The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week released Medicaid income and resource standards for next year starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

CMS Deputy Administrator Dan Brillman made the announcement of the new numbers that are in accordance with changes in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate (FBR) and Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“Additionally, certain eligibility standards relating to coverage of long-term services and supports, including the home equity limitation. . . and elements of the spousal impoverishment statute. . .  are increased each year based on increases in the CPI for All Urban Consumers,” he said. “States must update their standards in accordance with this information for the changes that become effective on Jan. 1, 2026.”

Effective next year, the SSI FBR is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples with the CPI increase for 2026 at 3 percent.

CMS said the SSI resource standard is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. And the income cap for individuals is $2,982 from Jan. 1, 2026.

The agency said the earned income break-even point is $2,073 for individuals and $3,067 for couples starting on Jan. 1, 2026. The unearned income break-even point is $1,014 for individuals and $1,511 for couples.

CMS said beginning next month, the maximum monthly maintenance for spousal impoverishment needs allowance is $4,066.50. For community spouse resources, the minimum resource standard is $32,532, and the maximum $162,660. The minimum home equity limit is $752,000, and the maximum $1.13 million.

Read the CMS bulletin at https://tinyurl.com/bp8jzk9u.

Questions or comments? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parakplacelive.com.