Episodes

  • Medicaid and Veterans Benefits: How They Work Together
    Dec 9 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of *Medicaid Mastery*, Tony Turbeville explains how veterans aid and attendance benefits work alongside Medicaid for long-term care. He delves into eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, coverage differences, and the complexities of coordinating both benefits.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:15 – Explaining veterans aid and attendance benefits

    03:45 – Contrasting aid and attendance with Medicaid coverage

    06:20 – Coordinating VA and Medicaid benefits

    08:10 – Transitioning from home care to nursing home care

    10:30 – Common pitfalls in navigating VA and Medicaid together

    12:45 – Differences in rules for veteran patients versus spouses

    14:30 – Simplifying VA benefits compared to Medicaid

    16:10 – Sequence of applying for VA and Medicaid benefits

    18:00 – Importance of seeking professional guidance

    About the Show:

    *Medicaid Mastery* is a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of the real long-term care Medicaid system. Join Tony Turbeville as he sheds light on securing Medicaid benefits while safeguarding assets and peace of mind for families in need.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Avoiding Medicaid Mistakes: Top Errors Families Make During the Application Process
    Nov 25 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of *Medicaid Mastery*, Tony Turbeville discusses the most common and costly mistakes families make when applying for Medicaid. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding these pitfalls to secure benefits while protecting assets and financial stability.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    02:15 – Number one mistake families make during Medicaid applications

    04:30 – Impact of giving away assets on Medicaid eligibility

    07:10 – Exceptions and legal strategies for asset protection

    09:45 – Timing and complexities of the Medicaid application process

    12:20 – The value of professional assistance in Medicaid planning

    15:05 – Common mistakes and solutions in Medicaid applications

    About the Show:

    *Medicaid Mastery* is a comprehensive guide to navigating the complex world of long-term care Medicaid. Tune in to learn valuable insights from Tony Turbeville, an expert in securing Medicaid benefits and safeguarding assets for families.

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Medicaid and Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Benefits While Providing Support
    Nov 11 2025

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of Medicaid Mastery, Antony Turbeville explains the role of special needs trusts and pooled trusts in Medicaid planning. He breaks down who needs them, how they work, and why they’re vital for protecting eligibility while ensuring quality of life for loved ones with disabilities. Antony also clarifies common misconceptions, shares real-world examples, and highlights the differences between first-party, third-party, and pooled trusts.

    What You Will Learn in This Episode

    • What a special needs trust is and how it functions
    • The key differences between first-party, third-party, and pooled trusts
    • How these trusts affect Medicaid eligibility for people under and over 65
    • Why leftover trust funds may be subject to repayment by the state
    • Examples of how funds can be used to improve quality of life
    • Restrictions on spending from special needs and pooled trusts

    Key Timestamps

    00:02:00 – What is a special needs trust and how does it work? 00:05:00 – The difference between special needs trusts and pooled trusts 00:07:30 – First-party vs. third-party trusts explained 00:09:00 – Real-world examples of trust spending, from necessities to experiences 00:10:30 – Restrictions on how funds can and cannot be used

    About the Show

    Medicaid Mastery is a podcast dedicated to simplifying long-term care Medicaid planning for Florida residents. Featuring Antony Turbeville, the show provides clear, actionable guidance on navigating Medicaid rules, protecting assets, and ensuring financial security for aging parents. Through expert insights, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes in long-term care planning.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Should You Shop the Fee? Financial Planning Tools to Keep the Family Liquid During Medicaid Planning
    Oct 28 2025

    Episode Summary When families face the cost of long-term care, the first instinct is often to shop around for the lowest fee. In this episode, Antony Turbeville explains why Medicaid planning should be based on value—not just price. He shares real examples of how the wrong strategy can leave families paying more in taxes, losing access to liquid funds, or even committing tax evasion without realizing it. Antony also breaks down tools like personal services contracts, promissory notes, and intra-family real estate transactions, showing how they can protect assets while keeping families financially stable.

    What You Will Learn in This Episode

    • Why focusing only on cost can cost families more in the long run
    • The difference between pre-planning and crisis planning for Medicaid
    • How personal services contracts work—and their tax consequences
    • Safer alternatives like promissory notes and intra-family real estate transfers
    • Why timing and execution are critical to protecting assets
    • The importance of choosing an experienced Medicaid professional
    • How planning goes beyond asset protection to care decisions

    Key Timestamps

    • 00:01:30 – Should families shop for the lowest fee?
    • 00:04:45 – Why value matters more than cost in Medicaid planning
    • 00:06:30 – The risks of personal services contracts and hidden tax burdens
    • 00:10:15 – When to use PSCs—and why they should be a last resort
    • 00:11:45 – Alternatives: promissory notes and intra-family real estate transfers
    • 00:14:30 – Why Florida allows unique Medicaid planning strategies
    • 00:16:00 – How families can assess options and avoid costly mistakes
    • 00:18:00 – The bigger picture: asset protection and care decisions
    About the Show

    Medicaid Mastery is a podcast dedicated to simplifying long-term care Medicaid planning for Florida residents. Featuring Antony Turbeville, the show provides clear, actionable guidance on navigating Medicaid rules, protecting assets, and ensuring financial security for aging parents. Through expert insights, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes in long-term care planning.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • How to Help Your Parents Without Jeopardizing Their Medicaid Eligibility
    Oct 14 2025
    Episode Summary

    Antony Turbeville explores how adult children can financially support their aging parents without risking their Medicaid eligibility for long-term care in Florida. In this episode, Tony explains the difference between direct payments and vendor payments, the complications of joint accounts, and the critical role of documentation in maintaining eligibility. He highlights the importance of seeking competent counsel to navigate Medicaid rules ethically, ensuring parents’ care needs are met while protecting family finances.

