Maryland Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility and Coverage

In this detailed guide, Senior Planning aims to help seniors and their families understand Maryland Medicaid long-term care programs, eligibility criteria, and application steps, making the process easier to navigate.

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Requirements 

Maryland Medicaid eligibility for seniors requires that applicants must be aged 65 or older, be U.S. citizens, be Maryland residents, and meet the income and asset requirements. 

Income and asset requirements will depend on marital status and the program selected for long-term care. Please note that the numbers outlined in the tables below are subject to change. 

Maryland Medicaid Income Limits 2025

The chart below outlines income guidelines for Maryland Medicaid applicants aged 65+ seeking long-term care services. 

Medicaid Eligibility Income Chart - Maryland

Medicaid will count most sources of income toward the limit, including wages from employment, alimony payments, Social Security income, pension payments, and VA Aid and Attendance. However, Holocaust restitution payments are not counted towards the income limit.

If only one spouse applies for Institutional Medicaid or Home and Community Based Services, only the applicant’s income is considered in the income limit. The non-applicant spouse may also be provided with a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) to support them further. The MMMNA is currently $2,643 per month; however, if the non-applicant’s income is less, the applicant can transfer enough funds to bring it up to that amount, with an option of increasing their Spousal Income Allowance if the applicant's housing and utility costs are higher. 

For Regular Medicaid, both incomes are counted when determining Maryland's Medicaid eligibility, and the non-applicant spouse has no income allowance.

Medicaid Asset Limits in Maryland 2025

The chart below shows the asset limit for Medicaid applicants in Maryland for seniors looking at long-term care services. 

Maryland Medicaid Asset Chart

Maryland Medicaid countable assets include cash, investments, bank accounts, and additional property to the individual's primary residence. Assets not included in this count are personal items, household furnishings, and one vehicle. 

For Nursing Home Medicaid or Home and Community-Based Services, all assets of a married couple are considered jointly owned, regardless of whether one or both spouses are applying. Additionally, the non-applicant spouse may keep up to $157,920 of the couple's assets under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). This allowance does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

Look-Back Rule: Medicaid’s long-term care programs have a look-back period of  5 years (60 months in Maryland. During this time, any gift or asset transfers below fair market value can trigger a penalty period of ineligibility. Regular Medicaid does not have a look-back period.

How to Qualify for Medicaid in Maryland if You Exceed the Limits

If you or your loved one exceeds the limits outlined above, you may still be able to qualify for long-term Medicaid. 

Medically Needy Pathway in Maryland

If your income exceeds the set Medicaid limit, you can use the Medically Needy Pathway program to qualify. This program allows individuals to “spend down” their income on approved medical expenses, such as medical care, treatments, or supplies. The “spend down” amount is calculated by subtracting the individual's monthly income and the medically needy income limit (MNIL), which is $350 per month for individuals and $392 per month for a couple. 

Maryland Medicaid Spend Down Rules

If your assets exceed the Medicaid limit, you can use the Asset Spend Down program. This allows seniors to “spend down” their assets on non-countable expenses, such as home accessibility modifications, burial funds, or debt repayment. Keep in mind that Medicaid has a Look-Back Period, so proper documentation is recommended to prove that this rule was not violated. 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland for the Elderly

Understanding Maryland’s Medicaid long-term care eligibility and application process can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Senior Planning, we are here to make this process as stress-free and straightforward as possible. 

1. Choose the Right Medicaid Program: Step one of this process is finding the right Medicaid program for you. For seniors looking for long-term care, available programs include Nursing Home Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services, or Regular Medicaid.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements: After selecting the appropriate program, review the Maryland Medicaid eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits, to ensure you qualify.

3. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary paperwork to verify your eligibility. Some of the documents needed to apply for Medicaid in Maryland include:

   1. 1. A valid identification document (like a driver's licence or government ID)

      2. Social Security card

      3. Bank statements

      4. Proof of income and assets

      5. Health insurance cards

      6. Medical records

Check out our complete Medicaid document checklist to learn more.

4. Complete the Application: Fill out the Medicaid application online or submit a paper version at your local Social Services office.

Medicaid for Nursing Homes in Maryland

How much does Medicaid pay for a nursing home in Maryland? For seniors who meet Maryland Medicaid nursing home eligibility requirements, the full cost of long-term care in a nursing home is covered, including room and board, meals, and basic medical care. However, not every nursing home accepts Medicaid, and some have limited Medicaid beds or will prioritize private-pay residents, so it is important to verify availability directly with the facility.

Medicaid for Assisted Living in Maryland

How much will Medicaid pay for assisted living in Maryland? Medicaid provides support to seniors so they can receive long-term care in a community-based setting, including medical services, personal care, and other essential support. However, room and board are not covered. This support ensures seniors receive the necessary care without exhausting their personal resources. To meet Maryland's Medicaid-assisted living eligibility, applicants must meet the income and asset limits, and their medical needs must demonstrate that ongoing assistance is required.

Maryland Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Support

If you are seeking long-term care and are ready to apply for Medicaid in Maryland, Senior Planning is here to help. We provide guidance to seniors and their families, supporting you at every step to ensure you or your loved one receives the care they need. Reach out to Senior Planning today to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Medicaid Eligibility

What assets are exempt from Medicaid in Maryland?

The main assets exempt from Medicaid in Maryland include a primary residence (up to the federal equity limit), one vehicle, personal belongings, household goods, and certain burial funds.

Can you own a home and be on Medicaid in Maryland?

You can own a home and be on Medicaid in Maryland because the state exempts a primary residence as long as your equity stays within the federal limit and you intend to live in the home. Medicaid does not count the home as an asset, but the state may place an estate recovery claim after death. 

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Maryland?

Yes, when someone qualifies for Medicaid assisted-living in Maryland, Medicaid will cover certain expenses, such as nursing and basic medical care, but it does not cover room and board. 

How to apply for Medicaid in Maryland online? 

You can apply for Medicaid in Maryland online at marylandhealthconnection.gov.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?

Apply for Medicaid in Maryland by applying for Maryland Health Connection at MarylandHealthConnection.gov. You can also apply by phone at 855-642-8572 or in person at a local Department of Social Services.