Medicaid Planning Lawyer in Ohio

An image of a downtown in Ohio, where a senior population deals with Medicaid planning issues.

At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we help Ohio families protect what matters most, their homes, savings, and independence, while preparing for the high cost of long-term care.

Since 2002, our team has guided thousands of families through Medicaid rules that determine if you can afford care without losing everything you’ve worked for.

Our approach is simple but powerful. Education first, paperwork second. We begin with our free “3 Secrets to Protecting Your Assets” workshop, a clear and jargon-free session that explains how Medicaid really works in Ohio. 

You’ll leave not only with documents that work, but with peace of mind knowing your future and family are protected.

Understanding Medicaid Planning in Ohio

Medicaid planning in Ohio helps you qualify for long-term care benefits without losing your home or life savings. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers nursing-home and in-home care for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Through careful legal and financial planning, such as restructuring assets, creating trusts, or managing income, families can meet Medicaid’s strict eligibility rules while protecting what they’ve worked for.

Our team works with County Job & Family Services offices across Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit, Lucas, and Erie Counties, and coordinates directly with local care partners like Firelands Regional Medical Center and The Meadows at Osborn Park to make the process as smooth as possible.

Our Ohio Medicaid Planning Services

Call (419) 504-4674 To Speak With Our Team 

It’s never too early to start planning. Our attorneys are ready to walk you through every step, from protecting your home to qualifying for care. Contact us today to move forward with confidence.

Why Choose Brumbaugh Law for Medicaid Planning

Families across northern Ohio choose Brumbaugh Law Firm because we make Medicaid planning clear and effective. Our approach combines legal precision with genuine compassion, so you can make confident decisions without fear or confusion.

  • Education First, Always. We offer a workshop for all interested parties, because we believe an informed decision is a better decision. 
  • Proven Medicaid Experience. Decades of hands-on success in both pre-planning and crisis Medicaid cases throughout Erie, Ottawa, and Lorain Counties.
  • Holistic Planning Approach. Legal, financial, and care considerations aligned under one plan, with help from our on-staff social worker.
  • Transparent Flat Fees. Every cost is explained upfront, no surprises or hourly billing.
  • Lifetime Support. Plans evolve as life does. We offer ongoing updates and phone support whenever your situation changes.

QIT (Miller Trust) in Ohio: When You Need It and How We Set It Up

A Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also called a Miller Trust, is required when your income exceeds Ohio’s Medicaid income cap of $2,901 per month (2025).

Without a QIT, if you are automatically over the limit, even by one dollar, Medicaid will deny eligibility for long-term care coverage. The trust acts as a legal “income pass-through”, so your excess income is safely redirected and you remain qualified.

  1. Determine eligibility and confirm that your income exceeds the Special Income Level (SIL).
  2. Draft the trust, and we will prepare the QIT using Ohio-approved language that satisfies all compliance standards.
  3. Open a separate QIT bank account, titled in the trust’s name.
  4. Deposit monthly income, your income (pension, Social Security, etc.) is routed through the account.
  5. Use funds correctly, the trustee (often a spouse or adult child) pays approved expenses, then the nursing home or care provider.
  6. Maintain records, monthly statements, and proof of deposits are provided to your Medicaid caseworker.

About Brumbaugh Law Firm

Since 2002, Brumbaugh Law Firm has helped Ohio families through the emotional journey of estate, elder care, and Medicaid planning.

From our Sandusky office, we proudly serve Erie, Ottawa, and western Lorain Counties, helping families stay independent longer, protect their homes, and plan with confidence.

We believe education changes everything. That’s why we offer our free “3 Secrets to Protecting Your Assets” workshop to all. 

Our Medicaid Planning Approach in Ohio

At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we work with families to prepare for the future through strategic Medicaid planning. Our goal is to help you with your assets and streamline important decisions for long-term care.

