There are two parts to establishing eligibility for Medicaid in Oklahoma. First, seniors must require a nursing facility level of care (NFLOC). While proof of NFLOC isn’t always necessary to receive regular Medicaid, seniors must have some need for assistance to complete activities of daily living. This is perhaps the most confusing process of the application, as the income requirements can become convoluted.
For long-term care services, single SoonerCare applicants must have a monthly income lower than $2,742 per month. Married applicants can make up to $5,484/month if both are applying for service. If only one is applying, only the applicant’s income is counted.
It’s important to note that if only one spouse is going to enter a nursing home, the non-applicant spouse is entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) of up to $3,435/month because of the Spousal Impoverishment Act. If the spouse is already making more than this amount each month, they’re not eligible for this allowance.
The value of assets at the time of the application can’t be more than $2,000 each, but if only one person in the household is applying, the non-applicant can have up to $148,620. The primary residence is typically exempt from consideration as an asset as long as the applicant currently resides in the home and the equity interest is no higher than $603,000. Additionally, home, furnishings, personal effects and the primary vehicle are also exempt from consideration.