10/18/2026
US Nursing Home Spousal Protection Rules
Navigating the transition to nursing home care can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting your family's financial future. Under current federal guidelines, a spouse who remains at home can keep between $32,500 and $162,700 in countable assets, depending on your state’s rules. This allowance is set based on the assets you have on the day your loved one begins institutional care—so timing matters. Fortunately, your primary home, one vehicle, household items, and prepaid funeral plans are typically excluded. Many families use spend-downs to cover debts, home repairs, or necessary care that isn’t otherwise covered, rather than risk penalties from gifting or below-value transfers (which can trigger a five-year lookback). As part of our commitment to helping families preserve what matters, we often discuss compliant annuity strategies—which can convert excess savings into monthly income for the at-home spouse, as long as payments are equal, irrevocable, and the state remains first in line for repayment. At Trinity Coverage Group, we’re here to help you make sense of these rules and safeguard your peace of mind, so your family’s legacy remains secure.
