22 Sep I’m 72. Will I lose Medicaid if I get remarried?

Q. I am 72 years old and have been on Medicaid for a few years now. Can I lose this if I remarry? Would I have to pay back what I have used? What are the guidelines for income to stay on Medicaid?
— Single, for now

A. It’s a great question.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer.

When it comes to qualifying for Medicaid, income matters, said Claudia Mott, a certified financial planner with Epona Financial Solutions in Basking Ridge.

Depending on the specifics of the program you’re receiving benefits from, the income limits can be different, she said.

The Social Security website explains that benefits for a married couple, both of whom receive SSI and have no other income, amount to 25 percent less than the total they would receive if they were living together but not as husband and wife.

A Medicaid recipient may lose benefits if they marry a person who has significant assets and income. That’s because Medicaid is a means-tested program that counts the assets and income of both spouses.

You should take the specifics of your information and contact Medicaid directly to see what parameters will apply to you.

Mott also recommended you reach out to your local county welfare agency. You can find more information here.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published on Sept. 22, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.