Money left in a member's pooled trust account when they pass away stays with the trust or goes to the state for Medicaid costs. It cannot be paid to the family, the estate or a bank account. We tell every family this before they join, because it changes how you should use the account.
Why the rule exists
A pooled income trust lets you keep Medicaid while your income is over the limit. The law that allows this, federal since 1993 and New York's own, sets the other side of the deal: whatever is left at the end stays with the nonprofit trust or repays Medicaid for the care it paid for. That is the trade for keeping your home care while you are alive. The state explains it on its trusts information page.
What it means while you are alive
- Use the account every monthSend rent, utilities, phone and other bills as they come. Money you do not spend rolls over, but it never comes back to you, so plan to use it.
- Keep the balance smallA small balance is the sign the account is doing its job: your surplus is paying your own bills instead of going to Medicaid.
- Ask before you decide anythingIf you are unsure whether the trust fits your situation, call. We tell you honestly, and a person picks up.
What the family should do
- Tell us as soon as you can, by phone or email.
- We close the account by the trust's rules and tell you what happens next, in writing.
- Anything for a date after the death cannot be paid from the account. Call us about bills from before it.
A question about a family member's account? Call. A person picks up.
Common questions
Can the family get the money back?
No. Money left in the account cannot be paid to the family, the estate or a bank account. It stays with the trust or goes to the state for Medicaid costs. This is the rule for every pooled trust in New York, not an ECS rule.
Can the account pay bills from before the death?
Call us and we tell you what can still be paid in your case. Anything for a date after the death cannot be paid from the account.
Can we plan so that little is left?
Yes. The account is meant to pay your bills every month, not to save. Send bills as they come, use the card for everyday needs, and the balance stays small.