Honolulu Senior AdvisorWhat do Oahu families ask about med-quest?
Med-QUEST is how most Oahu families eventually pay for long-term care if care lasts several years. These answers cover the 2026 figures and the steps; confirm your own case with Med-QUEST, because individual details change the result.
Questions about Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) and long-term care. Each answer below is written to stand on its own.
What is Med-QUEST?
Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid program, run by the Department of Human Services' Med-QUEST Division; long-term care is delivered through QUEST Integration health plans.
What is the Med-QUEST asset limit?
For aged, blind and disabled applicants, $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, with the home and some other assets usually excluded.
What income counts for Med-QUEST in 2026?
The standard is tied to Hawaii's 2026 federal poverty guideline of $18,360 a year for one person (about $1,530 a month); people above it may still qualify for long-term care because the cost of care is considered.
Does Med-QUEST pay for care homes?
Med-QUEST long-term care can pay for care in expanded ARCHs, foster family homes and some assisted living for members at the required level of care; the resident's income covers room and board.
What is the look-back period?
60 months. Gifts or below-value sales in the five years before a long-term care application can cause a penalty period.
Can my mother keep the house if my father goes on Med-QUEST?
Yes, while she lives there, within federal home equity limits; she can also keep a share of the couple's assets, up to $162,660 in 2026.
Who arranges care once someone is on Med-QUEST?
The QUEST Integration health plan assigns a service coordinator who arranges long-term services and supports, including case management for foster family home and expanded ARCH placements.
Can Med-QUEST pay for care at home?
Yes, for members at the needed level of care, including services such as personal assistance, adult day care, home-delivered meals and respite.
Does Med-QUEST cover assisted living?
Med-QUEST long-term care can pay for assisted living services for eligible members in facilities that work with QUEST Integration plans; room and board remain the resident's cost.
Does Medicaid from another state transfer to Hawaii?
No. A parent moving to Hawaii must establish residency and apply to Med-QUEST under Hawaii's rules.
Who helps with a Med-QUEST application?
Hospital social workers, the Hawaii ADRC at (808) 643-2372 and the Elderly Affairs Division at (808) 768-7700 can help families start.
At a glance
| These answers are | These answers are not | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Hawaii rules, state rosters and agency pages | Hearsay or marketing |
| Scope | Oahu and Hawaii-specific | Generic national answers |
| Use | A starting point for your own questions | Legal, tax or medical advice |
| Freshness | Checked in October 2026 | Permanent; rules and figures change |
