Last updated: September 24, 2026. Figures reflect the 2026 SSI Federal Benefit Rate, the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, and state limits in effect as of September 2026.
Medicaid eligibility rules have shifted again for 2026, and many families are finding that income limits look different from last year. Most states increased their long-term care Medicaid income cap from $2,901 per month to $2,982 per month for single applicants, and from $5,802 to $5,964 for married applicants, a change driven by updates to the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). While the increase may seem small, it can make the difference between being over the limit in 2025 and qualifying in 2026.
Because each state sets its own rules, eligibility still varies widely depending on where you live, your household size, and which Medicaid category you are applying for. Some states continue to use medically needy pathways, income spend-down programs, or waiver-specific rules that differ from institutional Medicaid.
At Jarvis Law Office, we help families navigate these updated 2026 limits while protecting what they’ve built. Our planning focuses on asset preservation, probate avoidance, and Medicaid-safe strategies delivered through a straightforward, fixed-fee approach, so you can qualify for care without losing control of your estate.
Key Takeaways
- Many states increased their Medicaid income limits for 2026, raising the standard long-term care cap from $2,901 to $2,982 for single applicants.
- Eligibility varies by state and program type, with some states using medically needy or spend-down rules when income exceeds the standard limit.
- Updated income rules do not change Medicaid’s asset limits or the 5-year look-back, so proper planning remains essential.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. While federal rules set the overall framework, each state determines its own income and medical eligibility standards. These limits are typically tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or to SSI-based calculations, which is why Medicaid qualifications can differ significantly depending on your state, your household size, and the type of Medicaid program you’re applying for.
Recent 2026 updates, such as higher income caps for long-term care Medicaid in many states, mean more applicants may qualify this year than in 2025, but the underlying structure of the program remains state-specific.
How Medicaid Eligibility Works in 2026
Medicaid eligibility is determined by a combination of income, assets, and program category. While income limits increased slightly for 2026 in most states, especially for long-term care programs, those increases do not change how states evaluate your overall eligibility.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Income Limits
States set income limits for each Medicaid category, often tied to:
- The Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- SSI-based income rules
- 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for long-term care and waiver programs
For 2026, many states raised their long-term care income cap from $2,901 to $2,982 per month for individuals, with proportionate increases for married applicants.
2. Asset Limits
Even with higher income thresholds, Medicaid’s asset rules did not change for 2026.
Applicants must still fall below strict resource limits unless planning strategies, such as trusts or spousal protections, are used.
3. Medical / Functional Requirements
Long-term care Medicaid applicants must also meet medical necessity standards, such as needing:
- Nursing home level of care, or
- Equivalent support for home-and-community-based services (HCBS)
These requirements are independent of income and assets.
4. State-Specific Rules
Each state administers Medicaid differently, which means:
- Income limits vary
- Waiver programs have different rules
- Medically needy pathways may allow spend-down, even if income exceeds the standard limit
- Effective dates can differ (some states implement 2026 updates in January; others on a fiscal year)
2026 Medicaid Income Limits by Program Type
Medicaid income rules are not the same across all programs. Each state sets its own limits, and those limits depend on whether someone is applying for long-term care, home-based services, disability-related Medicaid, or basic medical coverage. For 2026, the most meaningful changes came from the federal update to the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which increased the income cap for long-term care programs in most states.
Below is a breakdown of the major Medicaid categories and their typical income thresholds going into 2026.
1. Long-Term Care Medicaid (Nursing Home Care)
Most states use an income limit equal to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for applicants needing nursing home–level care.
2025 → 2026 income increase:
- $2,901/month → $2,982/month for single applicants
- $5,802/month → $5,964/month for married applicants (both applying)
A few states set their own institutional limits or use different formulas, so actual thresholds vary by state and are reflected in the chart below.
2. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
HCBS programs allow applicants to receive care at home or in assisted living instead of a nursing facility.
Key 2026 points:
- Many states use the same 300% FBR limit as nursing home Medicaid ($2,982/month).
- Some states set waiver-specific income standards slightly above or below institutional limits.
- Asset rules often match long-term care Medicaid, but enrollment caps or waiting lists may apply.
3. Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) / SSI-Related Medicaid
ABD Medicaid uses income rules tied to SSI eligibility, not the 300% FBR standard.
