The short version
In most states, a single person qualifies for nursing-home Medicaid in 2026 with income at or below $2,982/month and countable assets at or below $2,000 — but several big states differ sharply (California, New York, Illinois, and Michigan allow much higher assets; California and New York have no income cap at all). A spouse who stays at home is protected separately and can keep up to $162,660 in assets. Pick your state below for the exact, sourced rules.
2026 income & asset limits by state
Headline figures for a single applicant seeking long-term nursing-home coverage. Every cell links to its official source. “No cap” means the state is a medically-needy state where income is spent down toward care rather than capped.
| State | Income limit (single) | Asset limit (single) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | No income cap[source] | $130,000[source] | Read → |
| Texas | $2,982/month[source] | $2,000[source] | Read → |
| Florida | $2,982/month[source] | $2,000[source] | Read → |
| New York | No income cap[source] | $33,038[source] | Read → |
| Pennsylvania | $2,982/month[source] | $2,000 plus a $6,000 resource disregard[source] | Read → |
| Ohio | $2,982/month[source] | $2,000[source] | Read → |
| Illinois | No income cap[source] | $17,500[source] | Read → |
| North Carolina | No income cap[source] | $2,000[source] | Read → |
| Georgia | $2,982/month[source] | $2,000[source] | Read → |
| Michigan | No income cap[source] | $9,950[source] | Read → |
Income cap in most states is 300% of the 2026 SSI federal benefit rate ($2,982/month). Community spouse resource allowance is up to $162,660 and the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance is up to $4,066.50 in all states shown (2026). Figures reflect single-applicant, long-term nursing-home coverage and are verified as of July 5, 2026; see each state guide for full sourcing and spousal details.
Choose your state
Medicaid Nursing Homes in California
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Medi-Cal.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Texas
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Texas Medicaid (Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities).
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Florida
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Florida Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in New York
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through New York Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid).
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Ohio
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Ohio Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Illinois
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Illinois Medicaid (Medical Assistance).
Medicaid Nursing Homes in North Carolina
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through NC Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Georgia
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Georgia Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Homes in Michigan
2026 income and asset limits, spousal protections, the look-back period, and how to apply through Michigan Medicaid.
More states are on the way. In the meantime, every state page on SunsetWell — for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. — includes a Medicaid overview alongside local costs and top-rated facilities.
Related guides
Find Medicaid-Certified Nursing Homes Near You
Search facilities, filter for Medicaid acceptance, and compare quality scores built from official CMS data — free.
Start Free Facility Search →Note: These guides provide general educational information, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid eligibility rules change and are applied case by case — always verify current figures with your state Medicaid agency, and consider a certified elder-law attorney (find one through NAELA) for spend-down and spousal planning.