Making Sense of Medicaid Spenddown in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the Medicaid spenddown is a strategy individuals use to become eligible for Medicaid benefits. When a person’s assets exceed Medicaid’s limits, they may “spend down” their excess income or assets on care costs or other permissible expenses to qualify. It’s essentially a method to reduce one’s assets to meet Medicaid’s financial eligibility criteria. A Medicaid spenddown often plays a crucial role in elder law and estate planning, especially when long-term care is needed. At the Trusts and Estates Law Group, we assist individuals navigating this complex process to secure the resources they need.

How Medicaid Spenddown Works?

The Medicaid spenddown process varies by state, so it’s essential to understand how it works in North Carolina.  The allowable assets for an individual applicant in North Carolina are limited to $