Taylor Willingham

Summer is a season for sunshine, adventure, and family—but it’s also a good time to pause and ask: Is your estate plan still working for you?

When a loved one is facing the high costs of long-term care, families often ask: Is there any way to preserve part of our savings for the next generation? The answer—sometimes—is yes. One time-tested method that elder law attorneys use is called the Half-a-Loaf Strategy. Though the name might sound unusual, this approach combines two powerful tools—gifting and annuities—to help families shelter a portion of their assets while still qualifying for Medicaid. Let’s break it down.

When planning for long-term care, one of the biggest challenges families face is how to legally protect assets while still qualifying for Medicaid. One lesser-known but highly strategic tool is the use of annuities—a financial product that, when used properly, can convert countable resources into non-countable income.