# Medicaid Planning Assistance > Medicaid Planning Assistance (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org) is a free educational resource provided by the American Council on Aging. It provides comprehensive guidelines, the most current financial criteria, legal planning strategies, and state-by-state rules for seniors (aged 65+) seeking Medicaid long-term care coverage for nursing home care, assisted living, and in-home care. ## Core Eligibility Rules & Financial Thresholds - [Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Overview](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility/): Comprehensive guide to current financial (income, asset) and functional (nursing home level of care) requirements across all three LTC Medicaid programs. - [State-Specific Medicaid Eligibility Directory](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-specific-medicaid-eligibility/): Central hub indexing long-term care Medicaid rules and income/asset limits for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. - [Medicaid Income Eligibility Chart by State](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-income-chart/): State-by-state reference table showing the most current monthly income caps, medically needy income levels, and spousal maintenance limits. - [Medically Needy Pathway to Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medically-needy-pathway/): Guidelines for spend-down states where over-income applicants qualify by deducting recurring medical and care expenses. - [Mandatory and Optional Pathways to Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/other-eligibility-pathways/): Breakdown of 1634 automatic SSI states, SSI-criteria states, 209(b) states, and Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligibility pathways. - [Dual Eligibility: Medicare and Medicaid](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/dual-eligibility/): How Medicare and Medicaid coordinate benefits, covering dual-eligible special needs plans and Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI). - [Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/retroactive-medicaid/): Rules allowing Medicaid to cover unpaid medical bills incurred during the 3-month window prior to the application month. ## Eligibility by Care Setting - [Nursing Home Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-and-nursing-homes/): Requirements for institutional care, including patient liability calculations, Personal Needs Allowances (PNA), and clinical level of care criteria. - [Assisted Living Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/assisted-living/): How HCBS waivers cover supportive care in assisted living communities, and rules on private room-and-board payment. - [Home Care Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/in-home-care/): Criteria for receiving in-home personal care, attendant care, and homemaker services via regular state plans and 1915(c) waivers. - [Respite Care Medicaid Coverage](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-and-respite-care/): Qualifications and program rules for temporary short-term care designed to relieve primary family caregivers. ## Financial Assets, Look-Back Rules & Spousal Protections - [Medicaid Look-Back Period & Penalty Divisors](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-look-back-period/): Explanation of the 60-month look-back rule, penalty periods for gifts, and uncompensated asset transfers. - [Medicaid Spend Down & Asset Reduction](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-spend-down-calculator/): Lawful methods for spending down excess countable assets on exempt goods, care expenses, debts, and home improvements. - [Spousal Impoverishment Protections](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/spousal-protections/): Calculations for the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) and Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) under the most current federal guidelines. - [Treatment of IRAs, 401(k)s, and Retirement Accounts](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-401k-ira/): State rules governing whether retirement funds in payout status are treated as countable assets or countable income. - [Life Insurance & Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/life-insurance/): Distinctions between term and whole life insurance policies, cash surrender value exemptions, and policy transfer rules. - [Gifting Assets and Medicaid Penalties](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/gift-tax-exemption/): Comparison between IRS annual gift tax exclusions and strict Medicaid look-back transfer prohibitions. - [Annuities in Medicaid Planning](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/eligibility-by-annuity/): Requirements for Medicaid-compliant immediate annuities (non-assignable, irrevocable, actuarially sound). ## Home Ownership & Estate Recovery - [Can Medicaid Take Your Home? Home Exemption Rules](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/can-medicaid-take-my-home/): Overview of primary residence exemptions, subjective intent to return, and protecting equity. - [Home Equity Limits for Medicaid](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/home-equity-interest-limit/): Current state-by-state home equity interest caps indexed to the most current federal statutory minimums and maximums. - [Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-estate-recovery-program/): How states seek repayment from probate estates after a beneficiary's death and how to prevent liens. - [Caregiver Child Exemption](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/child-caregiver-exemption/): Safe harbor rule allowing penalty-free home transfer to an adult child who provided 2+ years of care preventing institutionalization. - [Sibling Exemption for Home Transfers](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/sibling-exemption/): Criteria for transferring a home to a sibling who holds equity interest and lived in the residence for at least one year. ## Legal Strategies & Medicaid Planning Tools - [Medicaid Planning Overview & Techniques](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-planning-techniques/): Guide