Alaska Medicaid Long Term Care Eligibility for 2025

Alaska Medicaid Long Term Care Programs in 2025

Alaska remains an income cap state, meaning there is a strict income limit to qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits. Applicants with income over the cap may still qualify by using a Qualifying Income Trust (QIT). This differs from non-income cap states, which allow applicants to spend down their income to meet eligibility requirements.

Types of Care:

Home and Community-Based Waivers (HCBW) in 2025: These programs offer services to individuals requiring a nursing home level of care or Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) level of care for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Services are provided in home or community settings, administered by the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (DSDS), in addition to regular Medicaid services.

Services Include:

Delivered meals: Up to two meals per day delivered to a recipient’s home.
Congregate meals: Meals provided in a community setting.
Respite: Hourly or daily services to relieve primary caregivers.
Chore services: Light housekeeping tasks in a recipient’s home.
Transportation: Community access, including wheelchair-accessible options.
Adaptive equipment: Devices for daily living, such as reachers, portable ramps, or wheelchair lifts.

Eligibility:

1. Residency and Citizenship – Applicants must be Alaska residents and U.S. citizens or have proper immigration status in 2025.

2. Age/Disability – Applicants must be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. They must meet medical criteria consistent with the level of care requested.

3. Income Limitations – Applicants must have monthly income below $3,071 in 2025. Those with income above the limit can qualify by placing excess income into a QIT, which must be irrevocable and designate Alaska Medicaid as the beneficiary upon the recipient’s death.

4. Asset Limitations – Countable assets must be under $2,000 for single applicants and $3,000 for couples. Exempt assets include the primary residence (equity capped at $740,000), one motor vehicle, personal belongings, and irrevocable burial trusts. Alaska enforces a 5-year look-back period to identify asset transfers below fair market value.

Exempt Assets for an Applicant in Alaska Include:

i. $2,000 or less in countable assets if single.

ii. Personal effects and household goods.

iii. One home (equity limit of $740,000) under certain conditions, including intent to return or occupancy by a qualified family member.

iv. One motor vehicle, regardless of value, if used for medical or employment purposes.

v. Burial spaces and irrevocable burial trusts.

Spousal Rules in 2025:

The community spouse may retain up to $159,000 in countable assets and may receive income transfers up to $3,952 per month as part of the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) if their income is below this amount.

Office Contact Information:

Visit Alaska’s Medicaid offices or contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for assistance with applications.