Owning a Home Out-of-State When Applying for Medicaid

Last updated: May 13, 2024
Medicaid Long Term Care | Questions and AnswersCategory: EligibilityOwning a Home Out-of-State When Applying for Medicaid
medicaidplanner Staff asked 5 years ago

Can a single applicant for nursing home Medicaid own a home in a different state other than the state in which they are applying?

1 Answers
medicaidplanner Staff answered 5 years ago

No, generally speaking, a single Nursing Home Medicaid applicant cannot own a home in a different state than the state in which they are applying for benefits. The house will most likely be counted towards Medicaid’s asset limit since it is not in the same state in which they are a Medicaid applicant.

Medicaid has an asset limit for long-term care Medicaid, which generally is $2,000. See state-specific asset limits. In most cases, a Medicaid applicant’s primary home is not counted towards Medicaid’s asset limit. For home exemption, a single applicant must have a home equity interest under a state-specified limit. Furthermore, if they do not live in the home, they must have Intent to Return home. This “intent” to return home is where it gets complicated, and why for the most part, a Nursing Home Medicaid applicant’s home must be in the same state in which they are applying in order for it to be exempt.

For one to be eligible for Medicaid in any given state, they must be a resident of that state, meaning they intend to remain living in that state indefinitely. Therefore, the applicant cannot express both an “intent” to return to their home in another state and declare residency in the state of application. This is why the home is generally not exempt from Medicaid’s asset limit when an individual moves from their home in one state to a nursing home in another state and then applies for Medicaid.

A handful of states do allow a home in another state to be exempt. This, however, is considered far from the norm. One should expect an out-of-state home to count towards Medicaid’s asset limit in the state in which they are applying for Medicaid. If you or a loved one have a home in one state and are applying for Nursing Home Medicaid in another state, it is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of a Professional Medicaid Planner.

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