What are the basic Medicaid eligibility requirements?

Each state develops its own eligibility requirements; however, they are similar from state to state. Aside from proving citizenship (or other legal status) and residency, the primary eligibility requirements for Medicaid involve demonstrating a need for benefits. To do that, you must have income and “countable resources” that do not exceed the program limits. For many seniors who did not anticipate the need to qualify for Medicaid, the countable resources (asset) limit presents a problem because in most states it is only $2,000 for an individual applicant.