Medicaid Spend-Down in Ohio
Primary source: Ohio Administrative Code (Ohio Laws). Additional reference: American Council on Aging — Medicaid Planning Assistance. Figures are adjusted periodically — confirm current numbers with your state Medicaid agency or an elder law attorney before relying on them.
Ohio follows the federal income-cap structure and asset baseline used by most states, with a 5-year look-back period that applies to any pre-application asset transfers.
Income limit
The 2026 income limit for a single Nursing Home Medicaid applicant in Ohio is $2,982/month; for married applicants both applying, it's a combined $5,964/month. Ohio doesn't offer a medically-needy spend-down for excess income, so applicants over the cap typically need a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust). Nursing home residents keep a $75/month personal needs allowance.
Asset limit
The asset limit for a single applicant is $2,000 in countable assets. For married applicants where both spouses are applying, the combined limit is $3,000.
Community Spouse Resource Allowance
When only one spouse applies, the applicant's asset limit stays at $2,000, while the non-applicant community spouse can typically retain up to $162,660 (2026).
What to do if your parent is over the limit
If assets are over $2,000, asset spend-down is the standard path — our countable vs. exempt assets guide covers what actually counts, and spend-down vs. the look-back period explains why timing matters given Ohio's 5-year look-back. Our spend-down calculator can give a rough starting estimate using Ohio's current asset limit; confirm specifics with an Ohio elder law attorney before acting.
This article is for general education, not medical, legal, or financial advice, and rules vary by state and change over time. Read our full disclaimer.