State law and regulations impose income and asset limits on persons applying for Medicaid.
State law and regulations impose income and asset limits on persons applying for Medicaid. | State law and regulations impose income and asset limits on persons applying for Medicaid.
State law and regulations impose income and asset limits on persons applying for Medicaid.
The income limit for the institutional Medicaid program and certain home and community-based waiver programs is determined by Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services. For 2025, the maximum Medicaid income limit for those age 65 or older and people with disabilities who want to be a part of the “Low Income Aged/Disabled” program is $2,982 per month for individuals, and $5,964 per month for couples. If the income for those age 65 or older and people with disabilities who are considered “Medically Needy” is above the limit of the Low Income Aged/Disabled program, they can become eligible for a 6-month period through a “flex test.” This test shows if medical bills are equal to the difference between income and the Medically Needy limit.
Regarding assets, the resource limits to be eligible for Medicaid is $4,000 for individuals and is either $6,000 for couples if both are applying, or $157,920 if only one applies. This limit is the same for both the Low Income Aged/Disabled program and the Medically Needy program.
There is a look-back period starting 60 months years prior to the first day of the month in which the application for Medicaid was filed. If any “disqualifying transfers,” including gifts and sales for less than market value, were made during the look-back period, there is a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The State will not pay for long-term care services needed during this time. The date of the penalty period begins when the person would become eligible for benefits. The state will take the uncompensated value of the assets and divide it by the average daily/monthly cost of the long-term care services.
State of Rhode Island Department of Human Services: Programs & Services: Medicaid Programs
State of Rhode Island Department of Human Services: Long Term Services and Supporters- Eligibility
40 R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-8-3
210-50 R.I. Code R. § 00.6
Rhode Island Medicaid Eligibility for Long-Term Care: Income & Asset Limits