We start with a comprehensive review of your financial situation, including income, property holdings, and account ownership. Based on that assessment, we create a customized plan that may involve:

  • Establishing and funding trusts to preserve assets
  • Recording real estate documents with the Erie County Recorder’s Office
  • Coordinating with local banks, such as Civista Bank or Firelands Federal Credit Union, to update beneficiary designations
  • Preparing financial and health care powers of attorney that comply with Ohio law

By taking these proactive measures, Sandusky families can protect their resources, minimize stress, and avoid crisis-driven decisions when care becomes necessary. 

With our firm’s strong local connections, we make sure that every plan is both practical and effective in real life.

Local Resources We Work With in Ohio

  • Erie County Job & Family Services (Medicaid Office) – Sandusky, OH
  • Firelands Regional Medical Center – Sandusky, OH
  • Providence Care Center – Sandusky, OH
  • The Meadows at Osborn Park – Huron, OH
  • Ohio Veterans Home – Sandusky, OH
  • Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) – Columbus, OH
  • Ohio Department of Aging (PASSPORT/Assisted Living Waiver Programs) – Columbus, OH
  • Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) – Lorain, OH
  • Senior Enrichment Services of Erie County – Sandusky, OH
  • Erie County Council on Aging – Sandusky, OH

Talk to an Ohio Medicaid Planning Lawyer Today

Protecting your home, savings, and independence doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we make Medicaid planning simple and stress-free, regardless of if you’re preparing years in advance or facing a care crisis right now.

We proudly serve families across Sandusky, Erie, Ottawa, and western Lorain Counties, coordinating directly with local hospitals, care communities, and the Erie County Medicaid office to make sure every plan works in real life, not just on paper.

Let’s secure your care, preserve your home, and bring you peace of mind, one clear step at a time.

Schedule your workshop seat or consultation today.

full shot happy family-posing together after attending the ''3 secrets of estate planning and asset protection'' in sandusky ohio.

Elder Law and Estate Planning Workshops

Workshop

Client Success Stories

Margaret (Peg) Drake

Huron, OH

“I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. I needed help for my 96 year old mother regarding Medicaid and then getting her into a nursing home. Let me tell you, Medicaid is so complicated! Mike and Pam Brumbaugh, and the Brumbaugh Law Firm really came through for us! They were so helpful; they dealt with everything: Medicaid and also the nursing home. We were so well taken care of; their level of communication was outstanding. It was great! It seemed as if I never had to call them through the process to find out what was going on, because they always called me. You can’t ask for anything better! Then after my mother passed away, they helped with the probate, and told us what to do. You never know when things will come up, so you need help to get through it successfully. That’s what the Brumbaugh Law Firm does. The investment you make for their time and services is very reasonable, in my opinion. I really appreciate having them on my side, and never fail to recommend these fine people to others.”

Peter Latta

Toledo, OH

“I really appreciate the level of customer service I received doing estate planning with the Brumbaugh Law Firm. You can say that their ‘bedside manner’ was phenomenal! They were very helpful. They’re very knowledgeable, and make you feel very comfortable and relaxed to speak with them. Everything went very well. I have, and still continue to recommend their services. The Brumbaugh Law firm are a great group of people!”

Kyle Brubacker

Groff Funeral Home, Sandusky, OH

“We’re very pleased to recommend the services of the Brumbaugh Law Firm, and have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with them for several years. Some may be uncomfortable, at first, with the subject of advanced funeral planning, but after speaking with our staff and people like at the Brumbaugh Firm, they become very comfortable with the process. They, and us, believe that educating the public on this subject is very important. The result is that the children aren’t left with the responsibility of knowing what to do. That’s where it is a good idea to go speak with professionals who can be of great assistance.”

Cheryl Best-Wilke

Sandusky, OH

“I needed some estate planning work done, and because I knew about the Brumbaugh Law Firm that’s where I went. I’m glad that I did! I received wonderful information and answers, along with some great insight from Michael Brumbaugh. He brought up some things that I hadn’t even thought about. I really appreciated this level of detail, and was very happy with the service I received. They are very thorough in the way things are done. I received peace-of-mind knowing that I got this taken care of.”

