Long Term Care Medicaid Eligibility

The state enforces a 60-month look-back period to ensure no improper asset transfers occurred. Exempt transfers include the home being transferred to:

A spouse.
A child under 21, or who is blind or disabled.
A sibling with equity in the home who lived there for at least one year before institutionalization.

Services Available in Delaware in 2025:

An adult child who provided care for two years, delaying institutionalization.
Nursing Facility Program
Long Term Care Community Services (HCBS) for elderly, disabled, and individuals with acquired brain injuries or HIV/AIDS
Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

How to Apply for Delaware Medicaid:

Applications can be submitted online at Delaware ASSIST. For further information or assistance, contact the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance at:

Delaware Health and Social Services

Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance

Phone: 1-800-372-2022

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/contact.html

Delaware Long-Term Care in 2025:

Delaware is an income cap state, meaning that applicants for Medicaid long-term care must not exceed specific income limits. The 2025 income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid and Long-Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) is $2,417.50/month. Excess income can be placed into a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) to achieve eligibility. Delaware Medicaid requires both financial and medical eligibility to qualify for assistance. A nurse may assess the applicant to determine whether they require skilled or intermediate care.

Financial Criteria for 2025:

Countable Assets: Must be under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for married couples (when both spouses apply). Non-exempt resources include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, property, and retirement accounts.
Exempt Assets: Include a primary home (equity under $730,000), one car, personal effects, burial funds up to $1,500, irrevocable burial trusts up to $15,000, and life insurance with a face value under $1,500. A Miller Trust can be used for excess income.

Spousal Rules for 2025:

The community spouse may retain up to $157,920 in countable resources, with a minimum allowance of $31,584. If the community spouse’s monthly income is less than $2,555, they may receive income from the institutionalized spouse to meet this threshold. Additional allowances may apply for documented shelter expenses, with a maximum monthly income cap of $3,948.