Alaska
How does LTC Medicaid in Alaska work?
Alaska’s Medicaid program, called DenaliCare, provides healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, including seniors aged 65 and older. It supports long-term care through a range of services delivered in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or at home.
What are the Medicaid program options in Alaska?
1. Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid
This entitlement program guarantees coverage for anyone who qualifies. Services are only provided in nursing home settings.
2. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
These waivers are not entitlements, so enrollment is limited. Services are delivered at home, in adult day care, or assisted living facilities to delay institutional care.
3. Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)
This entitlement provides support like personal care assistance or adult day care to qualifying seniors living at home.
What are the 2025 Financial Eligibility Guidelines for Alaska Medicaid?
Eligibility varies by program, marital status, and financial situation. The table below provides general thresholds for single and married applicants.
Example: Single Applicant for Nursing Home Medicaid
- Monthly Income Limit: $2,901
- Asset Limit: $2,000
- Must require nursing home level of care
Note: Not meeting every requirement doesn’t mean someone is ineligible—planning can help.
What are the Income Rules in Alaska?
Most forms of income are counted, including wages, pensions, Social Security, and dividends. Exceptions include Holocaust reparations and VA Aid & Attendance.
When One Spouse Applies
Only the applicant’s income is considered. The non-applicant spouse may receive income transfers under the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (up to $3,948/month in 2025).
Regular Medicaid Applicants
Both spouses’ incomes are counted. There is no income protection (MMNA) for the non-applicant spouse in this category.
Are there rules for Assets and Exemptions in Alaska?
Assets like cash, stocks, and non-resident property are countable. Exempt items include personal belongings, primary residence, and one vehicle. The non-applicant spouse’s retirement accounts are also exempt.
Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA)
Up to $157,920 of joint assets may be protected for the non-applicant spouse in 2025. This does not apply to ABD Medicaid.
What is the Medicaid Look-Back Period in Alaska?
Alaska enforces a 5-year look-back period to ensure no assets were transferred below market value. Violations result in a penalty period during which Medicaid eligibility is suspended.
Is my Home Exempt under Alaska Medicaid rules?
Homes may be exempt if the applicant or spouse lives there. If not, equity must be under $730,000 in 2025. Applicants must also express intent to return if neither lives in the home. Estate Recovery may still apply after death.
What is the Alaska rule on Functional Eligibility for Long-Term Care Medicaid?
Nursing Home and HCBS applicants must require a nursing facility level of care. ABD Medicaid applicants must demonstrate difficulty with daily living activities but may not need full nursing care.
What can I do if I exceed the asset or income limits for Alaska Medicaid?
1. Can I use a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) in Alaska to qualify for Medicaid?
Yes, a QIT can be used to deposit excess income so that it doesn’t count toward eligibility. Funds are strictly regulated and must name the State of Alaska as a remainder beneficiary.
2. Can I spend down assets to qualify for Alaska Medicaid?
Excess assets can be used for home modifications, paying off debts, prepaying burial costs, etc., to reach eligibility thresholds. Gifts and below-market transfers are prohibited.
3. Can I hire a Medicaid Planner to help me qualify for Alaska Medicaid?
Working with a Medicaid planner helps applicants meet requirements and protect key assets, such as a family home, from estate recovery.
What Additional Alaska programs may I be able to access if I am eligible for Medicaid?
1. Personal Care Services (PCS)
Offers in-home help with daily tasks. Participants can choose their caregiver, including some family members.
2. Alaskans Living Independently (ALI)
Provides services like home modifications, meal delivery, and adult day care to help avoid nursing home placement.
3. Community First Choice
Helps seniors with nursing-level care needs access personal care, housekeeping, and other supports.
How do I apply for DenaliCare?
Seniors can apply online through Alaska’s ARIES portal, by calling 800-478-7778, or by submitting an application to a local Division of Public Assistance office.
Before applying, it’s wise to consult with a Medicaid planner to ensure all eligibility requirements are met and prepare for the complex application process.
Can I hire someone to assist me with my Alaska Medicaid application?
Yes. The Alaska Medicaid department is very limited in the amount of assistance they are able to provide, so most people turn to a skilled and knowledgeable Medicaid application service to help them through the process. People who use these services find that they avoid making mistakes and get approval faster than doing it themselves.
