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Medicaid Eligibility

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility 2023

Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides medical assistance to eligible low-income residents. This program is designed to ensure that individuals and families with limited financial resources have access to essential health care services. As such, Medicaid offers a range of benefits that cover various medical needs, including things like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, preventive care, and more. 

To make sure only those that truly need Medicaid receive these benefits, there are strict eligibility requirements that must first be met. Medicaid eligibility criteria, including income limits, can change from year to year and even within a year, and they can also vary based on factors such as household size, disabilities, and other circumstances.

At The Law Office of Raymond E. Brown, our attorneys specialize in Medicaid Planning in Maryland. As such, we can help you determine whether you are eligible for Medicaid coverage and, if so, we can help guide you through the process to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. To speak with a Maryland Medicaid Attorney from our law firm, give us a call at (443) 554-9944 or reach out online today.

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility

Are You Eligible for Medicaid?

This year, Maryland expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover a much broader range of people. If you are an adult under the age of 65 and fall at or below a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be eligible for Medicaid enrollment. Of course, there are further eligibility requirements. According to the Maryland Department of Health, these are the requirements to be eligible for Maryland Medicaid:

  • Must be a Maryland Resident
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets immigration status requirements
  • Must provide a Social Security Number
  • Must meet financial requirements
  • Must meet income limits based on your circumstances and household size

*Note that for those who need Long-Term Care and/or are Aged, Blind, or Disabled, applicants must meet certain asset limits. In addition, for certain Medicaid programs (including Long-Term Care and Home and Community-Based Services Waivers), applicants must also meet medical eligibility. 

*Also note that those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility 2023

Maryland Medicaid Income Limits

As mentioned above, those applying for Medicaid must meet certain income requirements in order to qualify. These “income limits” depend on certain factors, including household size and whether or not the applicant has a disability. 

Below, we’ll outline the income limits (as well as the asset limits and level of care required) for both single and married applicants for three different types of Medicaid: Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid, Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services, and Regular Medicaid/Aged, Blind, and Disabled

For Single Applicants

Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid

  • Income Limit: Cannot exceed the cost of nursing home care
  • Asset Limit: $2,500
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services

  • Income Limit: $2,742 per month
  • Asset Limit: $2,000
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Regular Medicaid Program / Aged, Blind, and Disabled

  • Income Limit: $350 per month
  • Asset Limit: $2,500
  • Level of Care Required: Help with ADLs

For Married Applicants (Both Spouses Applying)

Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid

  • Income Limit: Cannot exceed the cost of nursing home care
  • Asset Limit: $3,000 per spouse for the first 6 months, then $2,500 per spouse
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services

  • Income Limit: $2,742 per month per spouse
  • Asset Limit: $3,000
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind, and Disabled

  • Income Limit: $392 per month
  • Asset Limit: $3,000
  • Level of Care Required: Help with ADLs

For Married Applicants (One Spouse Applying)

Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid

  • Income Limit: Cannot exceed the cost of nursing home care
  • Asset Limit: $2,500 for applicant ($148,620 for non-applicant)
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services

  • Income Limit: $2,742 per month for applicant
  • Asset Limit: $2,000 for applicant ($148,620 for non-applicant)
  • Level of Care Required: Nursing Home

Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind, and Disabled

  • Income Limit: $392 per month
  • Asset Limit: $3,000 for applicant
  • Level of Care Required: Help with ADLs

Maryland Medicaid Income Limits Chart

Below, we’ll provide a chart that outlines all of the information we just covered above.

Maryland Medicaid Income Limits Chart

Preparing for Long-Term Care in a Nursing Home

Long-term care expenses represent a significant financial risk for the elderly, as rooms in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are extremely expensive. In Maryland, the current average annual rate for a semi-private room is around $137,000 (this does not include ancillary supplies and prescription drugs). That means an average two-year stay in a semi-private room will cost approximately 275,000 or greater. You can imagine how much more this would cost for a private room. Few have this available in their savings.

This is where The Law Office of Raymond E. Brown can help you and your family. Our Annapolis estate planning attorneys have been helping families secure the care they need and deserve since 2017. Give us a call at (443) 554-9944 and schedule your initial consultation at no cost to you.

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