For millions of seniors nationwide, Medicaid provides a safety net for people who find themselves requiring long-term care. Most Americans aged 65 and older – roughly 70 percent – will need these kinds of services in their later years, according to research. Meanwhile, the cost of long-term care has been rising with every passing year. In 2023, the national median cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home reached nearly $9,000 a month.
Medicaid Coverage
Run jointly by the federal and state governments, Medicaid – which sometimes goes by other names, depending on your state – provides health insurance to low-income populations. If you need to seek Medicaid coverage for long-term care, you may be aware that you must meet strict income and resources limits to qualify. In Illinois, you cannot have more than $17,500 in “countable” resources in your name to receive long-term care Medicaid benefits.
So, what happens if you are married? Does your healthy spouse have no choice but to live in poverty? Fortunately, no – states permit the healthy spouses of Medicaid applicants to retain a certain amount in resources to protect them from becoming impoverished.
Community Spouse Resource Allowance for 2025
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues updated Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) figures. These CMS guidelines outline how much of the couple’s assets the healthy spouse can keep while their Medicaid spouse gets the long-term care support they need. Generally, the CSRA increases each year and, currently, varies from state to state.
Starting January 1, 2025, in Illinois (which is currently lower than the federal maximum allowance), a spouse who lives at home while their partner receives Medicaid long-term care benefits can retain up to $135,648 in countable resources (an increase from $129,084 in 2024).
Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance for 2025
If you receive long-term care benefits through Medicaid while your healthy spouse continues residing at home, you may feel better knowing that your partner can also keep a minimum amount of income each month. The federal government calls this their monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMNA). In 2025, the maximum MMNA will be $3,948 (an increase from $3,853.50 in 2024).
Work With an Elder Law Attorney
The rules for Medicaid can quickly become complex and often vary widely by state. To ensure that you are pursuing the best coverage options for your situation, speak with a qualified elder law attorney in your area.