Under the Medicaid rules, when one member of a married couple applies for benefits their combined assets and income must be reported to determine the eligibility of the nursing home spouse. However, there is an exception that is often used in cases of late, short-term marriages such as your father's. Often referred to as “just say no” or “spousal refusal,” your father's wife can refuse to cooperate with the process and your father's eligibility should be based on his income and assets alone. To learn more about this option, click here.