Matthew Karr, Esq., Interviewed By New York Magazine's The Cut

Woburn, MA—Matthew Karr, founder and principal attorney of The Heritage Law Center, was interviewed by New York Magazine's The Cut in December 2023. A reader of the magazine posed a question about MassHealth (Medicaid in Massachusetts), so The Cut contacted The Heritage Law Center to get an accurate answer from Matthew who has practiced estate planning, elder law, and probate for over fifteen years.

The topic of the interview specifically related to MassHealth’s Child Caretaker Exemption, which allows a senior (age 65 and over) to transfer their primary home to their adult child. This exemption can come into play when an adult child moves into the parent’s house to provide care that enables the parent to continue to live at home, instead of having to move to a nursing home. That home must become the adult child’s primary residence.

This arrangement must exist for at least two years immediately prior to the parent’s admittance to a nursing home. The MassHealth’s Child Caretaker Exemption is looked at as being compensation to the adult child for providing care to the parent.

“This exemption allows the transfer of the home to the adult child without violating MassHealth's look-back period or jeopardizing their long-term care Medicaid eligibility,” says Matthew Karr, Esq. The Child Caretaker Exemption also protects the home from MassHealth's Estate Recovery Program, which can recover money from the estate assets of certain MassHealth members after their death.

As an elder law attorney, Matt helps people plan ahead for the possibility of needing MassHealth for long-term care in the future. Preparing at least five years before someone needs care is vital, as MassHealth has a five-year look-back period that can impact coverage.

Matt also works with clients to complete the application for MassHealth for long-term care coverage. In order to qualify for this program, a person needs to meet certain income and asset limits. When applying for MassHealth, there is a long, detailed application with many legal and financial details. If the application is not done correctly, it can lead to a delay in receiving benefits or even a denial of eligibility.

Matthew Karr opened The Heritage Law Center in 2011 because he wanted to provide a more personalized approach to estate planning and elder law. He gets to know each client and their needs, so he can help them develop estate plans tailored to protect themselves, their assets, and their families as well as position older adults to get the health care they need. The Heritage Law Center will continue putting their experience, knowledge, and compassion to work for the people of Woburn, Massachusetts, and beyond.

About The Heritage Law Center

The Heritage Law Center is here to help Massachusetts residents and their families navigate the complex world of elder law, estate planning, and probate. The Heritage Law Center helps people in the Woburn area of Massachusetts secure an estate plan that meets their needs, and it also assists seniors and their families with navigating complex matters, like planning and applying for MassHealth for long-term care. When an individual is ready to speak with a lawyer about an estate plan, elder law concerns, or probate, reach out for help. Give the team a call at (617) 299.6976 or visit their website to get in touch.