Comparison
Medicaid is federal in funding but state in execution — and for long-term care, the variation matters. A family in Texas works through a Miller trust; the same family in California (until December 2025) had no asset test at all. This table walks the seven axes where the differences are largest. The six launch states (FL, CA, TX, NY, PA, AZ) have fully verified figures; the rest of the country is registered with placeholders while editorial review continues — see methodology.
Six launch states · jump to a full guide
The cap on countable resources for an unmarried individual seeking Medicaid LTC. Excludes the home (up to equity cap), one car, and personal effects. The $2,000 SSI-based limit is the federal default that most states adopt; a handful sit above it.
Six launch states · editorially verified
Maximum assets the non-applying spouse can retain when their partner enters Medicaid LTC. CMS sets the federal floor and ceiling annually; most states use the maximum.
Six launch states · editorially verified
$157,920
$157,920
$157,920
States are either 'income-cap' (must be under a fixed monthly threshold) or 'medically needy' (excess income can be spent down). Cap states require a Qualified Income Trust (Miller trust). The federal cap figure is $2,901/mo in 2025.
Six launch states · editorially verified
How far back the state reviews uncompensated transfers (gifts, below-market sales). Federal default is 60 months; California is the long-standing exception at 30 months; New York's community Medicaid is the other notable carve-out.
Six launch states · editorially verified
60 months
60 months
60 months
60 months
Maximum equity in the primary residence that's still treated as exempt. Above this, the home becomes countable. CMS adjusts the federal floor ($752k for 2026) and ceiling ($1,071k) annually; states elect somewhere in the range.
Six launch states · editorially verified
$752,000
$752,000
$752,000
After the Medicaid recipient dies, the state can recoup what it spent on LTC. The variation is whether recovery is limited to probate assets or extends to non-probate assets (trusts, joint accounts, beneficiary designations).
Six launch states · editorially verified
Probate only
Probate only
Can a family member be paid by the state Medicaid program to provide care at home? Each state has a different vehicle.
Six launch states · editorially verified
Statewide Managed Medicaid LTC (SMMC LTC)
IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)
STAR+PLUS HCBS
Community HealthChoices (CHC)
ALTCS via MCO
Whether adult children can be held liable for a parent's unpaid LTC expenses — independent of Medicaid. Most states have these statutes; almost none enforce them. Pennsylvania is the conspicuous exception.
Six launch states · editorially verified
Statute exists, not enforced
Statute exists, not enforced
No filial-responsibility statute
Statute exists, not enforced
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
No filial-responsibility statute
Notes
Read the full state guides · six launch states