Question 1

Does Medicaid pay for nursing home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California, TennCare in Tennessee, etc.) covers skilled nursing facility care in all 50 states for income and asset-eligible seniors. In most states, the income limit is $2,742/month (300% of SSI) and the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual. All states have a 5-year look-back period for asset transfers.

Question 2

What is the Medicaid nursing home income limit?

Accepted Answer

In most states, the Medicaid nursing home income limit is $2,742/month for an individual in 2026 (300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate). Some states use a lower limit. States with a Medically Needy program allow seniors above the limit to 'spend down' excess income on medical expenses to qualify. Some states allow a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) for those above the limit.

Question 3

What assets can I keep and still qualify for nursing home Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

The countable asset limit in most states is $2,000 for an individual. However, many assets are exempt: primary residence (if intent to return or spouse/dependent lives there), one vehicle, prepaid burial, household goods, and life insurance below a threshold. A community spouse (the spouse not in the nursing home) can also keep significantly more in assets — up to $154,140 in 2026.

Question 4

Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?

Accepted Answer

Medicare pays for skilled nursing facility care only after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay, and only for up to 100 days (with cost-sharing starting at day 21). Medicare does NOT pay for custodial nursing home care — the ongoing room, board, and personal care costs. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term nursing home costs for low-income seniors.

Feature	Medicare	Medicaid
Pays for long-term nursing home	❌ No	✅ Yes
Requires hospital stay first	✅ Yes (3 days)	❌ No
Coverage days	Up to 100 days (skilled)	Unlimited (if eligible)
Income/asset limits	None	Yes — $2,742/mo / $2,000 assets
What it covers	Skilled rehab care only	Custodial + skilled care
Cost to resident	Days 21–100: $204/day copay	$60/month personal needs

Does Medicaid Pay for Nursing Home Care?

National Medicaid Nursing Home Rules (2026)

State-by-State Medicaid Nursing Home Guides

Medicare vs. Medicaid for Nursing Home Care

Find Medicaid-accepting nursing homes by state and city