10 States With No Asset Test for Medicare Savings Programs in 2026
By MSP Check Editorial Team · Medicare benefits specialists
Many people never apply for Medicare Savings Programs because they assume their savings account or small investment portfolio will disqualify them. In ten states, that assumption is simply wrong — those states have eliminated the asset test entirely. If you live in one of them, only your monthly income determines whether you receive QMB, SLMB, or QI benefits.
What Is the MSP Asset Test?
An asset test is a financial screen that counts specific resources — primarily liquid holdings like bank balances, CDs, stocks, and bonds — and compares that total to a cap. In 2026, most states use a standard cap of $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for married couples. If your countable assets exceed that cap, you are denied MSP benefits regardless of how low your income is.
The test exists because MSP is a Medicaid-based program, and Medicaid has historically used asset tests to target assistance at those with the fewest resources. But a growing number of states have concluded that asset tests create unnecessary barriers and administrative costs — and have eliminated them.
The 10 No-Asset-Test States in 2026
The following states have eliminated the MSP asset test for all three tiers — QMB, SLMB, and QI. If you live in one of these states, your savings, investments, and other financial assets are completely ignored when your eligibility is evaluated.
- Alabama — No asset test for any MSP tier.
- California — Medi-Cal administers MSP with no asset test.
- Connecticut — Income only; no resource test.
- Delaware — No asset limit applied during eligibility review.
- Maine — Asset test eliminated to broaden access.
- Massachusetts — No asset test across all MSP tiers.
- Minnesota — Income is the sole determinant of eligibility.
- New York — No asset test for QMB, SLMB, or QI.
- Vermont — No resource limit under any tier.
- Washington — Asset test eliminated statewide.
Standard Asset Limits in the Other States (2026)
In the remaining 40 states plus DC, the standard 2026 asset limits apply across all three MSP tiers. These amounts are set by CMS and are consistent whether you are applying for QMB, SLMB, or QI.
- Individual: $9,950 in countable assets
- Married couple: $14,910 in countable assets
- Alaska: $9,950 individual / $14,910 couple (same federal baseline)
What Is Excluded From the Asset Count Everywhere
Even in states with an asset test, several major categories of resources are excluded by federal rules. These exclusions can make a significant difference: many people who believe they exceed the asset limit actually fall well under it once excluded items are removed.
- Your primary home — the property you live in is excluded, regardless of its value.
- One vehicle — one car, truck, or other personal vehicle is excluded entirely.
- Household goods and personal property — furniture, clothing, and similar items are not counted.
- Burial funds — money set aside for funeral and burial expenses is excluded up to a reasonable amount.
- Life insurance with cash value below $1,500 — typically excluded.
What does count: checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and any other liquid financial holdings. The treatment of IRAs and other retirement accounts varies by state — check with your Medicaid office for state-specific rules.
The Bottom Line: Don't Self-Disqualify Before Applying
The most common reason eligible people miss out on MSP benefits is that they assume they will not qualify and never apply. If you live in one of the ten no-asset-test states, the only number that matters is your monthly countable income. And even in states with an asset test, the standard asset limits — combined with generous exclusions for your home and vehicle — mean far more people qualify than realize it.
The safest approach is to run your numbers rather than guess. Our free eligibility checker accounts for your state's specific asset rules and income disregards — check your eligibility now and find out in two minutes.
Disclaimer: Asset test rules can change. Verify your state's current rules with your state Medicaid office or a free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor before applying. MSP benefits do not affect Medicare coverage itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my house count as an asset for the Medicare Savings Program?
No. Your primary residence is excluded from the asset test in every state. Even in states with an asset test, your home does not count against the $9,950 individual limit. Only liquid financial assets like bank accounts, stocks, and CDs are counted.
Can I have a savings account and still qualify for QMB?
Yes, in many cases. If you live in one of the 10 no-asset-test states, your savings are ignored entirely. In other states, you can have up to $9,950 in liquid assets (individual) or $14,910 (couple) and still qualify — and your home, car, and personal property are excluded regardless.
Why do some states have no asset test for MSP?
States have the option under federal law to eliminate the asset test in order to simplify enrollment and reach more eligible beneficiaries. Research shows asset tests create administrative burdens that screen out many people who would otherwise qualify based on income alone.
What happens to my MSP eligibility if I move from a no-asset-test state to one with a test?
If you move to a new state, your eligibility is re-evaluated under that state's rules. If your liquid assets exceed the new state's limit ($9,950 for individuals in most states), you may no longer qualify until you spend down those assets on allowable expenses.
Are retirement accounts like IRAs counted as assets?
It depends on the state. Some states exclude IRAs and other retirement accounts from the asset count; others include them. Contact your state Medicaid office or a SHIP counselor for the specific rules that apply where you live.
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