Important notes for 2026:
- The 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living increase raised the SSI Federal Benefit Rate from $967 to $994 per month for an individual and from $1,450 to $1,491 for a couple, and states that tie ABD Medicaid to SSI moved with it.
- ABD income caps remain much lower than long-term care limits. Most states set the individual limit between $994/month (the SSI rate) and $1,330/month (100% of the 2026 poverty level), with a few, such as New York and California, set higher.
- ABD applicants must also meet strict resource limits, which did not increase for 2026.
ABD Medicaid does not require nursing home level of care.
4. Medically Needy / Spend-Down Medicaid
For applicants whose income is too high for standard eligibility, some states offer a pathway that allows medical expenses to reduce countable income.
For 2026:
- Medically needy income limits did not change uniformly across states.
- Applicants can still qualify once their medical expenses “spend down” income to meet the state threshold.
- Programs remain essential for people who exceed the new $2,982 limit but have significant healthcare costs.
5. Medicaid Expansion (Adults Under 65)
In expansion states, adults qualify if income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Key point for 2026:
- HHS published the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines in January 2026: $15,960 a year for a one-person household and $21,640 for two (48 contiguous states).
- At 138% of those figures, the 2026 expansion limit works out to about $1,835 per month for a single adult and about $2,489 per month for a two-person household.
- Marketplace premium subsidies for 2026 coverage are the exception: they are still measured against the prior year (2025) guidelines.
2026 Medicaid Income Limits by State With Built-In Eligibility Calculator
Medicaid income eligibility varies across states. The following breakdown provides 2026 income limits for single applicants and married couples in each state. State-by-state figures were cross-checked against MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org and the federal standards published by CMS. Where a state updates its limits on a fiscal year rather than in January, the effective dates are shown in the chart.
Medicaid Eligibility Tool 2026
Want to know if you qualify?
Try our free 2026 Medicaid Eligibility Tool. Just enter your state, marital status, monthly income, and the type of Medicaid you need to instantly find out if you’re eligible based on the latest data:
Medicaid Eligibility Chart 2026
| 2026 Medicaid Eligibility Income Chart, Updated September 2026 |
| State | Type of Medicaid | Single | Married – both applying | Married – one applying |
| Alabama | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Alabama | Medicaid Waivers / Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Alabama | Regular Medicaid / Medicaid for Elderly & Disabled | $1,014 / month | $1,511 / month | $1,511 / month |
| Alaska | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Alaska | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Alaska | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,845 / month | $2,732 / month | $2,732 / month |
| Arizona | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Arizona | Home & Community Based Services | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Arizona | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) |
| Arkansas | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Arkansas | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Arkansas | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,064 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,442.66 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,442.66 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| California | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No income cap; resident may keep only $35 / month | No income cap; each spouse may keep only $35 / month | No income cap; resident may keep only $35 / month |
| California | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,836 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $2,490 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,836 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| California | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,836 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $2,490 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $2,436 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Colorado | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Colorado | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Colorado | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Connecticut | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | Income must be under the nursing home cost | Income must be under the nursing home cost | Applicant’s income must be under nursing home cost |
| Connecticut | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Connecticut | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,413 / month (eff. 3/26–4/27) | $2,277 / month (eff. 3/26–4/27) | $1,715 / month (eff. 3/26–4/27) |
| Delaware | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,485 / month | $4,970 / month ($2,485 / month per spouse) | $2,485 / month for applicant |
| Delaware | HCBS / Long Term Care Community Services | $2,485 / month | $4,970 / month ($2,485 / month per spouse) | $2,485 / month for applicant |
| Delaware | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Florida | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Florida | Home & Community Based Services | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Florida | Regular Medicaid / Medicaid for Aged & Disabled | $1,171 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,588 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,588 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Georgia | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Georgia | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Georgia | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Hawaii | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No fixed limit; all income except $50 / month goes to care | Same; each spouse keeps $50 / month | Same; applicant keeps $50 / month |
| Hawaii | Home & Community Based Services | If living at home: $1,530 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | Each spouse, if living at home: $1,530 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | Applicant limit $1,530 / month if living at home (eff. 2/26–1/27) |
| Hawaii | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,530 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | $2,074.17 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) | $2,074.17 / month (eff. 2/26–1/27) |
| Idaho | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $3,002 / month | $5,984 / month | $3,002 / month for applicant |
| Idaho | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $3,002 / month | $5,984 / month | $3,002 / month for applicant |
| Idaho | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,047 / month | $1,511 / month | $1,511 / month |
