Montana Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility in 2025

Montana Long-Term Care

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Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be Montana residents and either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with proper immigration status.

Age/Disability: Applicants must be 65 years or older, blind, or disabled. They must meet medical requirements consistent with the level of care requested. Care must be needed for 30 consecutive days.

Income Limitations: Monthly income from all sources (e.g., wages, Social Security, pensions) must be used to cover long-term care costs. The community spouse may retain part of the income, as outlined under spousal rules.

Asset Limitations: Montana divides assets into exempt and non-exempt. Non-exempt assets must be liquidated and used to pay for care before Medicaid eligibility is granted. Montana enforces a 5-year look-back period for transfers below fair market value.

Exempt Assets for 2025 for an Applicant in Montana:
  • $2,000 or less in cash or non-exempt assets if single.
  • One home with an equity limit of $688,000 (exempt if planning to return, or if a spouse, child under 21, or disabled dependent resides there).
  • One car.
  • Prepaid funeral plans up to $1,500 or irrevocable burial contracts.
  • Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500 or less.
  • Personal effects and household goods.
  • $6,000 equity from income-producing property (must generate 6% annually).
  • Livestock, either as income-producing or pets.
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Spousal Rules in 2025:
  • Community Spouse Asset Allowance: The community spouse may retain between $30,027 and $152,020 in assets. If below the minimum, transfers may be made from the institutionalized spouse’s resources.
  • Community Spouse Income Protection: The community spouse may retain income if their own is below $2,389/month, up to a maximum of $3,898.50/month.
  • Personal Needs Allowance: The institutionalized spouse may retain $62/month for personal needs. Veterans receiving a $90 VA pension may retain both the pension and the allowance.
Montana Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership in 2025:

Policies protect assets dollar-for-dollar based on the policy’s maximum benefit. For example, a policy with a benefit of $165,000 protects $165,000 in assets. Couples must purchase separate policies to qualify individually.

Further Information and Application:

Apply Online: https://apply.mt.gov

Montana DPHHS Senior & Long Term Care Division: Call 406-444-4077

Montana Public Assistance Helpline: Call 888-706-1535