Medicaid estate planning: Perceptions of morality and necessity

Purpose: Although several studies have examined the magnitude and prevalenc e of Medicaid estate planning (MEP), little is known about factors that inf luence individual behaviors in this area. Normative data regarding public p erceptions of and motivations for MEP are nonexistent. This study explored views about MEP among community-dwelling older adults and family caregivers . Design and methods: Eighteen focus groups were completed (N = 155), with a stratified homogeneous sample to ensure representation from individuals o f varying race/ethnicity, experience with nursing home and home care servic es, and socioeconomic status. Analyses of transcripts were completed with N UD*IST 4.0 software. Results: Disincentives for MEP included losing control of one's assets, Medicaid stigma, and perceived immorality of MEP. Incenti ves for MEP included preservation of one's estate and protection of a spous e. Finally, variability in accessibility to and awareness of MEP was descri bed. Implications: This exploratory study identifies motivations for indivi dual behaviors and describes evolving social norms regarding MEP; implicati ons for policy and research are discussed.