October 20, 2026
Justice in Aging
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Federal law requires states to seek repayment for certain Medicaid benefits from an individual's remaining property after they die through a process known as estate recovery. Because Medicaid enrollees have limited incomes and few assets, the primary source of collection is often the family home.
This policy perpetuates inequities and deepens existing disparities by deterring access to essential services, worsening intergenerational poverty, and exacerbating financial and housing instability for surviving family members. Despite these federal requirements, states have options to limit the scope of collection and strengthen protections for families. Recent state mitigation efforts offer opportunities for advocates to advance similar changes in their own states.
This webinar, Medicaid Estate Recovery: State Strategies to Mitigate Harm, will include an overview from Justice in Aging of estate recovery, the policy's harms, differences in state approaches, and messaging guidance. The Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab will present model state policies that advocates can use to advance reforms in their states. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of estate recovery and practical tools to mitigate harm.
Who Should Attend:
- State aging and disability advocates
- Elder law and housing attorneys and advocates
- Stakeholders working to address poverty and strengthen economic security for marginalized communities
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the harmful impact of estate recovery on Medicaid recipients and surviving family members.
- Identify advocacy opportunities to mitigate harm, informed by recent state efforts.
- Learn how to use model state policies to advance estate recovery reforms.
Presenters:
- Hannah Diamond, Director of State Partnerships, Justice in Aging
- Gelila Selassie, Director of Health Advocacy, Justice in Aging
- Tim Engelhardt, Executive Director, Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab
