Updated for 2026
If you have savings under $2,000*, this helps you qualify to get PACE at no cost.
But if you have more money, there are ways to qualify to get PACE at no cost in just a few months.
- Many older Kansans can use some of their savings for their own needs first.
- If you are married, you and your spouse can divide your savings.
This article is not meant as legal or financial advice.
*What Counts as Savings, and What Does Not
There is a special category of Medicaid created for PACE in Kansas. We will call this "Kansas PACE Medicaid."
Income Limit:
With Kanas PACE Medicaid, your income limit is $2,982 per month in 2026. This is for the person applying for PACE -- not their spouse. Your spouse's income is not considered. (More about this below).
Savings Limit:
The savings limit is $2,000.
This is "what is left" at the end of paying all your monthly bills, plus the amount in your personal savings account.
But not everything you own counts towards this amount, and there are special rules for your spouse (read on).
Not counted as savings:
- Your house, if you live there or plan to go back
- One car
- Furniture, clothes, or things you use every day
Counted as savings:
- Cash, checking and savings accounts -- after you pay your bills for the month.
- CDs and investments
- Retirement accounts that are not paying you every month
- Land or property you don’t live on
If Savings is Too High, You Can Spend it on Yourself or Your Home
“Spend-down” means using your money for your own needs until your savings go below $2,000.
You use it for things that help you live better or safer, like:
- Fixing your home - a new roof, new windows, bathroom remodel, a wheelchair ramp
- A new car or car repairs
- Paying off old bills or debt
- Pre-paid funeral expenses
You must keep your receipts. Medicaid will ask you to prove how you spent the money.
Don't Lower Your Savings by Giving Money to Family
You do not give money away to qualify for PACE.
Everything must be spent for you, not for someone else.
Medicaid will look through your bank statements for the last 5 years to see who you gave money too. This is called "the 5 Year Look-Back Period." Medicaid wants to be sure you are not trying to qualify by giving all your savings to a family member.
If You Have a Spouse
If you are married and you apply for PACE, the state of Kansas looks at all your savings combined.
The "non-PACE" spouse can keep $162,660. This is the limit in 2026.
The person applying for PACE can only keep $2,000.
If you have more than that, you can spend down, as discussed above.
This is called a spousal spend-down. It protects the spouse at home and helps you qualify for PACE.
Who Should Think About Spend-Down
Spend-down makes sense if you:
- Have $5,000–$50,000 in savings
- Expect to need long-term care or PACE soon
If you already have savings under $5,000, you may not need to spend much.
Need Help?
You don’t have to do this alone.
You can talk with a PACE benefits counselor (call us at Kansas PACE) or an elder-law attorney who knows Medicaid and works in Kansas. They can help you plan and show what counts, what doesn’t, and how to spend down safely.
This table can help:
2026 Kansas PACE Medicaid Summary
| Description | The Rule | Notes |
| Savings limit (single person) | $2,000 or less | Amount the PACE applicant may keep |
| Savings limit for spouse | $162,660 | 2026 Kansas rule |
| What counts as savings | Cash, bank accounts, CDs, investments, extra property | Must be reduced before qualifying |
| Not counted as savings | Home, one car, furniture, personal items | Not part of the savings limit |
| Look-back period for gifts or transfers | The past 5 years | For gifts or transfers of money, home or assets to friends or family |
Learn More about Qualifying for PACE in Kansas
Call us to connect with a knowledgeable enrollment professional.
Every person's financial situation is different, so it's hard to give advice that works for everyone.
We don't want cost to be a barrier to PACE. Call us and let's discuss your needs.
