Medicaid Look-Back Period
A period (usually 60 months / 5 years) during which Medicaid reviews all asset transfers you made. If you gave away assets during this period to qualify for Medicaid, you may be penalized with a period of ineligibility.
Legal Definition
The retrospective period (60 months in most states, 30 months in California for certain transfers) during which the state Medicaid agency examines all transfers made by a Medicaid applicant for less than fair market value, potentially resulting in a penalty period of ineligibility.
Practical Example
Mrs. Chen gives her house to her daughter in 2024 to reduce her assets. In 2026, she applies for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. Because the gift was within the 60-month look-back period, Medicaid imposes a penalty, and Mrs. Chen must pay for her own care for several additional months.