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Spend-Down Calculator

Find out exactly how much you need to spend down to qualify for Medicaid — and which legal strategies let you protect your assets instead of losing them.

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Estimates are based on 2026 Medicaid guidelines. Countable assets do not include your home, one vehicle, or personal belongings.

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Savings, investments, CDs, cash. Do NOT include your home, one car, or personal items.

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Social Security, pension, 401(k) distributions, employment income.

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Enter your information on the left to see your Medicaid spend-down amount, estimated timeline, and legal strategies to protect your assets.

Spend-Down Amount Needed
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Estimated Timeline

Legal Spend-Down Strategies

These methods let you reduce countable assets legally — without simply writing checks to a nursing home.

  • 1 Home modifications — Wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements are exempt spending.
  • 2 Pay off debt — Mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and medical bills are all legitimate spend-down expenses.
  • 3 Prepaid funeral & burial — An irrevocable pre-need funeral contract is typically exempt (up to ~$7,500).
  • 4 Caregiver agreement — Pay a family member for documented caregiving services under a formal contract.
  • 5 Medicaid-compliant annuity (MCA) — Convert a lump sum into an income stream that becomes exempt for the community spouse.
  • 6 Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) — Transfer assets into an irrevocable trust now; after 60 months, those assets are fully protected.

This estimate is a starting point. A personalized Medicaid plan from Willwright will identify which strategies apply to your specific situation — and draft the documents to execute them.

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How It Works

What is Medicaid spend-down?

Medicaid has strict asset limits — typically $2,000 for an individual. If your savings exceed that limit, you must reduce ("spend down") your assets before Medicaid will cover nursing home costs. Here's how it works:

01

Medicaid checks your countable assets

When you apply, Medicaid counts your savings, investments, and cash. Your home (primary residence), one vehicle, and personal belongings are usually exempt and don't count against you.

02

Assets above the limit must go down

The limit is $2,000 for an individual in all five states we support. If you're married, your spouse can keep a "Community Spouse Resource Allowance" (CSRA) of up to $157,920.

03

How you spend down matters enormously

Simply spending money doesn't work — gifts and transfers trigger a 5-year look-back penalty. Legal strategies (home mods, prepaid funeral, annuities, trusts) let you preserve value while qualifying.

State-Specific Rules

Medicaid asset limits by state (2026)

Rules vary by state. Here are the key numbers for the five states Willwright currently supports.

State Individual Asset Limit Spouse Protected (CSRA Max) Monthly Income Cap Est. Nursing Home Cost/Mo Look-Back Period
Illinois (IL) $2,000 $157,920 None (Medically Needy) $8,775 60 months
Wisconsin (WI) $2,000 $157,920 None (Medically Needy) $9,150 60 months
Indiana (IN) $2,000 $157,920 $2,901/mo $7,650 60 months
Ohio (OH) $2,000 $157,920 $2,901/mo $8,400 60 months
Michigan (MI) $2,000 $157,920 None (Medically Needy) $9,450 60 months

A calculator is a start. A plan protects you.

Willwright builds a personalized Medicaid asset protection plan — including all the documents you need to execute it — for a fraction of what an elder law attorney charges.

Get Your Estate + Medicaid Plan — $299

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules are complex, change frequently, and vary by individual circumstance. Consult a licensed elder law attorney before making any decisions based on these estimates. Willwright is not a law firm.