By Brian L. Miller

Every year, the New York State Department of Health updates the allowed income and resource limits for Medicaid applicants and recipients.

For Medicaid applicants seeking community Medicaid benefits on or after January 1, 2025, individuals are allowed monthly income of $1,800 plus a $20 unearned income credit and are allowed to have non-exempt resources of $32,396. Married couples who are both receiving community Medicaid benefits are allowed a combined monthly income of $2,433 plus a $20 unearned income credit and are allowed to have non-exempt resources of $43,781.

If an individual’s income exceeds the limit of $1,800, there are planning techniques available to help shelter one’s excess income while still maintaining community Medicaid benefits.

For nursing home Medicaid, individuals continue to be limited to a monthly income of $50 and are allowed to have non-exempt resources of $32,396. Married couples, where one individual is receiving nursing home benefits and their spouse remains in the community not receiving Medicaid benefits, the community spouse is allowed income of $3,948 and resources of $74,820 – $157,920 based upon a sliding scale.

In addition to the increased income and resource limits, the New York State Department of Health has also increased the equity limit that an individual may have in his/her primary residence and still qualify for Medicaid benefits to $1,097,000. While one’s home may be considered exempt for Medicaid purposes, it could be subject to Medicaid estate recovery upon the individual’s death and/or subject to a Medicaid lien put in place during the individual’s lifetime, if proper planning is not in place.

Should you have any questions about your Medicaid eligibility and to ensure that your estate and asset protection planning complies with the current laws, please contact Littman Krooks LLP.