The income of the community spouse is not counted in determining the Medicaid applicant’s eligibility. This figure, known as the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance or MMMNA, is calculated for each community spouse according to a complicated formula based on his or her housing costs.

What happens if spouse goes to nursing home?

In almost all cases the spouse not entering care will continue to live in the family home. This means that the home will be exempt from assessment whilst they continue to live in the home. When their spouse enters care, this allowance will be lost. However, the couple will be assessed as an “illness separated couple”.

How do you qualify for Medicaid nursing home care?

To be eligible for Medicaid long term care, one must be both financially qualified and have a medical need for care. Eligibility requirements are specific to the state, the Medicaid program or waiver, and one’s age group.

What happens if my husband goes to a nursing home?

If Medicaid pays for your husband’s care in the nursing home, you will not have to contribute anything from your income towards his cost of care. You will also be entitled to keep a portion of his income. Medicaid will use a formula to determine your income needs.

Do you have to pay for a nursing home if your husband has Medicaid?

The balance of his income, less a small personal needs allowance, must be paid to the facility. If your own income exceeds the allowance set by Medicaid you do not need to pay the difference to the nursing home; you can keep all of your income no matter how high. For more on Medicaid’s income protections for the healthy spouse, click here.

Can a nursing home throw you out if you have Medicaid?

Some nursing homes won’t accept Medicaid patients outright, but the law forbids them from throwing you out if you become dependent on Medicaid once you are in their care. In all states, Medicaid is available to low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

Can a spouse in a nursing home keep their assets?

Is my spouse in a nursing home able to keep any assets? Yes, your spouse can keep a minimal amount of assets. This figure varies by state, but in most states, the spouse entering the nursing home can keep $2,000 in assets. What can be done to protect my assets? You cannot simply give your assets away to qualify a spouse for Medicaid.