Effective July 1, 2025, the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) has increased. This is important information for a married couple if one spouse is in a nursing home and receiving Medicaid benefits, or plans to apply for benefits. Read on for an explanation.
Definition Of The Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance
The MMMNA is Medicaid’s standard for spousal impoverishment – in other words, the minimum income the spouse who is not in a nursing home requires for his/her support and maintenance. The MMMNA is calculated based on the federal poverty level, and is updated as necessary to reflect changes in that measure.
Effective July 1, 2025, the MMMNA is $2,643.75 (up from $2,555.00).
Spousal Diversion
If the well spouse’s monthly income falls below the MMMNA, the spouse in the nursing home who is receiving Medicaid benefits shall allow a portion of his/her income to be diverted to the well spouse. The diversion is the amount that is necessary to bring the well spouse’s monthly income up to the MMMNA.
Example Of How MMMNA Works
Mr. Jones is living in a nursing home and on Medicaid. Mrs. Jones is the well spouse, living at home. Mr. Jones’ monthly income is $5,000. Mrs. Jones’ monthly income is $2,000, which is $643.75 below the MMMNA. Therefore, Mr. Jones may divert $643.75 of his income to his wife each month. Note that Mr. Jones’ income will also be used to pay supplemental health insurance, and will also pay $160 for his Personal Needs Allowance. Whatever is left over of Mr. Smith’s monthly income must go to the nursing home.
Special Circumstances
There are certain special circumstances – for example, high housing expenses or utility expenses – when income may be diverted to bring the community spouse’s income even higher than the MMMNA. The maximum MMMNA, effective July 1, 2025 is $3,948.00 (up from $3,854). This amount can be even higher if there is a court order of support for the spouse.
For a full list of eligibility requirements for long-term Medicaid benefits, click here.
The Karp Law Firm attorneys are experienced at helping families secure Medicaid benefits for nursing home care. Call us at 561-625-1100 to schedule a consultation.
