Effective July 1, the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA) is changing. An increase from 2024, this change affects the minimum amount of income a community spouse may receive from a spouse on Medicaid long-term care.
What Is the MMMNA?
When one spouse receives Medicaid for long-term care, including long-term care services in their home or community via an HCBS Medicaid waiver, the community spouse is entitled to some of the institutionalized spouse’s income if their own income is too low to cover their basic living costs. The MMMNA is the federal standard amount of income protected for the community spouse. States can adopt higher standards.
If the community spouse’s income falls below the MMMNA, the institutionalized spouse’s income can be used to bring the amount up to the minimum without disqualifying them for Medicaid. This is meant to prevent the community spouse from experiencing poverty.
The MMMNA is based on the Federal Poverty Level, which varies across the United States and is updated at least once a year.
Change to the MMMNA
The MMMNA is changing July 1, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to reflect changes in the federal poverty level.
What Is the New MMMNA as of July 1, 2025?
In the continental United States, the new MMMNA is $2,643.75 as of July 1. The MMMNA is higher in Alaska and Hawaii: $3,303.75 and $3,040, respectively.
Housing Allowance
The Community Spouse Monthly Housing Allowance, also called the Shelter Allowance, protects income for housing costs and may increase the income a community spouse can receive, depending on the state’s allowance. Based on the MMMNA, it is updated in July as well. An increase in the housing allowance reflects the increase in the MMMNA.
As of July 1, 2025, the housing allowance is $793.13 for 48 states and the District of Columbia, $991.13 for Alaska, and $912 for Hawaii.
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