Medicaid planning in Washington State can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. There are innumerable guidelines to follow, and plodding through the lengthy and confusing application process is enough to make you throw up your hands in defeat.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

At Senior Planning Services, we are intimately familiar with the Washington Medicaid requirements. We take over the application and approval process to help you get approved as soon as possible.

Our comprehensive Medicaid planning services are focused on helping seniors and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Our Washington Medicaid planners streamline the entire process, starting with an initial consultation and assessment. Next, we assist with statements and paperwork, fill out applications on your behalf, and act as a liaison with the State of Washington’s Medicaid eligibility department. We’ll be by your side until you receive your official approval.

Ready to apply for Medicaid in Washington State? We can help!

Contact Senior Planning Services today to learn more

Asset allowances document checklist

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a safety net. One of its primary purposes is to fund the costs of nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. The average cost of assisted living in Washington is $5,750 per month or $69,000 per year. If you qualify for Medicaid-assisted living in Washington State, these costs can be offset, ensuring you receive a high level of care even if your savings can’t pay for it all.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?

Washington State Medicaid eligibility depends on several eligibility factors. The Medicaid program is designed to help people pay for the often staggering costs of nursing homes and other long-term care options, but there’s a caveat. You must adhere to numerous rules and regulations to receive benefits.

To meet the standards for Washington State Medicaid nursing home eligibility, you must:
• Be a legal U.S. citizen or qualified alien
• Be a resident of Washington
• Meet income and asset requirements
• Be 65 years of age, blind, or permanently disabled

Financial Requirements

Income

WA State Medicaid eligibility is dependent on a senior’s income level. Once an individual is on WA Medicaid, his/her income goes to the facility, and Medicaid will cover the difference in their nursing home coverage. Income includes Social Security, pension, and any monies that are coming in every month. When an individual is staying long-term in a facility, some deductions may come out of a Medicaid Applicant's income:

- A personal needs allowance (PNA) of $103.20 in a Nursing Home that the Medicaid recipient can choose to use for whatever he/she wishes.
- A supplemental health insurance premium to allow the policy to remain active.

Depending on the Scenario, the community spouse or a dependent child may retain some or all of the applicant's income.

Assets

Additionally, Washington State Medicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on an individual’s assets. A long-term care applicant's assets must fall below specific thresholds to qualify for Medicaid. As of 2025, the asset limits in WA are $2,000 for single applicants, $3,000 for couples applying together, and up to $157,920 for the non-applicant spouse in cases where only one spouse is applying.

It's important to note that Medicaid enforces a five-year look-back period for financial transactions. During this time, any gifts or asset transfers may result in a penalty period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage. This penalty corresponds to the total value of assets gifted or transferred during the look-back period. (There are some exceptions to the transfer rules which Medicaid may allow.)

Medical

Finally, eligibility for Washington State Medicaid for seniors requires a pre-admission screening (PAS) to determine the applicant's medical status. A physical evaluation from a Medicaid nurse will ascertain whether you need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as showering, dressing, eating, and toileting.

Why Our WA Medicaid Specialists Are Different

In a word: expertise.
At Senior Planning Services, this is what we do all day, every day. Our Medicaid specialists are well-versed in the Washington Medicaid qualifications and have the resources, relationships, and know-how to help our clients maximize their benefits. Our WA Medicaid planners don’t just guide individuals, couples, and families through the Medicaid process; we shoulder the burden to provide all the answers and alleviate all concerns during this particularly overwhelming junction of life. If you are a first-time applicant for long-term care or if you need assistance to renew your Medicaid in Washington State, we have the necessary experience to move your application along smoothly.

Medicaid Planning in Washington State: Our Services

Offer a free Medicaid Consultation
Assist in obtaining 60 months of bank and financial statements from financial institutions' back offices, as well as any other Medicaid required Documentation.
Assist in obtaining verifications from banks regarding checks, deposits, and cash withdrawals
Shoulder burden to provide all verification to satisfy all Medicaid's requests.
Assist families in utilizing excludable resources

Assist clients in the process of liquidating life insurance policies, annuities, stocks, etc.
Obtain missing documentation from the Vital Statistics office, if necessary
Update the client on status consistently
Submit the application to the county Board of Social Services
Interact with the Board of Social Services caseworker regularly

The experts at Senior Planning Services are just a phone consultation away.
Let us replace your stress and anxiety with direction and clarity.

Give us a call at 855.775.2664 or

WA State Medicaid FAQsf

How do I qualify for Medicaid in Washington State?: To qualify for Medicaid in Washington, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, a resident of the state, and meet both income and medical eligibility requirements. Seniors must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. A pre-admission screening will determine your need for long-term care.
I let my Medicaid expire - how do I renew it in Washington?: If your Medicaid coverage has lapsed, you can renew it by submitting updated financial and medical documentation to the state. If you're unsure where to start, a Medicaid planning service can assist you with gathering paperwork, reapplying, and avoiding further delays in coverage.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicaid in Washington?: Applicants typically need to provide five years of bank statements, proof of income (such as Social Security or pension statements), life insurance details, and records of assets and liabilities. A Medicaid planning specialist can help you collect and organize these documents to meet state requirements.
How long does the Medicaid application process take in Washington State?: Processing times can vary depending on your case and the completeness of your documentation. On average, it can take 45–90 days for the state to make a determination. Working with Senior Planning Services can help you avoid delays and gain a higher chance of approval by ensuring your application is thorough and properly submitted.
Can Medicaid help pay for assisted living or nursing home care in Washington?: Yes. If you meet the medical and financial criteria, Washington Medicaid can cover costs related to nursing homes and approved assisted living facilities.