How is the at-home spouse protected in Canada when a partner enters care?
Because Canadian long-term care is income-tested rather than asset-tested, the couple's savings and home are not spent down. The resident's co-payment is based on the resident's own income (for basic accommodation), and the at-home spouse keeps their own income and assets.
Does Canada have spousal impoverishment rules like the US?
No. The US CSRA and MMMNA exist to prevent a healthy spouse from being impoverished by a Medicaid spend-down. Canada does not require a spend-down, so these specific protections are unnecessary; the at-home spouse simply retains their income and assets.
Is the couple's home at risk if one spouse enters long-term care in Canada?
Generally no. The home is not a countable asset for provincial long-term care, and provinces do not place estate-recovery liens for standard care. The at-home spouse can remain in the home.
How is the resident's co-payment set when they have a spouse in Canada?
For basic accommodation, provinces base the income-tested co-payment on the resident's income, with rules to ensure the household is not left without adequate income. Semi-private and private rooms are charged at the full rate.