Medicaid Spend-Down Calculator
Calculate assets to spend down for Medicaid eligibility. See exempt asset categories.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: Benefits.gov
Spend-Down Needed
$48,000.00
Asset Limit
$2,000.00
Months to Eligible
29 mo
Asset Spend-Down
| Countable Assets | $50,000.00 |
| Asset Limit | $2,000.00 |
| Excess Assets (Spend-Down) | $48,000.00 |
Income Test
| Monthly Income | $2,500.00 |
| Monthly Medical Expenses | - $800.00 |
| Net Countable Income | $1,700.00 |
Spend-Down Strategies
| Pre-paid funeral/burial | Exempt asset |
| Home improvements (primary residence) | Exempt asset |
| Pay off debts | Reduces countable assets |
| Purchase exempt vehicle | One vehicle exempt |
| Irrevocable funeral trust | Removes from estate |
Use the Medicaid Spend-Down Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
Medicaid eligibility hinges on strict asset ceilings, and qualifying often means deliberately reducing what you own down to the allowed level, a process known as spend-down. The numbers here let you see how far your countable assets sit above the 2026 individual asset limit of $3,000, with married applicants also able to protect a spousal impoverishment resource allowance of up to $154,140. Getting this figure right is the foundation of planning for long-term care coverage.
The math starts by separating countable assets from exempt ones, then measuring what remains against the limit that applies to your state and marital status. Expressed as a formula, that is (Total Countable Assets - Exempt Assets) - (Medicaid Asset Limit + Spousal Impoverishment Resource Allowance) = Spend-Down Amount, which yields the dollar total you would need to reduce before qualifying.
Exempt assets deserve attention first, since your primary residence (with home equity protected up to $713,000 in 2026), one vehicle, and certain personal belongings generally do not count against you. Transferring assets on your own, without legal guidance, can backfire by triggering look-back periods and eligibility penalties. An elder law attorney can help you stay compliant and structure the spend-down sensibly for your situation.
Example: Single Individual, Ohio, 2026
- 1 Let's say Maria, a single Ohio resident, has $28,000 in countable assets (cash, investments, second property) and a primary residence valued at $250,000 (exempt). She also has a car worth $15,000 (exempt).
- 2 Her total countable assets are $28,000. Ohio's individual Medicaid asset limit for 2026 is projected to be $3,000. Exempt assets (primary residence, car) are not included in the countable total.
- 3 The calculation is: $28,000 (Countable Assets) - $3,000 (Medicaid Asset Limit) = $25,000.
- 4 Maria needs to spend down $25,000 to become eligible for Medicaid. This amount can be used for qualified expenses like medical bills, home modifications, or establishing an irrevocable funeral trust.
Source: Benefits.gov · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicaid asset limit in 2026?
What assets are exempt from Medicaid?
How do I spend down assets for Medicaid eligibility?
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