A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026
Maryland Medicaid provides essential health coverage for low-income seniors, including long-term care services that can make the difference between staying at home and facing unmanageable out-of-pocket costs. If you or a loved one is 65 or older and living in Maryland, understanding how Medicaid works — and whether you qualify — is one of the most important steps you can take for your financial and medical security.
What Is Maryland Medicaid for Seniors?
Maryland’s Medicaid program is called Maryland Medical Assistance. It is jointly funded by the state and federal government and administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). For seniors, Medicaid can cover a wide range of services including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, nursing home care, and home- and community-based services through waiver programs.
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Seniors may qualify through several pathways, including standard Medicaid, the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) category, and long-term care Medicaid. Each has its own rules around income and assets.
Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Seniors (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid in Maryland as a senior, you generally must meet requirements in three areas: age or disability status, income, and assets (resources). You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant and a Maryland resident.
| Program | Income Limit (Monthly) | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| ABD Medicaid (Individual) | $1,255/month | $2,000 |
| ABD Medicaid (Couple) | $1,704/month | $3,000 |
| Nursing Home Medicaid (Individual) | $2,901/month | $2,500 |
| HCBS Waiver (Home & Community-Based) | $2,901/month | $2,500 |
Note: These figures reflect 2026 federal and state guidelines. Income and asset limits may change. Verify current limits with the Maryland Department of Health or a Medicaid planning professional.
What Counts as Income and Assets?
Countable income includes Social Security benefits, pensions, annuities, wages, and most other regular income. Exempt income generally includes certain irregular or small payments.
Countable assets include bank accounts, investments, and second properties. However, several assets are typically exempt, including:
- Your primary home (if you live in it or intend to return)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household furnishings
- Prepaid funeral or burial plans up to a certain value
- Term life insurance with no cash value
For married couples where one spouse needs nursing home care, Maryland follows spousal impoverishment protections. The community spouse (the one remaining at home) may retain a portion of assets called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), which in 2026 can be up to approximately $157,920.
Maryland Medicaid Waiver Programs for Seniors
Maryland offers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that allow seniors to receive long-term care support while living at home or in an assisted living setting instead of a nursing facility. Key programs include:
- Community First Choice (CFC): Personal care and support services for seniors needing help with daily activities.
- Community Options Waiver: Supports seniors at risk of nursing home placement with care coordination and community services.
- Autism Waiver and Brain Injury Waiver: Specialized programs for specific conditions.
These waiver programs often have waiting lists, so applying early is strongly recommended.
How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid
- Gather your documents: Collect proof of age, identity, Maryland residency, income (Social Security award letters, pension statements), and asset information (bank statements, property records).
- Apply online: Visit myMDTHINK.maryland.gov to submit an application through the state’s benefits portal.
- Apply by phone or in person: Call your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or visit in person. Staff can help complete your application.
- Last Updated on 29 October 2026 by ingmin