Final answer:
Divestment planning for Medicaid eligibility can be ethically contentious, as it involves transferring assets to meet the qualification threshold for a needs-based program. While it may help individuals access care, it might also be seen as system exploitation, yet there are legal pathways for such planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether divestment planning for the purpose of qualifying for Medicaid coverage of long-term care costs is ethical can be complex. Planning to meet Medicaid eligibility by divesting or transferring assets might help an individual afford necessary care when they have insufficient funds or insurance, but it may also be viewed as exploiting the system. It's important to consider that Medicaid is a needs-based program intended to assist those with limited assets and income. Deliberate divestment to meet these qualifications might be interpreted as misrepresenting one's financial situation, which could be considered unethical by some. However, there are legal ways to plan for Medicaid eligibility, and seeking professional guidance to navigate these options is advisable.