Susan Appell

Columbus, OH

“The Brumbaugh Law Firm went above and beyond for us! I couldn’t say enough good things about them. We were looking for someone to assist with Medicaid for my mother-in-law, and we heard some good things about the Brumbaugh firm from a friend. We were very pleased with the results! I’d absolutely recommend their services. They were very helpful. My husband and I wouldn’t delay using them again if ever needed.”

Vanessa Gibson

Wakeman, OH

“I’m very satisfied with the services that The Brumbaugh Law Firm provided us. They were of great help regarding Medicaid for my mother. They were very courteous and kind. What really impressed me was the fact that when I had to stay at home to be with my mother, they’d come to the house to see us; you just don’t that kind of service anymore! Even better is that they told me to not hesitate to call if we had any follow-up questions. Because they did such a good job, I also had them do some other things for me. I certainly recommend that you go see them.”

Frank Trautman

Sandusky, OH

“These people were lifesavers! We were looking to get Medicaid for my wife and it was a very difficult process. From what they were saying, we were going to lose our house, cars, everything! After getting the Brumbaugh Law Firm on the job, we were able to keep our house and cars; you can’t ask for a better results than that. They certainly made a believer out of me! After my wife passed away, they helped with the probate and did another excellent job. I’ve recommended the Brumbaugh Law Firm to several people. Fact is, I’ve used them again to prepare a trust for me. I didn’t want to leave things hanging there for my children to deal with. The Brumbaugh group are very concerned and very caring people; they are great to deal with!”

Ed McClendon

Norwalk, OH

“I’d been recommending Michael Brumbaugh and the Brumbaugh Law Firm to my clients, so it was only natural that when the time came for my wife and I to have some estate planning work done, Mike was who we went to. I’d initially got to know Pam Brumbaugh through some projects and then Mike; they are really great people! When you go to see him, Mike’s very personable and is easy to talk with. He’s also a great listener, which is a wonderful trait to get the job done right and meet your needs. I spent 34 years in the financial services and insurance field, and learned that I didn’t have all the answers. That’s why I sought out the best to help my clients. Mike and Pam Brumbaugh, and their team at the Brumbaugh Law Firm are the kind of people who can be of great assistance to you.”

Barb Miller

Norwalk, OH

“What wonderful people to have on your side! Pam and Mike Brumbaugh are the best. A friend told me about the Brumbaugh Law Firm, and the staff made me feel so comfortable when I came to their office to inquire about getting some work done on behalf of my mother-in-law, which as things turned out, they did very successfully. Everyone there went out of their way to make things pleasant; they were very helpful. Even today, I know if I should ever need further assistance for anything, I can call and be treated wonderfully well. I can’t praise them enough!”

Nancy Adams

Brunswick, OH

“I needed help fast and Michael Brumbaugh and the Brumbaugh Law Firm came to my rescue! I had tried to deal with the Veterans Administration on my own in order to get VA benefits for my mother, and it was a nightmare. I was ready to quit, when a local bank manager recommended that I go speak with the Brumbaugh firm. I’m sure glad I did! Mike did a fantastic job; he took care of everything. Things turned out very well. I can’t imagine anyone going it alone with the VA, and getting the results that Michael Brumbaugh with his knowledge and experience got for us! He’s a very caring person. The Brumbaugh Law Firm has my highest recommendation.”

Computer Garage LLC

“Awesome people. They know their business and how to protect your assets in the future. Highly recommended at any stage in life, but the sooner the better. You just never know when a tragedy will strike.”

Paege Murphy

“Awesome experience and very informative. Helpful and cares about what is best for you!”

Kathleen and LeRoy Widing

“We had so many questions and Michael was so helpful in expaining issues in a way that we could understand. He is a very knowledgeable elder law attorney and without a doubt, he puts his heart into his work. My husband and I both highly recommend him.”

Kathy G.

“There were some issues that came up that we needed help with so we turned to Michael Brumbaugh at the recommendation of a friend. We found them to be very helpful. They took the time to listen and to understand what we wanted and needed to accomplish our goals. We are very pleased and would highly recommend Brumbaugh Law Firm.”

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