Income limits, asset limits, and waiver programs vary significantly by state — here's what's actually true in each state we've researched, sourced directly from state Medicaid agencies.
10 HCBS waivers, the Frail Elder Waiver, and real 2026 spousal protection figures.
The strictest asset limit in the country at $1,600 — plus a pending reform bill.
Asset limits eliminated in 2024, reinstated in 2026, and set to shrink again in 2027.
A real waitlist on the main waiver — but a separate program with none at all.
Old waivers merged into one program, plus a second program many guides misreport.
An asset limit double the federal standard, and a more forgiving spend-down window.
The highest nursing home costs in the country — but currently no HCBS waitlist.
One unified Medicaid system, and the lowest HCBS income limit nationally.
A genuinely generous asset limit, and two different look-back periods by care type.
A counter-intuitive rule: higher income can mean a stricter asset limit.
Generous on assets, but a stricter income limit than most states.
A 2026 program expansion that changes which waiver you're allowed to use.
Two waivers with dramatically different income limits and spousal protections.
The real income limit is lower than what most guides report.
One of only 3 states with an asset limit that actually updates every year.
Eliminated traditional waivers in 2014 — now there's no waitlist at all.
One of the lowest personal spending allowances in the country, but no Miller Trust required.
A second program with an asset limit over 40 times higher than the standard.
No waitlist at all — but turning 65 can change your eligibility overnight.
Two commonly misreported figures, and a real 20,000-person waitlist number.
One of the few states without a traditional waitlist — plus a real annual spending cap.
Mid-transition right now, with a distinctive regional application process.
More states are added as they're researched — each guide uses real, current figures from that state's Medicaid agency, not a national template with the state name swapped in.
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