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Texas Medicaid Eligibility Updates
Medicaid eligibility rules vary depending on marital status and whether one or both spouses require nursing home care. The table below provides a high-level overview of the income limits, asset thresholds, and key considerations for the most common Medicaid planning situations under Texas rules for 2026. Because eligibility often depends on how income and assets are structured, this information is meant to serve as a general guide rather than a final determination.
| Situation | Income Cap | Resource Limit | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Individual Entering a Nursing Home | $2,982 per month | $2,000 total countable assets | If income exceeds the cap, a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) may be required. Certain assets such as a primary residence, one vehicle, and personal belongings may be exempt. |
| Married Couple – One Spouse in Nursing Home | $2,982 per month (applicant spouse) | $2,000 for applicant spouse; Community spouse may retain between $32,532 and $162,660 | The spouse remaining at home may also be entitled to a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance of up to $4,066.50. Proper planning can protect assets and allocate income appropriately. |
| Married Couple – Both Spouses in Nursing Home | $2,982 per month per spouse | $3,000 combined countable assets | Income caps apply individually to each spouse. If either spouse exceeds the income limit, a Miller Trust may be required for that spouse. |
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Posted on Randy GrosenbachTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful knowledgeable concering someone going into a Nursing home needing medicaid approval. They came highly recommended and now so will we highly recommend them.Posted on Rick LewellynTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Livens & Reed to create a Supplemental Needs Trust for our adult special needs daughter, to ensure her financial needs were met but also done in a way to not disqualify her for Texas Medicaid benefits she currently receives. Shawn Crawford was excellent, along with Caleigh and Angie: very thorough, explaining every aspect and legalese in layman's terms, in a timely manner and what we thought was a very reasonable fee. We also consulted with Chad Reed on our aging parent's needs and what steps we might follow to have them qualify for Medicaid, when the time and need arises. Very friendly, spent all the time we needed with us during our free consultation. Highly recommend this law firm for anyone considering Trusts, Medicaid qualifications, and elder care. Thank you Livens & Reed!Posted on The Killian GroupTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic law firm for all your needs. They helped my family set up our estate and will. Thank you so much.Posted on Rick SullivanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole did a fantastic job walking me through the Medicaid process for my mom. She answered all my questions with kindness & respect keeping all parties in mind that were involved with the process.Posted on Kelly FincherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wished we called sooner! Recommend highly!!Posted on Nancy KingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The legal team at Livens & Reed has proved to be nothing short of exceptional. From Chad Reed, Nicole Landrum and finally, today, Shawn Crawford. Talking about a dream team, I feel very fortunate and comforted knowing I have the right people on my side. Thank you for your warmth and professionalism! It’s reassuring to know our legal needs are in great hands. If I could rate higher than 5 stars I absolutely would.Posted on Julie RobinsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were very satisfied. We were well take care of. They are very professional and did a great job for us.Posted on Erika KoneckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Livens & Reed on a medicaid situation for my 93 year old mom. The paperwork, rules, timeline, can be stressful and intimidating at times, but Mehan Barbre & Nicole L. Harkins walked me through the paperwork, and doctuments that we needed and told me what to do and in the end sucess ! Thank you , again ! Erika Koneck