If a spouse requires long-term care and is receiving Medicaid assistance, then a portion of that institutionalized spouse’s income can be paid to the healthier spouse as support. According to Medicaid the amount of the support provided to the healthier spouse is based upon the poverty level for a family of two, as well as certain shelter expenses, such as property taxes.
The maximum amount that a healthier spouse can keep as support has increased from last year. Last year the maximum amount of support was $3,715.50. This is known as the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance.
This year the new maximum amount of support has increased to $3,853.50. This increase of about 3.7% will help married couples protect additional income from Medicaid and the cost of long-term care.
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