Bill > SB0301

This bill modifies Medicaid eligibility rules for married individuals where one spouse lives in a nursing facility. Specifically, beginning January 1, 2026, the bill prohibits the state's office of the secretary of family and social services from counting certain retirement assets of the "community spouse" (the spouse living outside the nursing facility) when determining Medicaid eligibility for the institutionalized spouse. These exempt assets include individual retirement accounts (IRAs) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and work-related pension plans, including those held by self-employed individuals. The bill requires the state to apply for a necessary state plan amendment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before the effective date to implement this change. This provision aims to protect retirement savings for the community spouse and potentially make it easier for the institutionalized spouse to qualify for Medicaid benefits, recognizing that the community spouse may need these resources for their own financial stability.

Budget and Finance

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/301/details