RESOURCES & ALLOWANCES
The New York State Department of Health has issued resource and income allowances for the year 2025. All figures are effective as of January 1, 2025.
New Medicaid Rates 2026
INSTITUTIONAL/ NURSING HOME CARE
| Applicant Resource Allowance |
$33,038 |
| Community Spouse* Resource Allowance (max) |
$162,660 (maximum) |
| Applicant Income Allowance (monthly) |
$50 |
|
Community Spouse Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance |
$4,066.50 |
COMMUNITY-BASED CARE (HOME CARE, ETC.)
| Applicant Resource Allowance |
$33,037 |
| Applicant Income Allowance (monthly) |
$1,836 |
*With a properly executed Spousal Refusal, a Community Spouse can typically retain assets in excess of these limits.
MEDICAID REGIONAL RATES
The following figures represent the Department of Health’s assessment as to the average cost of nursing home care in each region. These figures are used to calculate Medicaid penalty periods for gifts and asset transfers. Effective January 1, 2026.
| Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) |
$15,193 |
| New York City (5 Boroughs) |
$15,282 |
| Central (Syracuse, Broome, Cayuga, Oswego, etc.) |
$14,146 |
| Northeastern (Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, etc.) |
$14,783 |
| Northern Metropolitan (Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, Ulster & Sullivan) |
$15,024 |
| Rochester (Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, etc.) |
$15,675 |
| Western (Buffalo, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, etc.) |
$13,765 |
Government Benefit Increases
As federal benefits increase this year, our Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys are on hand to help you navigate these government programs, eligibility requirements and planning opportunities. Contact us at: 631-607-4529
2025 Social Security Benefits
Cost-of-Living Increase (COLA): 2.8%
2025 Veteran’s Benefits
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit:
- Single Veteran: $2,424/month
- Married Veteran: $2,874/month
- Surviving Spouse: $1,558/month
2025 Medicare Benefits
- Hospital Deductible: $1,736
- Co-insurance (days 61-90): $434/day
- Skilled Nursing Facility Co-insurance (days 21-100*): $217/day
*if medically eligible
2025 Medicaid Benefits
Institutional Benefits:
- Resource Allowance: $32,396
- Income Allowance: $50
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance: $157,920
- Community Spouse Income Allowance: $3,948
- Home Equity Limit: $1,071,000
Community/Home Care Benefits
- Resource Allowance: $32,396
- Income Allowance: $1,800
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance: $157,920 (maximum)
- Community Spouse Income Allowance: $2,433
2025 Estate and Gift Taxes
- Federal Estate Tax Exemption (Single): approx $14.0M
- Federal Estate Tax Exemption (Married): approx $28.0M
- New York State Estate Tax Exemption: $7,160,000
- Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: $19,000 per beneficiary