Eligibility Rules
To qualify for ALTCS, a person must meet both medical and financial tests.
- Medical: The applicant must need a nursing-facility level of care. A medical assessment determines this.
- Financial: Countable assets must generally be below $2,000 for one person. For married couples, the community spouse may keep a Resource Allowance up to $154,140 (2026 figure). They may also receive a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance up to $3,853.50 per month.
The Five-Year Lookback Period
ALTCS reviews the applicant's financial history going back five years. Assets transferred for less than fair market value may trigger a penalty. The penalty is a period of ineligibility. Families cannot simply give away assets shortly before applying.
Estate Recovery
After an ALTCS recipient dies, the state can file a claim against the estate. The goal is to recover the costs of care provided. This can include placing a lien on the family home. Proper estate planning, done well before any need arises, can help protect assets.