Georgia Medicaid Estate Recovery Frequently Asked Questions

Estate Recovery is a program in every state whereby Medicaid members with assets reimburse the taxpayers for long term care such as nursing home care or community care services provided through Medicaid. By accepting Medicaid benefits, a debt is created on part of the beneficiary that must be paid from the beneficiary's estate. Funds are recovered from the member's estate, only after death, for the cost of these services.

Medicaid members who qualify for Estate Recovery will receive notification by mail that the Estate Recovery Program will begin May 1, 2006. These members have until April 14, 2006 to "opt out" and not be subject to Estate Recovery. Individuals who apply for Medicaid and who may be subject to estate recovery will be advised of this program prior to determination as Medicaid eligible.

The Georgia General Assembly, in their 2006 session, passed legislation, Senate Bill 572, which increased the asset threshold from $25,000 to the first $100,000 of an estate. The legislation also removed the retroactive provision from the program. However, this legislation has not been ratified as law and therefore has no effect on the current Estate
Recovery Program at this time. Should this change, affected Medicaid members will be notified.

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