Dan Brillman, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo detailing updated 2026 spousal impoverishment standards.

On July 1, the new allowances will take effect. The program covers married individuals seeking coverage of certain long-term services and supports via Medicaid.

The new minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance will be $2,705 in all states except Alaska and Hawaii (up from $2,643.75). In Alaska, it will be $3,381.25 (up from $3,303.75), and in Hawaii, it will be $3,111.25 (up from $3,040).

The community spouse monthly housing allowance, also effective July 1, will be $811.50 in every state except Alaska and Hawaii (up from $793.13). In Alaska, the rate will be $1,014.38 (up from $991.13), and in Hawaii, the rate will be $933.38 (up from $912).

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.