New Hampshire Medicaid pays for long-term care two ways: in a nursing home, or at home through the Choices for Independence waiver. Both start from the same income cap and asset limit, so for most families the real decision is the setting, not the money.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm,Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf This guide covers the 2026 income and asset limits, how the home-care waiver works, and what to do if your income is a little too high.
In This Guide
- How the Financial Limits Work
- Nursing-Facility Medicaid
- Choices for Independence: Care at Home
- If Your Income Is Too High
- Choosing Between a Nursing Home and Home
- Where to Start
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
How the Financial Limits Work
Long-term-care Medicaid in New Hampshire applies the same income cap and asset limit whether the care is in a nursing home or at home.
Income. For 2026, the monthly income cap is $2,982 for a single applicant, up from $2,901 in 2025. New Hampshire calls this the Nursing Facility CAP, and it equals the Medicaid special income level: three times the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate, which is $994 for 2026.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm It is used to determine eligibility for nursing-facility care and for home and community-based services alike.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm
Assets. For New Hampshire's medically-needy categories, the base resource limit is $2,500 for one person and $4,000 for two, plus $100 for each additional person in the assistance group. For long-term-care applicants, the limit is $2,500 plus the value of coverage under a conforming long-term care insurance policy.Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf That $2,500 is not the most you can keep. Under a rule effective September 20, 2025, applicants 18 or older for nursing-facility care or the Choices for Independence waiver get a disregard for everything between the base limit and $7,500, so a single applicant's resources between $2,500 and $7,500 don't count against them.Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf These figures don't settle which assets are exempt from the count, so ask DHHS how your home, car and other property will be treated before you assume any of it does or doesn't count.
When one spouse needs long-term care and the other stays home, New Hampshire applies spousal-impoverishment rules so the at-home spouse keeps a protected share of the couple's resources. For 2026, the community spouse resource allowance standards are a minimum of $32,532 and a maximum of $162,660.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm
Nursing-Facility Medicaid
If you meet the financial limits above and need nursing-home-level care, New Hampshire Medicaid covers care in a licensed nursing facility. There is also a medical side to eligibility. For both nursing-facility care and Choices for Independence, a registered nurse from the DHHS Bureau of Adult & Aging Services does an in-person assessment, using the Medical Eligibility Assessment form, to decide whether you need nursing facility level of care.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care Financial eligibility is decided separately, by the Bureau of Family Assistance.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care Nursing-facility care is a mandatory Medicaid benefit that every state plan must cover, while a waiver like Choices for Independence can cap its enrollment, which is what produces waiting lists.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 440.210, required services for the categorically needy. ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-42?chapter=IV&subchapter=C&part=440§ion=440.210
Choices for Independence: Care at Home
Many people who qualify for a nursing home would rather stay in their own home or community. That is what the Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver is for. CFI is a home and community-based services program for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses who are financially eligible for Medicaid and medically qualify for the level of care provided in nursing facilities, and participants must be at least 18.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 441.302, State assurances for section 1915(c) HCBS waivers (level-of-care evaluation). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-441.302 The clinical test has two parts: federal rules require the evaluation to find both that you need that level of care and that, without waiver services, you would otherwise be in a facility. It's repeated at least once a year, and if you're found likely to need that level of care, you must be told of the alternatives and given the choice between institutional care and home and community-based services.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 441.302, State assurances for section 1915(c) HCBS waivers (level-of-care evaluation). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-441.302
Two things to keep in mind. First, the money rules are the same as for a nursing home: the $2,982 income cap, and the $2,500 resource limit with its disregard up to $7,500.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm,Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf Second, because CFI is a federal waiver rather than an entitlement, it has a limited number of enrollment slots, and federal rules let a state with such a limit keep a list of people waiting to enroll.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 441.302, State assurances for section 1915(c) HCBS waivers (level-of-care evaluation). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-441.302 Ask the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) about current availability when you apply.
