What is meant by the “lookback” period for ALTCS/Medicaid benefits?
When an ALTCS application is filed, eligibility workers will inquire about any gifts made by the applicant, the applicants spouse or anyone acting on behalf of either of them within the preceding 60 months. This five years before application is known as the “lookback” periodgifts made before that period will not affect eligibility. Gifts made during the “lookback” period will result in a period of ineligibility, and that disqualifying period will not start to run until the applicant has already spent down all of his or her assets and applied for ALTCS..
