How do whole life insurance policies with cash value impact Medicaid asset limits?

I have some whole life policies with about $8K in cash value. I know that Medicaid does not count term policies in qualifying. I would however, like to know if the cash value of whole life policies can be used as retainable assets and be allowed to keep whole life policies so I can retain death benefits for beneficiary. The face amount of policies are about $30K. In my state the minimum retainable assets amount is $24K for community spouse. I do not want to surrender the policies.