Protecting The Healthy Spouse In Medicaid Application

Millions of seniors rely on Medicaid to help cover the high cost of long-term care. Research shows that around 70% of Americans aged 65 and older will need long-term care at some point. However, these services are expensive, with the median cost of a semi-private nursing home room reaching nearly $9,000 a month in 2023.

How Medicaid Helps

Medicaid, run by both federal and state governments, provides health insurance to low-income individuals. To qualify for Medicaid long-term care, you must meet strict income and asset limits. In most states, you can’t have more than $2,000 in “countable” assets to be eligible.

What If You're Married?

If you’re married, you may wonder if your healthy spouse will be left financially vulnerable. Thankfully, Medicaid allows the healthy spouse to keep a portion of the couple’s assets through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) to prevent poverty.

2025 Community Spouse Resource Allowance

Starting January 1, 2025, the healthy spouse can keep up to $157,920 in assets, up from $154,140 in 2024. Federal law also sets a minimum CSRA, which will be $31,584 in 2025. States can adjust these amounts within the federal guidelines.

2025 Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance

In addition to assets, Medicaid also protects part of the healthy spouse’s monthly income through the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA). In 2025, the maximum MMNA will be $3,948 per month, up from $3,853.50 in 2024.

Medicaid rules can be complicated and vary by state. To make sure you’re taking the right steps to secure coverage, it’s best to consult with an elder law attorney. Give us a call. We have the only board-certified elder law attorney in South Dakota. We can help guide you through the process.

Learn more: Protecting Your Healthy Spouse in 2025