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 Healthy Connections Program within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and published in the Idaho Medicaid Health Plan Booklet. 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 $1,020 per month or $1,470 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.
Idaho has a Medicaid Look-Back Period, which is a period of 60 months (5 years) that dates back from one’s Medicaid application date. During this time frame, Medicaid checks all past transfers to ensure no assets were sold or given away for less than they are worth. If one is found to be in violation of the look-back period, one will be penalized with a period of Medicaid ineligibility. The resource transfer penalty applies to any transfer for less than fair market value made during a period preceding a request for cash assistance.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Policies and Procedures
Income Limits
Medicaid for Elderly or Adults with Disabilities
Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.03.05-286