| Illinois | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,803 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,330 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Illinois | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,803 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,330 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Illinois | Regular Medicaid / Aid to Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,803 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,803 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Indiana | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Indiana | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Indiana | Traditional Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) |
| Iowa | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Iowa | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Iowa | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Kansas | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No set cap; income above $62 / month goes toward care | Same; income above $62 / month per spouse goes toward care | Applicant income above $62 / month goes toward care |
| Kansas | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | No set cap; income above $2,982 / month goes toward care | Same; income above $2,982 / month per spouse goes toward care | Applicant income above $2,982 / month goes toward care |
| Kansas | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Kentucky | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Kentucky | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Kentucky | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $235 / month | $291 / month | $291 / month |
| Louisiana | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Louisiana | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Louisiana | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Maine | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Maine | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Maine | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month | $1,804 / month | $1,804 / month |
| Maryland | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | Income cannot exceed nursing home cost | Same | Applicant’s income cannot exceed nursing home cost |
| Maryland | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Maryland | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $350 / month | $392 / month | $392 / month |
| State | Type of Medicaid | Single | Married – both applying | Married – one applying |
| Massachusetts | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No hard cap; income above $72.80 / month goes to care costs | Same (per spouse) | Income above $72.80 / month goes to care costs |
| Massachusetts | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Massachusetts | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) |
| Michigan | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Michigan | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Michigan | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Minnesota | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No set limit; applicant keeps $132 / month for personal needs, the rest goes to care | Same; $132 / month personal needs allowance | Same; applicant keeps $132 / month |
| Minnesota | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Minnesota | Regular Medicaid / Elderly, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 7/26–6/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 7/26–6/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 7/26–6/27) |
| Mississippi | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Mississippi | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Mississippi | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Missouri | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | All income except $50 / month must go to care | Same rule per spouse | All applicant income except $50 / month to care |
| Missouri | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS – Structured Family Caregiving | $1,131 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,131 / month per spouse (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,131 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Missouri | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS – Aged & Disabled Waiver | $1,737 / month (eff. 1/26–12/26) | $1,737 / month per spouse (eff. 1/26–12/26) | $1,737 / month for applicant (eff. 1/26–12/26) |
| Missouri | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | Aged & Disabled: $1,131 / month; Blind: $1,330 / month (both eff. 4/26–3/27) | Aged & Disabled: $1,533 / month; Blind: $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | Aged & Disabled: $1,533 / month; Blind: $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Montana | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | Income must be ≤ nursing home cost | Same | Applicant income must be ≤ nursing home cost |
| Montana | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $994 / month | $1,988 / month ($994 / month per spouse) | $994 / month for applicant |
| Montana | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Nebraska | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $1,330 / month | $1,330 / month per spouse | $1,330 / month for applicant |
| Nebraska | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,330 / month | $1,330 / month per spouse | $1,330 / month for applicant |
| Nebraska | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month | $1,804 / month | $1,804 / month |
| Nevada | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Nevada | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Nevada | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| New Hampshire | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Hampshire | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Hampshire | Regular Medicaid / Old Age Assistance | $1,008 / month | $1,492 / month | $1,492 / month |
| New Jersey | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Jersey | Home & Community Based Services | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Jersey | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month | $1,804 / month | $1,804 / month |
| New Mexico | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Mexico | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| New Mexico | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| New York | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $1,836 / month | $2,489 / month | $1,836 / month for applicant |
| New York | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,836 / month | $2,489 / month | $1,836 / month for applicant |
| New York | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,836 / month | $2,489 / month | $2,489 / month |
| North Carolina | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | Income must be < Medicaid nursing home rate (est. $7,898.40–$11,217.90 / mo.) | Same | Applicant’s income must be below Medicaid nursing home rate |
| North Carolina | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,330 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| North Carolina | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,804 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| North Dakota | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No cap; applicant may keep $115 / month; rest goes to care | No cap; couple may keep $230 / month; rest goes to care | Same as single column |
