Ohio's 2026 asset limit
Ohio's rule, OAC 5160:1-3-02.1, sets an "MPAP resource limit" for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 equal to the federal limit adjusted each year for inflation. ODM's Medicaid Eligibility Procedure Letter No. 191 set it at $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple in 2026. QDWI uses a lower limit, twice the SSI limit. Countable resources are figured under Ohio's Medicaid rules for aged, blind or disabled people (OAC Chapter 5160:1-3).
What counts
- Cash, checking and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit (OAC 5160:1-3-05.4).
- Stocks, bonds and mutual funds (OAC 5160:1-3-05.18).
- Retirement accounts you can withdraw from, at their after-penalty value (OAC 5160:1-3-03.10).
- A second car, boat or other vehicle, at its equity value.
- Real estate other than your home, such as a rental or vacant lot, unless it's for sale at fair market value or essential to self-support.
- The cash value of whole life insurance, when the face value of all policies is over $1,500.
- Collectibles or jewelry held as an investment.
What doesn't count
OAC 5160:1-3-05.14 lists the main exclusions, following federal SSI rules:
- Your home, regardless of value, while it's your principal place of residence (or your spouse lives there), including adjoining land (OAC 5160:1-3-05.13).
- Household goods and personal effects, such as furniture, appliances, clothing and everyday jewelry (OAC 5160:1-3-05.10).
- One car or other vehicle, regardless of value, if someone in your household uses it for transportation (OAC 5160:1-3-05.11).
- Burial funds of up to $1,500 each for you and your spouse, kept separate and clearly set aside, and the value of burial spaces such as a plot, casket or headstone (OAC 5160:1-3-05.6 and 05.7).
- Certain other items, such as ABLE accounts, federal tax refunds for 12 months, and payments to repair or replace a lost or damaged excluded item for 9 months.
Over the limit? Anyone can apply, and the county decides what counts. If your savings are higher than the MSP limit, Extra Help allows more ($18,090 for one person in 2026). For Medicaid planning questions, talk with a lawyer who handles Ohio Medicaid; to compare Medicare coverage, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio?
The income side of the test.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
The papers to bring.
How do I apply for Extra Help in Ohio?
Higher asset limits.
Sources
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160:1-3-02.1, Medicare premium assistance programs (MPAP resource limit)
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160:1-3-05.14, Medicaid: resource exclusions
- Ohio Administrative Code — Chapter 5160:1-3, Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (home, vehicle, burial, life insurance and retirement fund rules)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — MEPL No. 191, 2026 MPAP resource limit (PDF)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs
More questions in this guide
- Can a doctor bill me if I have QMB?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
- How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs in Ohio?
- What is the difference between QMB, SLMB and QI in Ohio?
- What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio?
- What is QMB in Ohio?
- What is the Medicare Premium Assistance Program in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does my IRA or 401(k) count?
Usually, if you can withdraw from it. Ohio's rule OAC 5160:1-3-03.10 counts a retirement fund you can cash out and aren't receiving regular payments from, valued at what you'd get after any early-withdrawal penalty. If you're taking regular payments, those payments count as income instead.
Does life insurance count?
Term insurance has no cash value, so it doesn't count. Whole life policies are excluded when the total face value of all policies on your life is $1,500 or less; above that, the cash surrender value can count.
Do my spouse's savings count?
Yes. Ohio adds your countable resources and your spouse's together and compares them with the couple limit of $14,910.
Is the asset limit the same as for full Ohio Medicaid?
No. Full Medicaid for aged, blind or disabled Ohioans has a much lower limit under OAC 5160:1-3-05.1. The MSP limit follows the federal Medicare Savings Program limit, adjusted each year for inflation.
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