Medicaid Planning is fraught with difficulties, particularly in states where improper denials are used to dissuade practitioners and their clients from exercising their rights under the law. Obtaining the public benefits to address long-term care needs in these states requires proven techniques and strategies, all of which will be presented in this comprehensive CLE course designed for intermediate or advanced practitioners. The course will present common pitfalls in the planning stage to ready a case for hearings and appeals as well as in credit shelter trusts, HEMS standards and the standard “I Love You” wills. Current information on topics such as the use of single premium immediate annuities for community spouses or individuals using qualified on unqualified funds will be explored in their entirety as will the relationship between asset protection and special needs trusts for Social Security disability clients. Tax implications of drafting for grantor trusts status and irrevocable trusts as well as protecting low basis assets and general asset protection from estate recover will all be presented.