Medicaid Spend-Down Calculator
When a parent's countable assets are over Medicaid's limit for nursing home care, families are often left guessing at how large the gap actually is. This calculator gives a rough starting number: pick your state, enter countable assets, and it subtracts your state's current asset limit to estimate a spend-down amount — the same basic math a caseworker or elder law attorney would start from, simplified into one field.
It's deliberately simple. Real Medicaid eligibility also depends on income limits (which follow separate rules and, in income-cap states, may require a Qualified Income Trust rather than a spend-down at all), exactly which assets count as countable versus exempt, and how the 60-month look-back period treats any assets moved or given away recently. None of that is captured in a single number, which is exactly why this tool is meant as a starting point for a conversation — with a family member, or with an elder law attorney — not a substitute for one.
Enter only countable assets — cash, savings, CDs, and investments generally count; a primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings usually don't. See countable vs. exempt assets if you're not sure what to include.
Enter your countable assets above to see an estimate.
This is a rough, educational estimate only — not a benefits determination, and not legal or financial advice. It doesn't account for income limits, exempt-asset details, look-back period penalties, or your state's specific procedures. Talk to an elder law attorney or your state Medicaid agency before making any decisions. Read our full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator's estimate exact?
No. It's a rough, educational estimate based only on your state's published asset limit and the countable-assets figure you enter. It doesn't account for income limits, exempt-asset rules, the look-back period, or state-specific procedures — an elder law attorney or your state Medicaid agency can confirm the real number.
What counts as a 'countable asset'?
Cash, savings and checking balances, CDs, stocks, bonds, and most non-retirement investment accounts generally count. A primary home (up to a state-set equity limit), one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are typically exempt. See our countable vs. exempt assets guide for the full breakdown.
Does the estimate include my spouse's protected assets?
Only as a separate note. If you check the married box, the tool shows your state's Community Spouse Resource Allowance figure alongside the estimate, but doesn't subtract it automatically, since the exact CSRA calculation depends on the couple's combined assets and your state's specific formula.
My state isn't listed. What should I do?
We're adding states over time. In the meantime, our spend-down mechanics guides explain how the process works in general, and a local elder law attorney can confirm your state's current asset limit.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general education only and is not medical, legal, financial, or tax advice, and it doesn't create any advisory relationship between you and ClearPath Senior Care. Medicaid rules vary by state and change over time; the figures used here reflect the state pages linked above and may not be current or complete by the time you use it. Always confirm your parent's actual eligibility and any spend-down strategy with a qualified elder law attorney or your state Medicaid agency before acting. Read our full disclaimer.