My wife has dementia and I've had to quit work to take care of her full-time. We get by, just barely, on our fixed income. The most frustrating thing about our situation is the "requirement" that we NOT exceed the maximum allowed income for her to remain qualified for Medicaid. This would include any money in a savings account. Bitcoin seems to be an ideal way to build a savings account without the worry of saving cash in our house. Would a laminated paper wallet be the best way to secure it?
I am so sorry for you and your wife's current situation. You sound like you are good man with your priorities in good order. Sometimes we don't have the opportunity to pick our pitch before getting beaned in the head by a high hard one.
I have a pretty good understanding of what you are trying to accomplish. In general terms, this is what I would do if so inclined.
3 BTC wallets:
1. online wallet that you and you alone hold the private keys. This is used to shield funds from potential troubles with the exchanges used to make purchases. Multiple addresses in this wallet are used for different purposes. This is the billfold you use to make day to day buys of goods offered for coin.
2. exchange wallet with "emergency fund" value. Large swings, the need to convert to fiat, and unpredictable income potential are the principal reasons or this wallet. This and the online wallet makes you liquid in terms of fiat.
3. Armory/paper/offline wallet with savings. This is to protect your coin from both you and others.
3a. Cash in prepaid credit cards, dwolla, under the mattress paper, gift cards, precious metals, and other items that hold value or appreciate that stay off the balance sheet that government agencies inquire about when applying for assistance.
I am not for hiding income or assets to avoid legitimate tax liability. I have no issue with hiding assets to get much needed assistance. It sucks to have to bend the rules in order to survive.
Those of you piling on this gentleman have no clue what it is like to go from making a wage that provides you with a comfortable living to making nothing; yet not being able to qualify for assistance programs due to some relatively meager holdings. Certain programs prohibit owning a car, having a small savings account, or having more than a few hundred dollars in a checking account. I've had people roll into my former business with a purse full of EBT cards and un-cashed entitlement checks worth thousands. All the while those checks and EBTs were carried in a LV wallet, by a person wearing prada, carrying LV bags, and driving a Mercedes. I do not think the OP fits this mold.
A person that worked all their life can't get much needed help because of a 401K, IRA, a savings account, a car payment, and a 3/2 suburban home that is being foreclosed on should not be excluded from receiving public aid. Certainly not because someone got sick. Have some compassion and understanding.
Sending good vibes your way sir. Peace.