When a Medicaid applicant has been approved and placed in a nursing facility, the community spouse’s income may not figure into determining eligibility for that nursing care.

But it is still important to understand the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance. This can work the family funds in the opposite direction as the Medicaid agency will look at the spouse’s income and compare it to housing costs.

If the Medicaid agency determines that this is insufficient, an applicant’s income will be taken to aid the spouse and the remainder minus a personal needs allowance each month will go to the facility. For more answers about important elder law questions that you may have as you or a loved one approach the need for nursing home care. Make sure to consult with an elder law attorney who has worked in this field for some time.