Nevada is a state that offers Medicaid coverage to low-income individuals, families, and children. This insurance program covers the cost of health care and provides many other benefits. In addition, it also helps people with disabilities and aging adults. The program has different eligibility requirements and restrictions. These include income, age, and disability status. It is important to know the eligibility requirements before applying for the program.
Those who receive Medicare may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. This includes individuals who are blind, disabled, or elderly. These beneficiaries are usually enrolled in Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD). The program provides additional services that are not covered by Original Medicare, including vision and dental care. Annual income levels must be below 138% of the federal poverty level, which is $16,753 if single and $34,639 for a family of four.
Nevada is one of 16 states to get a warning from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about long wait times at its call center. More than half of the callers abandoned their calls, and the agency said that long wait times prevent people from applying or renewing their benefits.
Nevada Medicaid Asset Limits
Nevada does not have an asset limit to qualify for Medicaid, but individuals must meet a monthly income limit. This is determined by adding together all the individual’s income from sources such as employment wages, alimony payments, investments, pension payments, Social Security payments, annuities, and IRA withdrawals.
Individuals who are applying for Nursing Home Medicaid or HCBS Waivers must have assets below a certain limit. These limits include both countable assets and equity in the home. Countable assets include checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, cash, and other investments. However, the home and personal property are not countable if the applicant’s spouse lives in the residence and has a “Intent to Return” to live there.
A non-institutionalized spouse may retain a community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) of up to $128,640. Typically this will be more than enough to allow the individual to pay for long term care, although there are several ways to increase the CSRA in order to make it more affordable. Unlike many other states, Nevada does not have a look-back period or penalty for transferring assets prior to applying for Medicaid. However, individuals should seek proper counsel to learn what they can and cannot do before applying for Medicaid. After an individual dies, the state will recover the cost of their Medicaid benefits from their estate.
Nevada Medicaid Asset Limits Table
| Category | Individual Applicant | Married Couple (Both Applying) | Married Couple (One Applying) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countable Asset Limit | $2,000 | $4,000 or higher | Total limit applies, but Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) protects a portion for non-applicant spouse |
| Home Equity Limit | $713,000 (with exceptions) | Same as individual limit | Same as individual limit, with exceptions for single homeowners and those returning home after care |
| Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) | Varies, typically half of couple’s countable assets but can be lower | Protects a significant portion of assets for non-applicant spouse | Does not apply |