By Grand Rapids Senior Advisor Care Team · Published October 30, 2026
What is Michigan's Medicaid asset limit for nursing home care in 2026?
MDHHS's Bridges Eligibility Manual lists $9,950 for an asset group of one and $14,910 for two, effective January 1, 2026, for the SSI-related Medicaid categories named in BEM 400.
Those groups moved to this higher limit -- the same one used for the Medicare Savings Programs -- on February 1, 2025. Before that month they were held to $2,000 to $3,000, which is the number many families still hear.
| Figure | 2026 amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asset limit, one person | $9,950 | BEM 400 |
| Asset limit, two people | $14,910 | BEM 400 |
| Nursing home patient allowance | $60/month ($90 certain veterans) | BEM 546 |
| Community spouse minimum resource standard | $32,532 | BEM 402 |
| Community spouse half-of-assets cap | $162,660 | BEM 402 |
How much income does a nursing home resident keep on Medicaid?
A $60 monthly patient allowance, or $90 for a veteran receiving a VA improved pension, plus certain deductions; most of the rest goes to the nursing home as the patient-pay amount.
MDHHS computes the patient-pay amount from total income minus allowed deductions, which can include health insurance premiums and an allowance for a spouse living at home. The amount is recalculated when income changes, such as after a Social Security cost-of-living increase.
What can a spouse living at home keep?
Michigan protects a share of the couple's countable assets for the community spouse: the greater of the $32,532 minimum standard or half of the couple's assets as of the initial asset assessment, with the half capped at $162,660 for 2026.
The initial asset assessment is a snapshot of combined countable assets at the start of the first continuous period of long-term care. Everything about the spouse's protected amount flows from that snapshot, so get it right before spending down. An elder law attorney earns the fee here.
Which assets count and which don't?
Bank accounts, investments and most property count; a home, one vehicle and certain burial arrangements are typically excluded, but MDHHS decides what is countable case by case.
Transfers for less than fair market value within Medicaid's look-back period can trigger a penalty that delays coverage. Paying for care, making home repairs or buying an irrevocable funeral contract are treated differently from gifts. Document every large transaction before applying.
How does this differ from Healthy Michigan?
Healthy Michigan is the Affordable Care Act expansion for adults 19 to 64 and has no asset test; nursing home Medicaid for older adults is a separate SSI-related pathway with the asset rules above.
Families sometimes assume a parent's earlier Medicaid coverage carries over into a nursing home. It may not -- long-term care triggers its own eligibility review.
Where do West Michigan families apply?
Apply through MI Bridges online or a county MDHHS office; nursing home business offices in Grand Rapids, Holland and elsewhere routinely help residents with the application.
Before admission, ask whether the home will accept your parent as a Medicaid resident once private funds run out, and do not sign anything that makes you personally responsible for the bill. Our nursing home directory lists every certified home in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Montcalm and Ionia counties.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Michigan Medicaid asset limit still $2,000?
Not for the SSI-related categories BEM 400 names. Since February 1, 2025 those use the Medicare Savings Program limit, which is $9,950 for one person in 2026.
What is the personal needs allowance in a Michigan nursing home?
MDHHS's patient allowance is $60 a month, or $90 for certain veterans receiving a VA improved pension (BEM 546).
Does a house count against Michigan's Medicaid asset limit?
A home is typically excluded while a spouse or dependent lives there or the applicant intends to return, but rules on equity and estate recovery apply; ask MDHHS or an elder law attorney about your case.
