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The End of the $2000 Medicaid Asset Limit

Brett A. Howell
Mar 3
2 min read

A compassionate nursing home aide supports an elderly patient as they enjoy working on a puzzle together.

For longer than I have been practicing law - over 30 years now - the countable asset limit for a single individual seeking Medicaid nursing home benefits or MI Choice Waiver benefits has been $2000.00. Frankly, it was assumed that it would never change. Well, to the surprise of many including me, effective February 1, 2025, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has increased the asset limit to $9660.00. The new asset limit only applies to single individuals. For a married couple, the amount is $14,470.00. These asset limits will be adjusted annually. The spousal protection rules continue to apply when there is a community spouse. Here is the new rule under the Bridges Eligibility Manual rule:

For individuals eligible for MA under BEM 106, 132, 135, 154, 155, 157, 158, 163, 164, 165, 166, 170, 171, 172, the asset limit is: For an asset group of one:

• $9660 effective January 1, 2025.

• $9430 effective January 1, 2024.

• $9,090 effective January 1, 2023.

• $8,400 effective January 1, 2022.

• $7,970 effective January 1, 2021.

• $7,860 effective January 1, 2020.

This new limit of $9660.00 is a welcome change. It will certainly help many single nursing home residents qualify for Medicaid as well as have additional resources to pay their expenses such as for a home or car. Previously, having only $2000.00 was simply not enough to pay their homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities and other expenses without having to rely upon their children.

It is rare that the Medicaid rules are changed to benefit Medicaid recipients. Enjoy it for now. As always, stay tuned for further updates.

This blog post is written by Brett A. Howell, Certified Elder Law Attorney. The blog is written as a service of The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, P.L.L.C. This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a consultation to address specific questions, please call (810) 953-3846.