| North Dakota | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $1,197 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,623 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,197 / month for applicant (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| North Dakota | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,197 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,623 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) | $1,623 / month (eff. 4/26–3/27) |
| Ohio | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Ohio | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Ohio | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Oklahoma | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Oklahoma | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Oklahoma | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,350 / month | $1,824 / month | $1,824 / month |
| Oregon | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Oregon | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Oregon | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Pennsylvania | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Pennsylvania | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Pennsylvania | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,016.10 / month | $1,524.30 / month | $1,524.30 / month |
| Rhode Island | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Rhode Island | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Rhode Island | Regular Medicaid / Elders & Adults with Disabilities | $1,330 / month | $1,803 / month | $1,803 / month |
| South Carolina | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| South Carolina | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| South Carolina | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind or Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) |
| South Dakota | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| South Dakota | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| South Dakota | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Tennessee | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Tennessee | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Tennessee | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Texas | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Texas | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Texas | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Utah | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | No income cap; how much must be paid depends on monthly income | Same per spouse | Same for applicant |
| Utah | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS – Aging Waiver | $1,330 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,330 / month per spouse (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,330 / month for applicant (eff. 3/26–2/27) |
| Utah | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS – New Choices Waiver | $2,982 / month (eff. 1/26–12/26) | $2,982 / month per spouse (eff. 1/26–12/26) | $2,982 / month for applicant (eff. 1/26–12/26) |
| Utah | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) | $1,803.33 / month (eff. 3/26–2/27) |
| Vermont | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Vermont | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Vermont | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled (outside Chittenden County) | $1,375 / month | $1,375 / month | $1,375 / month |
| Vermont | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled (inside Chittenden County) | $1,483 / month | $1,483 / month | $1,483 / month |
| Virginia | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Virginia | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Virginia | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,064 / month | $1,442.66 / month | $1,442.66 / month |
| Washington | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Washington | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Washington | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Washington, DC | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Washington, DC | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Washington, DC | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $1,330 / month | $1,803.33 / month | $1,803.33 / month |
| West Virginia | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| West Virginia | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| West Virginia | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
| Wisconsin | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Wisconsin | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Wisconsin | Regular Medicaid / Elderly, Blind & Disabled (EBD) | $1,086.16 / month | $1,636.26 / month | $1,636.26 / month |
| Wyoming | Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Wyoming | Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,982 / month | $5,964 / month ($2,982 / month per spouse) | $2,982 / month for applicant |
| Wyoming | Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind & Disabled | $994 / month | $1,491 / month | $1,491 / month |
What the 2026 Limits Mean for Ohio Families
Ohio follows the federal long-term care standard, so the chart above gives the headline numbers. What the chart cannot show is how those limits play out for a family in Columbus, Lancaster, or St. Clairsville. These are the Ohio rules we see come up most often in 2026.
Income over $2,982? A Qualified Income Trust is the usual fix
Ohio is an income cap state. If a nursing home or waiver applicant has more than $2,982 per month in gross income, Ohio Medicaid will not approve the application unless the excess is routed through a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller trust). The trust has to be set up and funded correctly every month, and a missed deposit can interrupt coverage.
Ohio asset and spousal protection figures for 2026
- Countable asset limit for a single applicant: $2,000 (unchanged from 2025).
- Community spouse resource allowance: a minimum of $32,532 and a maximum of $162,660.
- Maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance for the at-home spouse: $4,066.50.
- Home equity limit: $752,000 for an applicant who does not have a spouse or dependent relative living in the home.
- The five-year look-back on gifts and transfers still applies.
Married couples have more room to plan than most people expect. Our spousal asset protection work focuses on keeping the at-home spouse financially secure while the other spouse qualifies for care.
Care at home and in assisted living
Ohio applies the same $2,982 income limit to its home and community-based waivers, including PASSPORT and the Assisted Living Waiver, as it does to nursing home Medicaid. Waiver applicants also have to meet a nursing facility level of care. Our guide to Medicaid and assisted living in Ohio covers what the waiver pays for and what it does not.
For the full picture of Ohio eligibility, including how income, assets, and the look-back interact, see our Medicaid eligibility in Ohio 2026 guide or talk with our Ohio Medicaid planning attorneys.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2026 SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- Social Security Administration, SSI Federal Payment Amounts
- MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, Medicaid Eligibility Income Chart
Ready to Secure Your Future?
Medicaid eligibility is just one part of securing your financial future. At Jarvis Law Office, we provide strategic asset management solutions that make estate planning simple and cost-effective.
Take the next step today. Visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need.
