2024 Texas Medicaid Nursing Home Rules

Are you afraid that nursing home care for a loved one may force you to spend your life savings or give up your home? 

We have good news! Medicaid, a government program, pays for all or a part of long-term nursing home care.  

Yes, you need to qualify for this program. The key is proper legal planning—much like you do with your will or trust. 

Using legal tools, you may be able to protect your home and car, plus keep most of your savings, checking, and retirement income.  

How does this work?

Create a Miller Trust (also called a Qualified Income Trust or QIT)

A Miller Trust moves income that exceeds the monthly income limit to qualify for Medicaid. 

If you do not use a Miller Trust, a single person in need of nursing home care with gross countable income greater than $2,829 is not eligible for Medicaid benefits. 

Medicaid Income Limits – 2024 – With no Miller Trust

Single Person 

In need of nursing home – monthly income limit  $2,829

Married Person 

Spouse in need of nursing home - monthly income limit $2,829

Spouse who does not need nursing home  No Limit 

Spousal Monthly Allowance 

(income from spouse in nursing home 

can be diverted to other spouse)  $3,853.50 

Note: If combined incomes of both spouses are below the $3,853.50 income spousal monthly allowance, the Spouse who does not need nursing home care can usually keep more (formula for expansion)

Married Couple

Both need nursing home - monthly limit $5,658 

Single Person – monthly Social Security income limit $ 943 

Married Couple - monthly Social Security income limit $1,415

Medicaid Countable Asset Limitations – 2024 

Single Person who needs nursing home care $2,000 

Spouse who needs nursing home care $2,000

Spouse who does not need nursing home

can keep up to this amount  $30,828 - $154,140 

Other Medicaid Limits 

Personal Needs Allowance  $75 

Maximum Homestead Equity Limit (with exceptions)  $713,000

We're glad to answer questions or get started with helping you determine if you or a loved one qualifies for Medicaid-paid nursing home care. Give us a call today to schedule  a lawyer consultation at 817-638-2022. 

To learn more about qualifying for paid nursing home care through Medicaid, check out our frequently asked questions section and our general information section.