Applying for Medicaid in Maryland: Unmarried Partners

If you are in a committed relationship but not legally married, you may be wondering how Maryland Medicaid will treat your application. Medicaid eligibility rules primarily consider legally married spouses, meaning that if you are unmarried, you will file as a single applicant.

However, Medicaid may still assess certain financial aspects of your relationship, including:

• Shared Assets – If you and your partner jointly own property or financial accounts, Medicaid may count your portion as part of your resources.

• Household Contributions – If your partner provides financial support, it could impact income calculations.

• Gifts & Transfers – Transferring assets to a partner before applying for Medicaid may trigger penalty periods if done within Medicaid’s 5-year lookback period (for long-term care Medicaid).

Medicaid Planning for Unmarried Couples

Because Maryland Medicaid has strict income and asset limits, strategic planning is essential. Without the legal protections afforded to married couples, unmarried partners may face challenges in preserving assets and securing benefits. Proper legal planning can help:

• Protect assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements

• Ensure your partner has legal authority in financial or healthcare decisions

• Avoid penalties related to asset transfers

At Estate and Elder Planning, LLC, we provide personalized Medicaid planning strategies to help unmarried couples navigate the complexities of Medicaid eligibility while protecting their financial future. Contact us today for a consultation.

Disclaimer

The content of this blog is provided by Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, estate planning and elder law regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.

Reading this blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate or its attorneys. To address your specific legal concerns, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide tailored advice based on your unique situation.

Laws related to estate planning, dementia care, Medicaid, and asset protection can differ significantly based on individual circumstances. As such, this blog may not address every potential legal issue. We highly recommend consulting an experienced attorney before taking any action based on the information presented here.

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For more information about estate planning or elder law, visit Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate at www.davidwingate.com or call (301) 663-9230 to schedule an initial consultation. We serve clients in Frederick, Washington, and Montgomery Counties, Maryland, and offer assistance with powers of attorney, living wills, trusts, Medicaid planning, asset protection, and more.