Medicare-Medicaid Pay-Down of Assets
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 the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and published in the Georgia Medicaid State Plan. For 2025, the Medicaid income limit for individuals eligible for the Nursing Home (institutional) program is $2,901 per month. To qualify for Medicaid through SSI the income limit for an aged, blind or disabled individual cannot exceed $967 per month or $1,450 for a couple.
To be eligible for Medicaid, an individual may not have assets in excess of $2,000 as of the first day of the month.
Georgia has a Medicaid Look-Back Period of 60 months for assets transferred to a trust, business, or individual for less than fair market value. If one is found to be in violation of the look-back period, a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility will ensue. Specifically, penalties will apply where:
(a) the spouse of an applicant/recipient transfers assets including income to anyone for purposes other than the sole benefit of the spouse during the applicable look back period.
(b) an applicant/recipient gives away or sells an asset for less than its current market value or refuses an inheritance, during the applicable look back period or any time after that.
(c) the applicant/recipient transfers non-excluded assets into a trust during the look back period or any time after that;
(d) The community spouse transfers an annuity or home place to anyone for purposes other than the sole benefit of the community spouse during the 60-month look back period (this affects transfers made on or after Feb. 8, 2006.)
Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Georgia Medicaid State Plan