Medicaid Eligibility for Senior Care by State

Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term care in the United States. Find your state's income limits, asset tests, waiver programs, and covered services.

How Medicaid Covers Senior Care

Medicaid covers approximately 60% of all nursing home residents in the U.S. While Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing after a hospital stay, Medicaid is the primary program for ongoing long-term care — including nursing homes, home health aides, and in some states, assisted living.

Key Eligibility Factors

States with Notable Medicaid Programs

• New York: Highest asset limit ($31,175), covers assisted living, CDPAP program pays family caregivers
• California: Eliminated asset test in 2024, only 30-month lookback, IHSS provides extensive home care
• Oregon: One of the strongest HCBS systems — K Plan covers assisted living and adult foster care
• Washington: Comprehensive coverage plus the WA Cares Fund public long-term care insurance
• Minnesota: Higher asset limit ($3,000), covers assisted living through Elderly Waiver
• Wisconsin: Family Care program widely considered a national model for community-based care