At the time of a Medicaid application, the community spouse (the spouse staying home) is allowed to keep an amount of liquid assets without being required to "spend it down'' in order for the other spouse entering a nursing home to qualify for Medicaid. In WV in 2017this amount is half of the combined nonexempt marital assets, with a maximum of $120, 900. This amount is called the Minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance Survivor's benefit Medicaid-qualifying annuity Community spouse resource allowance