The income limit for Medicaid long-term care eligibility is typically adjusted each year based on changes in the federal poverty level (FPL). In 2026, the income limit for a single person to qualify for Medicaid for nursing home or in-home care is $2,982 per month. If your income is higher than the limit, a Medicaid planner can help you determine if utilizing a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) will allow you to qualify for benefits.

Married couples are subject to different rules regarding Medicaid eligibility income limits, and typically only the applicant’s income is considered when determining Medicaid eligibility. With limits changing annually and various rules to navigate, single and married applicants can benefit from consulting a Medicaid attorney or other planning professional to ensure they take the proper steps to qualify for benefits and protect their earnings.

In 2026, the asset limit to qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage in Indiana is $2,000 for a single applicant. For married applicants who are both applying for coverage, the asset limit is $3,000. When one spouse is applying for Medicaid coverage but the other is not, the limit is $2,000 for the applicant, and the “community spouse” may keep 50 percent of joint assets, up to $162,660.

The Indiana Medicaid asset limit considers only “countable” assets, with some assets exempt or “non-countable.” With proper planning, there are strategies to reduce your countable assets without depleting those you wish to pass on to your heirs.

You can reduce the assets considered when determining if you are eligible for long-term care Medicaid coverage in several ways. These include moving assets into an irrevocable trust, gifting assets strategically, and/or utilizing a Medicaid-compliant annuity, among other strategies.

It’s important to note that many of these strategies must be executed well in advance because Medicaid has a five-year look-back period. Financial transfers and other activities that violate the terms of the look-back period trigger a penalty period and can delay your eligibility.

The process to qualify for Medicaid is intimidating. It is also commonly confused with another governmental program called Medicare—an equally confusing and daunting benefit.

Simply put, Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to anyone age 65 and older. It has no financial requirements or regulations. That said, Medicare does not cover most long-term care levels (i.e. nursing home) and should not be planned for use as the primary method of long-term care payment. There are four parts (plans) within Medicare: Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical coverage), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

You can learn more about Medicare coverage from the Indiana Department of Insurance. Remember, like most government agencies, Medicare communicates largely via mail (unless you request a call back from their help line). Be aware of scammers who call and ask for personal information (social security number, Medicare number, birth date, or middle name).