Spousal budgeting
Spousal Impoverishment Protections & Spousal Refusal (Medicaid)
In short
When one spouse needs nursing home or MLTC care, the healthy 'community spouse' keeps a protected amount of assets and income. Married couples where one spouse needs institutional or community-based long-term care.
- What you get
- When one spouse needs nursing home or MLTC care, the healthy 'community spouse' keeps a protected amount of assets and income. NY also allows 'spousal refusal' (community spouse refuses to contribute).
- Who qualifies
- Married couples where one spouse needs institutional or community-based long-term care.
- Income limit (2026)
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance up to about $162,660; Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance about $4,066.50 (2026, secondary sources; verify with DOH GIS).
- Papers to gather
- Both spouses' income and resources, marriage certificate, signed spousal refusal letter if used.
- Renewal
- Annual with Medicaid.
Some details here could not be confirmed yet. We check every rule with the agency before you apply.
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