to legal, financial, and restructuring tools used to qualify for Medicaid while protecting family wealth. - [Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/asset-protection-trusts/): Irrevocable trusts established in advance of the look-back window to protect assets from Medicaid and estate recovery. - [Miller Trusts / Qualified Income Trusts (QITs)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/miller-trusts/): Irrevocable income trusts required in income-cap states to become income-eligible for Nursing Home Medicaid or HCBS waivers. - [Irrevocable Funeral Trusts & Pre-Need Contracts](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/irrevocable-funeral-trust/): Exempt financial instruments allowing funds up to the most current state-allowable limits to be set aside for prepaid funeral and burial expenses. - [Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/supplemental-needs-trusts/): First-party and third-party supplemental needs trusts that preserve Medicaid/SSI eligibility for disabled beneficiaries. - [Lady Bird Deeds & Life Estate Deeds](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/lady-bird-deeds/): Enhanced life estate deeds that avoid probate and bypass Medicaid estate recovery in eligible states. - [Personal Care Agreements (Caregiver Contracts)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/personal-care-agreements/): Formal contracts enabling Medicaid applicants to compensate family caregivers without triggering gifting penalties. - [Spousal Refusal & Medicaid Protections](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/spousal-refusal/): Legal procedure allowing an applicant to qualify when a community spouse refuses to contribute income or assets. ## Application & Transition Guidance - [How to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/how-to-apply-for-medicaid/): Step-by-step application process, documentation requirements, and submission instructions. - [How to Transfer Medicaid Between States](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/transferring-medicaid/): Detailed roadmap on closing an existing state case, establishing residency in a new state, and preventing benefit lapses. - [Medicaid Denials, Appeals & Fair Hearings](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/denied-medicaid/): What to do when a Medicaid application is denied, filing notices of appeal, and preparing evidence for administrative hearings. ## State-by-State Long-Term Care Medicaid Guidelines - [Alabama Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-alabama/): The most current income caps, asset limits, QIT requirements, and HCBS waiver options in Alabama. - [Alaska Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-alaska/): Special Income Rule guidelines, asset limits, and Alaska Pioneer Homes/Alaskans Living Independently waivers. - [Arizona Medicaid (ALTCS) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-arizona/): Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) income/asset rules and managed care system. - [Arkansas Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-arkansas/): ARChoices in Homecare waiver, income caps, and Medically Needy pathway limits in Arkansas. - [California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-california/): Medi-Cal long-term care guidelines, asset rules, Maintenance Needs Levels, and look-back details. - [Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-colorado/): Colorado HCBS-EBD waiver, QIT criteria, and spousal protection figures. - [Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-connecticut/): Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) and 209(b) state rules. - [Delaware Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-delaware/): Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) managed long-term care requirements. - [Florida Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-florida/): Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program and Qualified Income Trust rules. - [Georgia Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-georgia/): Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), CCSP, SOURCE, and QIT criteria in Georgia. - [Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-hawaii/): Hawaii Med-QUEST integration, modified FPL limits, and QUEST Expanded Access (QExA). - [Idaho Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-idaho/): Idaho Aged & Disabled waiver rules, income caps, and asset transfer regulations. - [Illinois Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-illinois/): Illinois Community Care Program (CCP), Supportive Living Program (SLP), and asset limit rules. - [Indiana Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-indiana/): PathWays for Aging waiver program, Aged and Disabled waiver transition, and QIT guidelines. - [Iowa Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-iowa/): Iowa Health and Disability / Elderly Waivers and Medically Needy income thresholds. - [Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-kansas/): KanCare long-term care services, Frail Elderly (FE) waiver, and spend-down criteria. - [Kentucky Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-kentucky/): Kentucky Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver and special income limits. - [Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-louisiana/): Community Choices Waiver (CCW) and Long Term-Personal Care Services (LT-PCS). - [Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-maine/): MaineCare elderly long-term care benefits and home-based care waiver guidelines. - [Maryland Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-maryland/): Home and Community-Based Options Waiver, Community First Choice (CFC), and spend-down rules. - [Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-massachusetts/): MassHealth Standard, Frail Elder Waiver, and asset/income rules. - [Michigan Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-michigan/): MI Choice waiver, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and spend-down rules. - [Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-minnesota/): Elderly Waiver (EW), Alternative Care (AC) program, and spend-down limits in