New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania:
A Comparative Approach to Seeking Medicaid Eligibility in a Nursing Home

by Crystal C. West, Esq.*
March 2010

Many New Jerseyans reside in counties bordering our sister state of Pennsylvania; and likewise, many Pennsylvanians reside in counties bordering New Jersey. But being in close proximity to another state is not only beneficial to experience beautiful scenery. It allows the elder community to engage in comprehensive Medicaid planning to determine whether the State of New Jersey or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides for optimal asset preservation.

When evaluating Medicaid eligibility, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania will first look at the amount of the applicant's monthly income to determine the value of assets the applicant can keep:

If the elder has a spouse residing in the community, the spouse is entitled to keep a maximum of $109,560.00 in assets. The maximum community spouse exemption is not available to all applicants and should be discussed thoroughly during a comprehensive elder care planning consultation.

To determine which state provides for the best asset preservation plan, it is important to understand what type of assets the elder holds and the manner in which the NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services or the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare will treat such assets. The assets exempt from the asset calculation vary drastically between the two states and should also be evaluated thoroughly during an elder care planning consultation.

For example:

*Crystal C. West is licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Contact us to prepare and file a Medicaid application for nursing home care.
Call (732) 382 6070.