Alabama Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Alabama.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Alabama Medicaid Agency
Processing Time
45-90 days standard, 30-45 days for nursing facility applications
Alabama Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Alabama, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Alabama follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month (nursing home)
Married Couple (One Applying)
$2,982/month per applicant
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Alabama Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $6,676/month average (semi-private), $7,026/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Alabama).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Alabama
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Alabama once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $6,676/month average (semi-private), $7,026/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Alabama offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver
Provides services to allow elderly and/or disabled individuals who would otherwise require care in a nursing facility to live in the community. Services include personal care, homemaker, respite, adult day health, companion services, and home-delivered frozen meals.
Program Details →State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver
Serves individuals age 65+ and disabled adults age 21-64 requiring nursing facility level of care, providing comprehensive in-home services including personal care and case management.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Alabama
Alabama Medicaid applications typically take 45-90 days standard, 30-45 days for nursing facility applications. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Alabama through:
- Online through Alabama Medicaid portal
- Mail to local DHS county office
- In-person at county office
- Through nursing facility social worker
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Alabama from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Alabama-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicaid Look-Back Period
Alabama has a 60-month look-back period. Assets should not be gifted within 60 months of applying for Nursing Home Medicaid or a Medicaid Waiver.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Alabama Medicaid?
Contact Alabama Medicaid Agency for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-800-362-1504Application Helpline
1-800-362-1504Website
https://medicaid.alabama.gov