Snapshot Date
What Is the Medicaid Snapshot Date?
The Medicaid Snapshot Date is the specific day Medicaid uses to take a financial “snapshot” of a married couple’s assets when only one spouse is applying for long-term care Medicaid (nursing home or home/community services). While Medicaid reviews both income and assets overall, the snapshot is about assets only. It also drives how much the non-applicant (community) spouse can keep via the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), helping prevent spousal impoverishment.
When Does the Snapshot Date Occur?
Nursing home applicants: It’s the first day of a continuous institutionalization lasting at least 30 days (hospital, nursing home, or both). States may use the exact admission date or the first day of that month. If multiple stays qualify, the first continuous period is used. Some states also take a second snapshot at application if assets changed.
HCBS (in-home/community) applicants: Typically the date of the Medicaid application or the functional needs assessment.
Can You See Snapshot Date Examples?
- Example 1: Hospitalized Feb 7, 2024, then directly to a nursing home; application filed Aug 2024 → Snapshot Date is Feb 7, 2024.
- Example 2: Applied for HCBS on Jan 12, 2023 → Snapshot Date is Jan 12, 2023.
How Is the Snapshot Taken?
Medicaid performs a resource assessment using an asset declaration form plus documentation (bank/investment statements, deeds, etc.) reflecting ownership and values on the Snapshot Date.
How Does the Snapshot Determine the CSRA?
After tallying countable assets, Medicaid calculates the CSRA (amount the community spouse may keep) in addition to the applicant’s small allowance (often $2,000). In 2025, many states cap the CSRA at $157,920. Exempt assets typically include the primary residence, one vehicle, household goods, and personal items; countable assets usually include cash, investments, and non-primary real estate. Some states also count retirement accounts.
What’s the Difference Between 50% and 100% States?
| State Type | How CSRA Is Calculated | Snapshot Relevance | Typical 2025 Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% State | Community spouse keeps 100% of couple’s countable assets up to the CSRA max. | Less critical; many states look at assets at application. | Max CSRA commonly up to $157,920. |
| 50% State | Couple’s countable assets are split 50/50; community spouse keeps half, subject to min/max CSRA. | Highly relevant; assets are measured on the Snapshot Date. | Min CSRA often $31,584; max often $157,920. |
Can You See CSRA Spend-Down Examples?
- $40,000 total: 50/50 → $20k each. Community spouse is below minimum CSRA, so raised to $31,584. Applicant keeps $2,000 → spend down $6,416.
- $70,000 total: 50/50 → $35k each. Between min and max → CSRA = $35,000. Applicant keeps $2,000 → spend down $33,000.
- $330,000 total: 50/50 → $165k each. Above max → CSRA capped at $157,920. Applicant keeps $2,000 → spend down $170,080.
Why Should Families Plan Ahead?
Pinpointing the Snapshot Date and optimizing the CSRA can be complex and state-specific. Early planning with a Medicaid professional helps confirm eligibility timing, maximize protected assets for the community spouse, and coordinate strategies that may also reduce exposure to Estate Recovery.
