Updated Medicaid Planning Figures for 2026

With a new year comes updated Medicaid planning figures for many states. These figures affect long-term care planning, asset protection, and eligibility for programs that help cover nursing home and home care costs. Knowing the latest standards can make it easier for families going through the Medicaid planning process.

Below is a summary of the most important updated figures and what they mean for you and your loved ones.

Read more: Who Needs a Medicaid Annuity?

What Changed: 2026 SSI, Spousal Impoverishment, and Resource Standards

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new informational bulletin in December 2025 that sets the updated standards for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and spousal impoverishment protections effective January 1, 2026. These standards are the basis for many long-term care Medicaid eligibility rules. 

The SSI Resource (Asset) Limits are the baseline countable asset standards used in eligibility tests for many Medicaid eligibility groups, including long-term care. For 2026, they are:

• $2,000 for individuals
• $3,000 for couples

There are also several Spousal Impoverishment Standards designed to help protect the income and assets of a spouse who remains at home when the partner needs nursing home care:

• Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA): ~$2,643 – $3,303 (varies by state)
  Community Spouse Resource Allowance: min $32,532, max $162,660
  Home Equity Limit: min $752,000, max $1,130,000

Understanding these 2026 figures is critical for effective Medicaid planning and helps families avoid unnecessarily spending down their assets.

Why These Updates Matter

Medicaid eligibility is determined not only by need but by your loved one’s income and resources. These figures form the basis for eligibility in many states, though some states have their own more generous rules. 

This variation also means that two families with nearly identical finances may face different eligibility outcomes depending on where they live. That’s why working with professionals who understand both federal guidance and specific state policies is so valuable.

Read more: Advance Planning vs. Medicaid Planning for Long-Term Care

How Income and Asset Limits Affect Planning

It’s important to understand that Medicaid planning isn’t just about meeting a dollar value—it’s about structuring financial resources in a way that respects the rules while preserving as much of your loved one’s savings as possible. Updated standards affect how professionals work with families on:

• Spend-down strategies (how to use excess assets in Medicaid-approved ways)
• Medicaid Compliant Annuities (MCAs) to help meet income limits
• Spousal resource protections that allow a healthy spouse to retain a reasonable standard of living

These figures also remind us that eligibility criteria change annually with cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and federal recalibrations. Staying current with these updates improves outcomes and helps avoid delays or denials.

But this shouldn’t all fall on you! Tell us about your situation, and get connected with a professional who has a deep understanding of these figures and how they impact your situation.