If Your Income Is Too High
Income above the $2,982 cap is not an automatic bar. For nursing-facility care, New Hampshire still treats you as income eligible under its medically-needy rules if your net income is at or below the monthly Medicaid nursing facility rate.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm For Choices for Independence, you're income eligible as medically needy if your net income is at or below the state's protected income level; if it's higher, DHHS decides medically-needy eligibility under a separate rule.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm New Hampshire's broader medically-needy program, which the state calls "In and Out" Medical Assistance, works like a car insurance deductible: you're given a spenddown amount, and once your qualifying medical expenses add up to it, Medicaid can help pay bills incurred for the duration of that spenddown period, not indefinitely.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 435.320, medically needy coverage (optional category). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-42?chapter=IV&subchapter=C&part=435§ion=435.320 The dollar standards change and differ by eligibility group, so ask DHHS for the current figures for your household.
Choosing Between a Nursing Home and Home
Because the income cap ($2,982), the asset limit ($2,500, with the disregard up to $7,500) and the nursing-facility level-of-care assessment are the same either way, the choice comes down to what a person needs and prefers.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm,Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf,New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care If you can be safely supported at home with services, the Choices for Independence waiver keeps you in the community. If home care isn't enough, nursing-facility Medicaid covers a licensed facility. Either way, the first steps are the same: confirm the financial eligibility above and complete the medical level-of-care assessment.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care
Where to Start
Apply for long-term-care Medicaid through New Hampshire DHHS, which decides both financial and non-financial eligibility. DHHS directs applicants to NH EASY (nheasy.nh.gov), where you can apply for any type of assistance it offers.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - NH Medicaid Eligibility (how to apply: NH EASY + DHHS Customer Service Center). dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility Questions go to the DHHS Customer Service Center at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447), TDD Relay Access 1-800-735-2964, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - NH Medicaid Eligibility (how to apply: NH EASY + DHHS Customer Service Center). dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility Expect two separate reviews: the Bureau of Family Assistance checks income and resources, and a nurse from the Bureau of Adult & Aging Services does the level-of-care assessment.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income and asset limits for NH nursing-home Medicaid?
For 2026, the monthly income cap is $2,982 for a single applicant.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm The base resource limit is $2,500 for a single applicant, but nursing-home and Choices for Independence applicants 18 or older have everything between $2,500 and $7,500 disregarded.Washington State Health Care Authority. (2026). Washington State Health Care Authority (hca.wa.gov) - Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, effective January 1, 2026 (federal SSI resource baseline). hca.wa.gov. Retrieved Jun 24, 2026, from https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/income-standards-20260101.pdf Ask DHHS which of your assets, such as your home or car, are exempt.
Does New Hampshire Medicaid pay for home care instead of a nursing home?
Yes, through the Choices for Independence waiver, for adults 18 and older who are financially eligible and medically qualify for nursing-facility level of care.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 441.302, State assurances for section 1915(c) HCBS waivers (level-of-care evaluation). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-441.302 It has limited enrollment slots, so ask DHHS about availability.
What is Choices for Independence?
It's New Hampshire's Medicaid home and community-based services waiver. It pays for services at home or in the community for people who would otherwise be in a nursing facility, and federal rules give an eligible person the choice between institutional care and home and community-based services.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 441.302, State assurances for section 1915(c) HCBS waivers (level-of-care evaluation). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-441.302
What if my income is too high for long-term-care Medicaid?
Income above the $2,982 cap isn't an automatic bar. New Hampshire has a medically-needy route: for nursing-facility care, net income at or below the monthly Medicaid nursing facility rate, and for Choices for Independence, net income at or below the protected income level.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - State Release SR 26-01, January 2026 Mass Change 2.8% COLA, effective January 1, 2026. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sr_htm/html/sr_26-01_dated_01_26.htm Its broader "In and Out" Medical Assistance program uses a spenddown that works like a deductible.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) - 42 CFR 435.320, medically needy coverage (optional category). ecfr.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-42?chapter=IV&subchapter=C&part=435§ion=435.320 Ask DHHS for the current figures and how they apply to you.
How do I apply for long-term-care Medicaid in NH?
Apply through NH DHHS, which directs applicants to NH EASY (nheasy.nh.gov).New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - NH Medicaid Eligibility (how to apply: NH EASY + DHHS Customer Service Center). dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility For questions, call 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov) - NH Medicaid Eligibility (how to apply: NH EASY + DHHS Customer Service Center). dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility Expect a separate financial review and an in-person nurse assessment of your level of care.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire DHHS — Medicaid Medical Eligibility Determination for Long Term Care. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Oct 4, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/medicaid-medical-eligibility-determination-long-term-care
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