Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by your local Medicaid agency and is based on the income you receive and the assets you own, including life insurance and retirement plans. If you are married, assets in your name, as well as assets held jointly with your spouse or by your spouse alone, will be considered in the eligibility determination process.

For the year 2024, a Medicaid applicant/recipient is entitled to retain $30,187 in assets in his or her name.  If the applicant has a spouse, the spouse may retain between $74,820 and $148,620.

If the applicant is not married and receives health care at home, he or she also will be entitled to retain $1,677 of income per month. Married couples who apply for home care together are allowed $2,268 per month of income. An individual, whether married or single, receiving skilled nursing care, is allowed only $50 per month as a personal needs allowance. The individual's spouse may retain $3,715 of monthly income for support.

When your local Medicaid agency determines your eligibility for Medicaid, certain assets that you own will not be considered. These assets include your primary residence (under certain circumstances only), the contents of your household, one vehicle, a prepaid irrevocable funeral contract, and other necessary items. Contact Mark G. Aberasturi, Attorney at Law PC to learn more.