Georgia

What Is Georgia Medicaid Long-Term Care?

Georgia Medicaid provides health coverage to income-eligible individuals, including elderly residents who need long-term care. Seniors may receive support in nursing homes or at home through community-based services. There are three key long-term care Medicaid programs available to seniors in Georgia.

What Are the Three Types of Long-Term Care Medicaid Programs for Georgia Seniors?

What Is Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid?

This program provides coverage for nursing facility care. It is an entitlement, meaning any individual who qualifies is guaranteed services. Care is available only in licensed nursing homes.

What Are Medicaid Waivers or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?

These waivers aim to help seniors remain in their homes or community-based settings. Unlike institutional Medicaid, waiver programs have enrollment caps and are not guaranteed. Services can be provided at home, in assisted living, or adult day care.

What Is Regular Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled?

This entitlement program offers services to those who meet income and asset criteria. It includes support such as personal care assistance and adult day services.

What Are the Financial Eligibility Requirements for Georgia Medicaid Long-Term Care?

Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need. These rules vary depending on marital status and program type, and they are updated annually.

What Are the 2025 Income and Asset Limits for Single and Married Applicants?

How Does Georgia Medicaid Define and Treat Income?

What Counts as Income?

Countable income includes wages, pensions, Social Security benefits, and dividends. Exceptions include Holocaust restitution and VA Aid & Attendance benefits, which are not counted.

How Is Income Treated for Married Couples?

If only one spouse applies for Medicaid, only their income is counted. In 2025, the non-applicant spouse may receive up to $3,948/month via the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA). For Regular Medicaid, both spouses’ income is considered, and MMNA does not apply.

How Does Georgia Medicaid Treat Assets?

What Assets Count Toward the Limit?

Assets such as savings, stocks, and second properties are countable. Exempt items include personal belongings, one vehicle, household items, up to $10,000 in burial trusts, and the primary home under certain conditions. Retirement accounts are exempt if in payout status.

How Are Assets Treated for Married Couples?

All assets are considered jointly owned. In 2025, the non-applicant spouse can retain up to $157,920 in countable assets under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance. This rule does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

What Is the Look-Back Period in Georgia Medicaid?

Georgia enforces a 60-month (5-year) look-back period for Nursing Home and Waiver programs. Any assets gifted or sold under market value during this period may result in a penalty. This does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

Is a Home Considered a Countable Asset?

When Is a Home Exempt?

A home is exempt if the applicant or their spouse lives there. If not, the applicant must state intent to return, and the home’s equity must be under $730,000 (as of 2025). This cap does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

Will Medicaid Recover the Cost of Care from the Home?

Yes. After the Medicaid recipient’s death, Georgia’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program may seek repayment using the value of the home or other estate assets.

What Medical or Functional Needs Are Required?

Applicants for Nursing Home or Waiver programs must need a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). Regular Medicaid requires help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but not necessarily NFLOC.

How Can Georgia Seniors Qualify for Medicaid If They Exceed Income or Asset Limits?

What Is the Medically Needy Pathway?

This allows individuals with excess income to qualify by using that income to pay for medical expenses. In 2025, the Medically Needy Income Limit is $317/month (individual) and $375/month (couple), with asset limits of $2,000 and $4,000, respectively.

What Are Qualified Income Trusts (QITs)?

Also known as Miller Trusts, these allow applicants with income above the limit to become eligible by depositing excess income into the trust, which can only be used for specific medical-related costs.

What Is an Asset Spend Down?

Applicants may reduce countable assets by spending on exempt items such as home repairs or funeral trusts. Transfers under fair market value within the look-back period are not allowed.

What Is Medicaid Planning?

Working with a Medicaid planner can help applicants become eligible while preserving assets, particularly when facing high long-term care costs.

What Georgia Medicaid Programs are Available for Seniors?

Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

CCSP offers support at home, in assisted living, or adult day care. Participants can select a caregiver, such as an adult child (spouses excluded).

SOURCE Waiver

This waiver provides similar services as CCSP but is limited to those who are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program

MFP assists seniors in transitioning from institutional care back to home or community living with the necessary support.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Georgia is developing PACE to provide combined Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including long-term care, under one program.

How Can Seniors Apply for Georgia Medicaid Long-Term Care?

Applications can be submitted online via Georgia Gateway, by phone at 877-423-4746, or in person at a local DFCS office. Seniors can also contact their local Area Agency on Aging for guidance.

Before applying, it is essential to confirm financial eligibility. For those who are over the limits or unsure, working with a Medicaid planner can make a significant difference.