Minnesota. - [Mississippi Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-mississippi/): Mississippi Independent Living (IL) and Elderly and Disabled (E&D) waiver requirements. - [Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-missouri/): MO HealthNet Aged and Disabled waiver and spend-down program rules. - [Montana Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-montana/): Big Sky Waiver, nursing home level of care criteria, and Medically Needy limits. - [Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-nebraska/): Nebraska Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) and state-specific resource rules. - [Nevada Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-nevada/): Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly (FE Waiver) in Nevada. - [New Hampshire Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-new-hampshire/): Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver and 209(b) state guidelines. - [New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-new-jersey/): Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) rules, income caps, and CSRA limits. - [New Mexico Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-new-mexico/): Centennial Care Community Benefit program and Special Income Rule requirements. - [New York Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-new-york/): Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC), Community Medicaid, pooled income trusts, and resource limits. - [North Carolina Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-north-carolina/): Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) and Special Assistance (SA). - [North Dakota Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-north-dakota/): Medicaid waiver for the Home and Community-Based Services and Medically Needy pathway. - [Ohio Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-ohio/): PASSPORT waiver, Assisted Living waiver, and QIT criteria in Ohio. - [Oklahoma Medicaid (SoonerCare) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-oklahoma/): ADvantage waiver, income cap requirements, and SoonerCare long-term care guidelines. - [Oregon Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-oregon/): OHP long-term services, K-Plan (Community First Choice), and in-home care programs. - [Pennsylvania Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-pennsylvania/): Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed long-term services and supports and MNO-MA spend-down. - [Rhode Island Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-rhode-island/): Rhode Island Comprehensive 1115 Demonstration Waiver and LTSS Core/Preventive levels of care. - [South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-southcarolina/): Community Choices waiver and income cap rules in South Carolina. - [South Dakota Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-south-dakota/): HOPE waiver (Home Options Providing Empowerment) and institutional criteria. - [Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-tennessee/): CHOICES program for long-term care and nursing facility alternatives. - [Texas Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-texas/): STAR+PLUS HCBS program, 30-day residency rules, and Qualified Income Trust procedures. - [Utah Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-utah/): Utah Aging Waiver, New Choices Waiver, and Medically Needy spenddown guidelines. - [Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-vermont/): Choices for Care program and high/highest need group qualifications. - [Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-virginia/): Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) waiver and Medically Needy income rules. - [Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-washington/): Community First Choice (CFC), COPES waiver, and MAC/TSA programs. - [Washington DC Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-washington-dc/): Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) waiver and Services My Way participant direction. - [West Virginia Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-west-virginia/): Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) and Medically Needy spend-down provisions. - [Wisconsin Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-wisconsin/): Family Care, Family Care Partnership, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), and spend-down rules. - [Wyoming Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-wyoming/): Community Choices Waiver (CCW) and Special Income Rule qualifications. ## Organization & Supplemental Resources - [American Council on Aging (About Us)](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/about-us/): Background on the organization providing MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org. - [VA Pension Planning for Long-Term Care](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/va-pension-aid-and-attendance/): Guidance on Veterans Aid and Attendance pensions and coordinating VA benefits with Medicaid. ## Interactive Tools & Professional Directories - [Medicaid Eligibility Test](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-test/): Interactive assessment tool to evaluate financial and functional qualification across all long-term care Medicaid programs. - [Medicaid Spend Down Calculator](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-spend-down-calculator/): Calculation tool estimating the required asset reduction amount needed to reach current state eligibility thresholds. - [Medicaid Nursing Home Search](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/find-medicaid-nursing-homes/): Search tool and facility directory to locate Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facilities. - [Find a Certified Medicaid Planner](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/find-a-medicaid-planner/): Intake and referral matching tool connecting families with certified planners, case managers, and elder law attorneys. - [Find a VA Pension Planner](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/find-va-pension-planner/): Consultation directory to connect veterans and surviving spouses with accredited Aid & Attendance pension planners.