Medicaid Impoverishment Limits

• Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services.

  Spousal Impoverishment:

  (Section 1924 of the Social Security Act; U.S. Code Reference 42 U.S.C. 1396r-5)

  The expense of nursing home care, which ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 a month or more, can rapidly deplete the lifetime savings of elderly couples. In 1988, Congress enacted provisions to prevent what has come to be called "spousal impoverishment," which can leave the spouse who is still living at home in the community with little or no income or resources. These provisions help ensure that this situation will not occur and that community spouses are able to live out their lives with independence and dignity

  
  
  
  2012 Spousal Impoverishment Standards

  Community Spouse Monthly Income Allowance:
  Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA)	$1,838.75 All States (Except Alaska and Hawaii)
  Maximum:	$2,841
  Community Spouse Resources:
  Minimum Resource Standard:	$ 22,728
  Maximum Resource Standard	$113,640

  *NOTE: The minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance, excess shelter allowance and the family allowance will be revised effective July 1, 2012, when the federal poverty level is updated.

  
  

  Additional Long-Term Care Topics:
  What is LTC?	What Does LTC Cost?	LTC Myths & Misconceptions	Own Your Future Campaign
  LTC Partnership	Medicaid Impoverishment Limits	LTC For Individuals / Couples	Premium Deduction Limits
  Asset-Based LTC	LTC For Worksites	Business Owner Incentives	LTC Carriers