    Key Timestamps

    00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome

    01:30 - Impact of Financial Support on Medicaid Eligibility

    05:00 - Vendor Payments and Their Safety

    09:00 - Complications of Joint Accounts

    13:00 - Importance of Proper Documentation

    17:00 - Role of Medicaid Planning Experts

    21:00 - Navigating Mortgage and Tax Payments

    25:00 - Familial Responsibility Rules in Florida

    29:00 - Financial Impact on Children’s Future

    33:00 - Strategies to Maximize Asset Protection

    37:00 - Importance of Pre-Application Counsel

    41:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

    About the Show

    Medicaid Mastery is a podcast dedicated to simplifying long-term care Medicaid planning for Florida residents. Featuring Antony Turbeville, the show provides clear, actionable guidance on navigating Medicaid rules, protecting assets, and ensuring financial security for aging parents. Through expert insights, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes in long-term care planning.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Can You Protect the Family Farm or Small Business from Medicaid Recovery?
    Sep 30 2025
    Episode Summary

    Antony Turbeville examines strategies for safeguarding family farms and small businesses from Medicaid recovery in Florida’s long-term care system. In this episode, Tony explains how Medicaid recovers costs from probate estates, the unique treatment of farms and businesses compared to homes, and methods like joint ownership or LLC structuring to protect assets. He also highlights the importance of competent counsel to avoid costly mistakes and ensure legacies are preserved.

    Key Timestamps

    00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome

    01:30 - Understanding Medicaid Recovery Concerns

    05:00 - Joint Ownership and Asset Protection

    09:00 - Treatment of Farms and Businesses vs. Homes

    13:00 - Structuring Ownership to Exclude Assets

    17:00 - Medicaid Eligibility with High-Value Assets

    21:00 - Strategies to Maintain Business Operations

    25:00 - Property Valuation in Medicaid Applications

    29:00 - Successful Asset Protection Case Studies

    33:00 - Planning for Long-Term Care Needs

    37:00 - Importance of Competent Counsel

    41:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

    About the Show

    Medicaid Mastery is a podcast dedicated to simplifying long-term care Medicaid planning for Florida residents. Featuring Antony Turbeville, the show provides clear, actionable guidance on protecting assets, navigating Medicaid rules, and ensuring financial security. Through expert insights, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes in long-term care planning.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Avoiding Medicaid Spend-Down Mistakes: What Families Need to Know
    Sep 16 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this episode of Medicaid Mastery, Antony Turbeville reveals the most common Medicaid spend down mistakes families make when preparing for long-term care and explains how to avoid costly missteps. He discusses the difference between negative and positive spend downs, why gifting assets can backfire, and safe ways to reduce countable assets without triggering penalties.

    Listeners will also learn why working with an experienced Medicaid planning professional can save families thousands of dollars and ensure a smoother approval process. From fixing past mistakes to preserving liquidity and control, this episode is a must-listen for anyone helping a loved one qualify for Medicaid.

    Key Timestamps

    00:01:00 – What Medicaid “spend down” really means 00:01:45 – The biggest mistakes families make when gifting or moving money 00:03:40 – Understanding Medicaid’s five-year look-back period and penalties 00:04:50 – How to “fix” past gifts and asset transfers with promissory notes 00:05:45 – Safe ways to reduce assets without triggering penalties 00:07:40 – Why personal services contracts can create tax liabilities 00:09:40 – How professionals help families avoid costly mistakes and reduce administrative burdens 00:13:20 – The three keys to successful Medicaid planning: liquidity, control, and zero tax 00:16:00 – Why applying on your own can result in Medicaid denial 00:17:50 – Final advice for families helping parents qualify for Medicaid

    About the Show: Medicaid Mastery helps families navigate the complexities of Medicaid long-term care planning. Hosted by Antony Turbeville, each episode explains Medicaid rules, clears up common myths, and provides actionable strategies to protect your assets while ensuring proper care for your loved ones.

    For personalized Medicaid planning help, visit platben.com.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • How to Protect Your Assets from Medicaid (Before and After You Apply)
    Sep 2 2025

    Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Medicaid Mastery, long-term care Medicaid expert Antony Turbeville breaks down essential strategies to protect your assets before and after applying for Medicaid. He explains what Medicaid considers countable and exempt assets, how to safeguard your home, savings, and retirement accounts, and the differences between preplanning and crisis planning. Listeners also learn about common mistakes families make, spousal protections, and why it’s never too late to save what you can.

    Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Understanding the biggest Medicaid asset concerns 00:47 – Why your home is generally safe in Florida 02:00 – Why Medicaid planning isn’t “cheating the system” 03:49 – Which assets count toward Medicaid eligibility 05:17 – Exemptions for homes, vehicles, and retirement plans 06:12 – When it’s too late to protect assets 06:57 – Preplanning vs. crisis planning explained 07:53 – How married couples can safeguard the healthy spouse 09:47 – Why annuities may not be the best option 11:14 – The two biggest mistakes families make with Medicaid planning 12:44 – Why it’s almost never too late to save remaining assets 13:37 – Final thoughts on protecting what’s left

    About the Show: Medicaid Mastery with Antony Turbeville demystifies the complex world of long-term care Medicaid. Each episode provides practical strategies to help families protect their savings, property, and peace of mind while navigating Medicaid’s ever-changing rules. From preplanning tips to crisis solutions, listeners gain valuable insights from one of Florida’s leading Medicaid planning experts.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins