule a consultation and get clear answers about what Michigan Medicaid rules mean for your family's specific situation.