Washington State Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors

For many individuals, including families facing challenging long-term care choices, understanding Washington Medicaid eligibility can seem daunting. At Senior Planning, we will guide you with confidence on this journey, helping you understand the rules for Medicaid eligibility, the available programs, and the application process.

Washington Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

Who is eligible for Medicaid in Washington state?

The requirements for Washington state Medicaid eligibility for seniors to receive long-term care include being 65 years old or older, being a U.S. citizen, being a Washington resident, and meeting the income and asset requirements. 

The income and asset limits may differ depending on the applicant's marital status and the route taken to meet Washington’s Medicaid eligibility requirements. Please note that these numbers are subject to change.

Income Limits for Washington Medicaid 2025

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Washington state? The Medicaid eligibility income chart for Washington state, below, shows the income limits for seniors, depending on the long-term service they are applying for.

What income is considered? Most sources of income are counted towards the Washington state Medicaid income limits 2025, including wages from employment, alimony payments, Social Security income, and pension payments. Holocaust restitution payments, the VA Aid and Attendance, and Housebound Pensions are not included in the limit. 

When counting the income of a married couple in which only one is applying for Medicaid services, only that person's income is considered. The non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA), which may entitle them to receive $2,643.75 from their applicant spouse. However, for Regular Medicaid, both spouses' income is calculated, and there is no MMMNA. 

Medicaid Asset Limits for Washington State

For Washington state, the Medicaid eligibility income chart below shows the asset limits for seniors, depending on the long-term service they are applying for.

Assets counted for Medicaid in Washington include cash, investments, bank accounts, and property, excluding the individual's primary residence. Non-countable assets that are not included are personal items, household furnishings, and one vehicle.

When one or both spouses are applying, all assets are considered jointly owned. However, if only one spouse applies for long-term care Medicaid (nursing home or HCBS), the non-applicant spouse may keep up to $72,529 of the couple's assets under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). If the spouse is in a nursing home, the non-applicant spouse is entitled to 50% of the couple's assets up to $157,920. This allowance does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

Look-Back Rule: The Medicaid look-back period in Washington is 5 years (60 months) for long-term care. Any gift or asset transfers below fair market value during this time may result in a penalty period of ineligibility. Regular Medicaid has no look-back period.

How to Qualify if you Exceed the Limits

If your income or assets exceed the set Medicaid limits, you may still become eligible through the following means:

Medically Needy Pathway

Washington’s Medically Needy (MN) Program helps seniors who exceed Medicaid's income limit become eligible by “spending down” on medical expenses. The spend-down amount is determined by subtracting their income from the medically needy income limit (MNIL), which is $967 per month in 2025. The spend-down period lasts either 3 or 6 months, based on the applicant's discretion. Once the spend-down is met, individuals qualify for Medicaid services for the remainder of the period. The program has an asset limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Medicaid Spend Down in Washington State

Applicants who have assets exceeding Medicaid’s limit can still qualify for long-term care by “spending down” extra assets on exempt (non-countable) assets, such as making home accessibility renovations and modifications, prepaying burial expenses, and paying off debt. Note that caution and proper documentation are necessary to prove that nothing violates Medicaid’s Look-Back Rule.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Washington State for the Elderly

Understanding the application process for long-term care Medicaid in Washington and the eligibility requirements can feel daunting for many individuals. At Senior Planning, we aim to simplify the process and make this experience as smooth as possible for you. Below are some of the steps involved in the application process:

1. Choose the Right Medicaid Program: Possible long-term care programs for seniors include Nursing Home Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services, or Regular Medicaid.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Review the Medicaid qualifications in Washington to ensure you’re eligible, including the income and asset limits.

3. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary paperwork to verify your eligibility. Some of these documents 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 via Washington Connection or submit a paper version at your local DSHS office with all the required documents.

Medicaid for Nursing Homes in Washington

How much does Medicaid pay for a nursing home in Washington? Medicaid’s long-term care covers the full cost of nursing homes for eligible seniors in Washington, including room and board, meals, and basic medical care. However, not every nursing home accepts Medicaid, and some may have limited Medicaid beds or prioritize private-pay residents, so it is necessary to verify availability directly with each facility.

Medicaid for Assisted Living in Washington

How much will Medicaid pay for assisted living in Washington? For individuals considering assisted living options in Washington, Medicaid offers access to long-term care, including medical services, personal assistance, and other essential support. These programs enable seniors to obtain necessary care without exhausting their financial resources. 

To be eligible for Washington state Medicaid-assisted living, applicants must meet the specified income and asset thresholds and demonstrate that their medical conditions require ongoing support.

Support for Washington State Medicaid Eligibility for Long-Term Care

Looking for assistance with the Washington Medicaid application process for long-term care? Senior Planning helps seniors and their families by guiding them through each step, ensuring that they or their loved ones receive the necessary care. Reach out to Senior Planning today to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Medicaid Eligibility

Are SSI recipients eligible for Medicaid in Washington state?

Yes. While SSI recipients are generally eligible for Medicaid in Washington, eligibility has specific requirements that must be met, and you may have to apply separately. 

Who is eligible for Medicaid in Washington State?

The Medicaid eligibility requirements for seniors in Washington to receive long-term care include: 

• being 65 years old or older

• being a U.S. citizen

• being a Washington resident

• meeting the income and asset requirements.