Maryland Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility for 2025

Maryland Long-Term Care

Eligibility for 2025:

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1. Residency and Citizenship – Applicants must be Maryland residents and U.S. citizens or have proper immigration status.

2. Age/Disability – Applicants must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Medical requirements must align with the requested level of care.

3. Income Limitations – For Nursing Home Medicaid, all income (Social Security, pensions, wages, etc.) must go toward care costs except for a $102 monthly personal needs allowance. For Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), income cannot exceed $2,901 per month for an individual. Medicaid Waivers follow the same limit, adjusted annually based on SSI levels.

4. Asset Limitations – Countable assets must be under $2,500 for individuals ($3,000 for couples). Maryland enforces a 5-year look-back period to assess financial transactions. Assets exceeding these limits at the start of any month render the applicant ineligible.

Exempt Assets in 2025:
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  • One home with an equity value under $730,000, exempt if a spouse, child under 21, or disabled individual resides in it.
  • One vehicle, regardless of value, if used for medical purposes or by a spouse.
  • Burial spaces, irrevocable burial trusts, and up to $1,500 in burial accounts.
  • Personal effects, household goods, and life insurance policies with no cash value.
Spousal Rules for 2025:

The community spouse may retain up to $157,920 in countable assets and a minimum of $31,584. If the spouse’s income falls below $2,555, income from the institutionalized spouse can be transferred to meet this threshold, with a maximum monthly allowance of $3,948 depending on housing expenses.

Maryland Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership:

This program protects assets by matching dollar-for-dollar benefits paid by long-term care insurance policies. Married couples must purchase individual policies for separate protection. After benefits are exhausted, equivalent assets are exempt during Medicaid eligibility determination.

Money Follows the Person:

This federal initiative supports individuals transitioning from institutions to community-based settings. Services continue post-transition to ensure successful reintegration.

Continued Reading:

For assistance, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Division of Eligibility Policy:

Division of Eligibility Policy/MCHP, OES
Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1463 | Toll-Free: 1-800-492-5231 ext. 1463