Nevada Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility in 2025

Nevada Long-Term Care 2025

nevada-long-term-care

Nevada is an income-cap state, meaning there is a hard income limit for Medicaid long-term care eligibility. Unlike non-income cap states, which allow applicants to spend down excess income for care, Nevada requires income above the limit to be placed into a Qualified Income Trust (QIT). Senior Planning can assist families in establishing QITs and navigating the Medicaid application process.

Nevada also offers specialized Medicaid waiver programs, including assisted living and home care options, for those who meet medical and financial criteria. These programs provide a wide range of services designed to promote independence while reducing the need for institutional care.

Programs for 2025

Nevada’s Assisted Living Waiver

This Medicaid program provides assisted living supportive services in a residential facility offering 24/7 care. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be 65 years or older.
  • Require a nursing home level of care.
  • Meet Medicaid’s income and asset limits.
  • Reside in an assisted living facility receiving a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Senior Planning helps families identify Medicaid-approved facilities and understand their eligibility for this program. Contact us to learn more about assisted living options in Nevada.

Nevada’s Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW)

This waiver provides non-medical services to help older residents maintain their independence and remain in their homes. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be 65 years or older.
  • Require a nursing home level of care within 30 days if HCBW services are unavailable.
  • Have a continued need for services.
  • Meet Medicaid’s income and asset limits.

This waiver covers assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, homemaking, and meal preparation. Other services include adult companions, medical alerts, and non-medical adult day care. Spaces are limited, and eligibility is determined by Nevada’s Aging and Disability Services Division. Senior Planning can assist with navigating the waitlist and securing these critical services.

Nevada’s Waiver for Elderly Adult Living in Residential Care (WEARC)

This waiver supports services provided in a group home setting. Applicants must:

  • Be 65 years or older.
  • Be ambulatory (able to move independently or transfer into a wheelchair without caregiver assistance).
  • Require an intermediate level of care.
  • Meet Medicaid’s income and asset limits.

The WEARC waiver does not provide nursing services. Eligibility is determined by Nevada Aging and Disability Services, which assigns a case manager to coordinate care with approved group homes. Senior Planning offers guidance on eligibility requirements and approved residential care options.

Eligibility in 2025

Applicants for Medicaid long-term care in Nevada must meet the following requirements:

  • Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be Nevada 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 and require care for 30 consecutive days.
  • Income Limit: For single applicants, the income limit is $3,021/month. Applicants with excess income may establish a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) to qualify.
  • Resource Limit: Single applicants must have countable resources of $2,000 or less. Married applicants’ limits vary based on spousal rules.

Senior Planning can assist with determining eligibility and preparing the necessary documentation to streamline the application process.

Exempt Assets for 2025

  • One home: Exempt if the equity value is under $753,000 and the applicant intends to return or if a spouse, child under 21, or disabled dependent resides there.
  • One car: No equity limit specified.
  • Prepaid funeral plans: Irrevocable burial trusts are also exempt.
  • Personal effects and household goods: These items are excluded from resource calculations.

Spousal Rules for 2025

Community Spouse Asset Allowance: The community spouse may retain up to $152,020 in assets. If their assets fall below $30,027, additional resources can be transferred to reach the minimum.

Community Spouse Income Protection: The community spouse may retain up to $3,898.50 per month if needed to meet living expenses. Senior Planning helps families navigate these rules to maximize spousal resource allowances.

How to Apply for Nevada Medicaid

Applicants can apply for Nevada Medicaid online through the Access Nevada portal or by contacting the Aging and Disability Services Division. Senior Planning offers assistance with the application process, ensuring that all required documents are complete and accurate. Contact us today to get started.

Further Reading

Visit Senior Planning’s dedicated website for long-term care planning: https://www.seniorplanning.org