Medicaid Eligibility Estimator
Estimate whether you may qualify for long-term-care Medicaid based on your state’s income and asset limits.
Last updated January 2026. Limits can change during the year. Verify the current figures with your state Medicaid office.
Over the limit rarely ends eligibility
Income-cap states allow a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust); Medically Needy states let applicants spend down monthly income toward care bills.
Not everything you own is counted
Bank accounts and investments count, while a primary home (within state equity limits), one vehicle, household goods, and prepaid burial plans are usually exempt.
Separate programs, separate rules
Medicare (age 65+) covers short-term post-hospital rehab only. Long-term care Medicaid is means-tested, and wartime veterans/spouses can also check VA Aid & Attendance.
Medicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on your state, your monthly income, and your countable assets. Enter your figures in the estimator above (it runs entirely in your browser — your financial figures are never sent to our servers) to see whether you may or may not qualify, or use the reference table below. Medicare (Parts A and B) is separate and is not income- or asset-tested — most people qualify at age 65.
| State | Monthly income limit | Asset limit | Income rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Arizona | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| California | County assessment required | $130,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| Florida | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Georgia | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Illinois | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| Massachusetts | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| Mississippi | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Nevada | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| New Jersey | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| New York | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| North Carolina | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| Pennsylvania | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
| South Carolina | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Texas | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Income cap (QIT/Miller Trust) |
| Washington | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | Medically needy (spend-down) |
California counts assets for nursing-home Medi-Cal. The single-person asset limit applies from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Household rules and exemptions may change which assets count. Ask your county Medi-Cal office to assess income and any share of cost. This estimate compares countable assets only. California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) sources checked November 9, 2026. DHCS asset rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an official Medicaid eligibility determination?
No. This tool provides a non-binding estimate based on the figures you enter. It is not legal or financial advice and not an official determination. Only your state Medicaid office can decide eligibility — always verify with them.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare eligibility (Parts A and B) is based on age 65+ or disability and is NOT income- or asset-tested. Long-term-care Medicaid — which helps pay for nursing-home and in-home care — IS income- and asset-tested. This estimator focuses on long-term-care Medicaid.
What if my income is over the limit?
Being over the income limit rarely disqualifies you outright. In income-cap states a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) can route excess income into eligibility. In medically-needy states you may "spend down" excess income on care each month. An elder-law attorney can explain the option for your state.
What counts as an asset?
Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, and most investments. Your primary home (up to your state’s equity limit), one vehicle, personal belongings, and a prepaid burial plan are generally exempt and NOT counted. California counts assets for nursing-home Medi-Cal. Ask your county which assets and exemptions apply.
Does this estimate my spouse’s situation too?
Not yet. This first version estimates a single (unmarried) applicant on the nursing-home pathway. Married-couple rules (spousal impoverishment protections) and in-home / assisted-living waivers are more complex and are being added. For a married applicant, consult your state Medicaid office or an elder-law attorney.
How we research and verify this information
Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.
Editorial review by John Richie, Senior Care Research Editor.
- Cost of Care Survey (2025)Publisher: CareScout. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.
- Skilled nursing facility coveragePublisher: Medicare.gov. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.
- Medicaid coverage and eligibilityPublisher: Medicaid.gov. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-07-10.
- Long-term-care guidance for familiesPublisher: National Institute on Aging. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-07-10.
- VA Aid and Attendance eligibilityPublisher: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.