---
type: Concept
title: Trusts and Medicaid in Missouri
description: A revocable living trust does not protect assets from nursing-home costs; Medicaid asset protection requires an irrevocable trust and look-back timing.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/trust-planning-for-missouri-seniors-keep-your-assets-qualify-for-medicaid/
tags: [medicaid, irrevocable-trust, look-back, mo-healthnet, missouri]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

A revocable living trust keeps you in control, which generally means its assets stay countable for Medicaid. It avoids probate but does not protect assets from long-term-care costs.

# What protection requires

Shielding assets for Medicaid generally requires irrevocable tools, such as a Medicaid asset protection trust, funded early enough to clear the look-back. Transfers are reviewed in the 60 months before applying.

# Decision rule

If the goal is to protect a home or savings from future nursing-home costs, use an irrevocable Medicaid asset protection trust funded more than five years before care is needed. A revocable trust will not do this.

# Related

- [The Medicaid Look-Back Period](/okf/elder-law-medicaid/look-back-period.md)
- [MO HealthNet and Long-Term Care](/okf/elder-law-medicaid/medicaid-mo-healthnet.md)