In this Elder Law Minute, Paige Fox explains key Medicaid planning differences between single applicants and community spouses in Illinois.
Introduction
Hi, my name is Paige Fox. I’m a senior associate attorney here at Dent Coulson Elder Law and I understand these topics are very complex. So, I’m hoping these Elder Law minutes can bring some insight and some more understanding to both potential clients and current clients. Thank you.
Medicaid Planning Overview
Today we are here to discuss Medicaid planning, specifically the differences between a single applicant and a community spouse applicant.
Asset Limits for a Single Medicaid Applicant
So, in Illinois, the individual limit for assets if somebody needs to apply for Medicaid for long-term care is $17,500. That means total the individual has to have $17,500 to their name only.
Asset Limits for a Community Spouse
In the instance where a community spouse is involved, i.e., the applicant is in a facility and in need of Medicaid, but the community spouse is still living at home in the community. the asset limit increases for the community spouse to $135,648.
That was as of 2025. 2026, we are unsure of what the numbers will be, but it’s potential that it goes up to maybe over $160,000. To be determined, but as of right now for 2025, the community spouse limit is $135,648.
What Assets Are Allowed
That means the community spouse can have those assets including a house up to a value of over $600,000 and then the applicant can again have the $17,500 to their name.
Asset Preservation Options
While those are the only assets that are allowed at the time of the application, there are again ways that you can preserve assets and do other asset preservation techniques in order to set aside additional money and assets for the community spouse.
Closing
If you or a loved one is needing long-term care or Medicaid planning in the near future, feel free to contact Dank Coulson Elderlaw and we are happy to assist.
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“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older.
Learn More about legal guardianship from the American Bar Association
Also looking for information about Medicaid and Asset Preservation? Visit these articles:
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (618) 632-7000 (IL) or (314) 567-9292 (MO), or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.