Nevada

Nevada

What Is Nevada Medicaid Long-Term Care?

Nevada Medicaid offers healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, including seniors aged 65 and over. When it comes to long-term care, Medicaid covers more than just nursing home stays. It also helps elderly residents remain at home, live in assisted living facilities, or reside in group residential homes by paying for necessary medical and non-medical services.

What Types of Long-Term Care Programs Does Nevada Medicaid Offer?
  • Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid: An entitlement program that provides services exclusively in nursing homes. All eligible applicants receive benefits.
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: These are not entitlements. Enrollment is limited, and waitlists may exist. Services are aimed at delaying nursing home admission and are delivered in the community or at home.
  • Medical Assistance to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MAABD): An entitlement that provides various long-term care benefits, including help with daily living activities. All who qualify receive services.
What Are the Income and Asset Limits for Long-Term Care Eligibility in Nevada?
What Are the Basic Financial Requirements for a Single Applicant in 2025?

To qualify for Nursing Home Medicaid in 2025, a single applicant must meet the following:

  • Monthly income under $2,901
  • Countable assets below $2,000
  • Need for a nursing facility level of care

Failing to meet all criteria does not necessarily mean ineligibility. There are planning strategies that may still allow qualification.

2025 Nevada Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Table
Type of MedicaidSingle ApplicantMarried (Both Applying)Married (One Applying)
Institutional / Nursing Home MedicaidIncome: $2,901/mo
Assets: $2,000
Level: Nursing Home
Income: $5,802/mo
Assets: $3,000
Level: Nursing Home
Income: $2,901/mo
Assets: $2,000 (applicant), $157,920 (non-applicant)
Level: Nursing Home
HCBS / WaiversIncome: $2,901/mo†
Assets: $2,000
Level: Nursing Home or At Risk
Income: $5,802/mo†
Assets: $3,000
Level: Nursing Home or At Risk
Income: $2,901/mo†
Assets: $2,000 (applicant), $157,920 (non-applicant)
Level: Nursing Home or At Risk
Regular Medicaid / MAABDIncome: $967/mo
Assets: $2,000
Level: Assistance with ADLs
Income: $1,450/mo
Assets: $3,000
Level: Assistance with ADLs
Income: $1,450/mo
Assets: $3,000
Level: Assistance with ADLs

* Most of the applicant’s income must be paid to the nursing home, except for a $154 Personal Needs Allowance, Medicare premiums, and possibly a spousal allowance.
† Depending on the living setting, individuals may not retain the full income allowance.

What Counts as Income for Medicaid?
How Is Income Counted?

Most types of income—such as wages, pensions, Social Security, and IRA withdrawals—are counted. Some exceptions include Holocaust restitution payments and certain VA benefits like Aid & Attendance.

How Does Medicaid Treat Income for Married Couples?

For Nursing Home and HCBS Medicaid, only the applicant’s income is considered. The non-applicant spouse may be allowed to receive a Spousal Income Allowance if their income is below $3,948/month in 2025. For MAABD, income from both spouses is counted.

What Assets Count Toward Medicaid Eligibility?
Which Assets Are Countable?

Cash, investments, savings accounts, and real estate (excluding primary residence) are countable. Exempt assets include personal items, a vehicle, and one’s primary home (with limitations).

How Are Assets Treated for Married Couples?

All assets are jointly considered, but the non-applicant spouse may keep up to $157,920 in 2025 through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). MAABD does not offer a CSRA.

What Is Medicaid’s Look-Back Period in Nevada?

Nevada has a 60-month look-back for Nursing Home and HCBS programs. During this period, Medicaid reviews asset transfers. Improper gifting may lead to penalties. Note: this does not apply to MAABD.

Are Homes Exempt Under Medicaid?
When Is a Home Considered Exempt?

If the applicant or spouse resides in the home, it’s usually exempt. If not, equity interest must be under $730,000 (2025) and the applicant must intend to return. There is no home equity cap for MAABD.

Is the Home Safe from Estate Recovery?

No. Medicaid can claim the home after the death of the recipient to recover care costs unless prior legal planning has protected the asset.

What Medical Requirements Must Be Met?

Applicants must require a Nursing Facility Level of Care for Nursing Home and HCBS services. For MAABD, assistance with daily living activities is enough, even if nursing home care is not required.

Can Seniors Qualify If They’re Over the Income or Asset Limits?
What Is a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)?

Also called a Miller Trust, this allows excess income to be excluded from eligibility calculations. Funds in a QIT can only be used for specific costs, and any remaining balance goes to the state upon death.

What Is a Spend Down Strategy?

Applicants can legally reduce countable assets by purchasing exempt items such as home modifications, medical equipment, or prepaying funeral costs. Documentation is important to avoid look-back penalties.

How Can Medicaid Planning Help?

Planning professionals can help applicants qualify without violating eligibility rules, often protecting the home and other key assets. This is essential for those slightly over limits but unable to afford long-term care out-of-pocket.

What Medicaid Programs Are Available to Help Nevada Seniors at Home?
Which Programs Support Independent Living?
  • Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver: Includes services like adult day care, home cleaning, meals, and assisted living support.
  • Personal Care Services (PCS): Participants can hire family caregivers to help with bathing, cooking, mobility, and more.
  • Adult Day Health Care (ADHC): Offers daytime supervision, meals, and nursing care for frail adults.
  • Money Follows the Person (MFP): Assists those in institutional care in transitioning back to community living.
  • Structured Family Caregiving (SFC): Starting January 2025, this waiver will compensate family caregivers—such as spouses—who live with and care for a loved one with dementia.
How Can You Apply for Nevada Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid in Nevada through the following methods:

  • Online through Access Nevada
  • By phone at 1-800-992-0900 (statewide), 775-684-7200 (Northern NV), or 702-486-1646 (Southern NV)
  • By contacting your local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services office

Applying for Medicaid can be complex. It’s recommended to consult a Medicaid Planner if you’re unsure about eligibility or need help gathering documentation.

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