Medicaid limits by state › South Dakota
Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility in South Dakota (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid-paid nursing home or long-term care in South Dakota in 2026, a single applicant must generally have no more than $2,000 in countable assets and income at or below $2,982 / month. Income-cap state.
South Dakota 2026 limits at a glance
| Test | 2026 standard in South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Countable asset limit (single) | $2,000 |
| Countable asset limit (couple, both applying) | $3,000 |
| Income limit | $2,982 / month |
| Home equity limit | $752,000 |
| Spousal asset allowance (CSRA) | Community spouse may keep between $32,532 and $162,660 of the couple's assets |
| Spousal income allowance (MMNA) | Minimum $2,705/month |
| Look-back period | 60 months (asset transfers for less than fair value can cause a penalty period) |
How South Dakota treats income
This is an income-cap state: if your income is above the cap, you generally cannot qualify directly — a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) is the standard legal route.
Check your own eligibility
Enter your assets, income and marital status to see whether you pass all three financial tests in South Dakota — and if not, by how much, and which lawful pathways exist:
Open the Medicaid eligibility estimator →What does care cost in South Dakota?
See median nursing home, assisted living and home care prices for South Dakota:
South Dakota senior care costs →Sources: 2026 federal Medicaid standards (CMS) and published state standards compiled by the American Council on Aging. This page is a planning estimate, not a determination — only the South Dakota Medicaid agency can decide eligibility. Rules change; verify before making financial moves, ideally with an elder law attorney.