The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recently updated the maximum Community Spouse Resource Allowance and the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance for spouses of Medicaid Long-Term Care benefits.
To qualify for Medicaid Long-Term Care benefits a single person can have no more than $2,000 of countable resources. Married couples both receiving Medicaid Long-Term Care benefits cannot have combined countable resources in excess of $3,000. These amount have not increased from 2014.
The spouse of a Medicaid Long-Term Care recipient who lives at home (known as the community spouse) is allowed to retain additional resources and income. These amounts are frequently increased. The Community Spouse is allowed to retain resources pursuant to the Community Spouse Resource Allowance. In 2015, this amount is increased to $119,220. In 2014 this amount was $117,240.
In addition to additional resources, the Community Spouse is allowed to retain additional monthly income. This additional income is the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance. In 2015, the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance is increased to $2,980.50. In 2014 this amount was $2,931.00.
2015 Louisiana Medicaid Long-Term Care Key Numbers JANUARY 2015
| Divestment Penalty Divisor | $4,000.00 |
| Individual Resource Allowance | $2,000.00 |
| Monthly Personal Needs Allowance | $38.00 |
| Community Spouse Resource Allowance | $119,220.00 |
| Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance | $2,980.50 |
| Resource Allowance for a Couple (if husband and wife both reside in a facility) | $3,000.00 |
Although a spouse residing at home can retain additional income and assets, planning is often needed to help preserve assets from Medicaid spend-down. The good news is there are many planning strategies available to minimize the devastating effects of long-term care expenses. Keep in mind that early planning can result in more choices and optimal results; but many planning strategies are available for a loved one who is about to enter a nursing home or is already residing in a nursing home.
If you have questions about qualifying for Medicaid Long-Term Care benefits in Louisiana, contact lawyer John Sirois at 985-580-2520 or email him.
You can also find more information about Louisiana Medicaid in John’s book, Louisiana Retirement and Estate Planning, 2014 Edition available by contacting John or through Amazon.com. Additional information is available by visiting the Medicaid and Long-Term Care section of John’s website.
