16 DE Admin. Code 20000. Medicaid Long Term Care
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Delaware Administrative Code › Title 16 Health and Safety › Department of Health and Social Services › Division of Social Services › Delaware Social Services Manual › 16 DE Admin. Code 20000
Text
property taxes
interest payments on mortgage
incidental repairs
advertising for tenants
landscaping/lawn maintenance/snow removal
utilities
deduct | $20.00
deduct | $65.00
then | 1/2 of remainder
Effective Date | Home Equity Cap
January 1, 2006 | $ 500,000
January 1, 2011 | $ 506,000
January 1, 2012 | $ 525,000
$2000 | countable prepaid burial contract
-$1500 | burial exclusion
= 500 | countable resource
Age | Life Expectancy
1 | 78.42
2 | 77.48
3 | 76.51
4 | 75.54
5 | 74.56
6 | 73.57
7 | 72.59
8 | 71.60
9 | 70.61
10 | 69.62
11 | 68.63
12 | 67.64
13 | 66.65
14 | 65.67
15 | 64.68
16 | 63.71
17 | 62.74
18 | 61.77
19 | 60.80
20 | 59.83
21 | 58.86
22 | 57.89
23 | 56.92
24 | 55.95
25 | 54.98
26 | 54.02
27 | 53.05
28 | 52.08
29 | 51.12
30 | 50.15
31 | 49.19
32 | 48.23
33 | 47.27
34 | 46.31
35 | 45.35
36 | 44.40
37 | 43.45
38 | 42.50
39 | 41.55
40 | 40.61
41 | 39.66
42 | 38.72
43 | 37.72
44 | 36.85
45 | 35.92
46 | 35.00
47 | 34.08
48 | 33.17
49 | 32.27
50 | 31.37
51 | 30.48
52 | 29.60
53 | 28.72
54 | 27.86
55 | 27.00
56 | 26.15
57 | 25.31
58 | 24.48
59 | 23.67
60 | 22.86
61 | 22.06
62 | 21.27
63 | 20.49
64 | 19.72
65 | 18.96
66 | 18.21
67 | 17.48
68 | 16.76
69 | 16.04
70 | 15.35
71 | 14.66
72 | 13.99
73 | 13.33
74 | 12.68
75 | 12.05
76 | 11.43
77 | 10.83
78 | 10.24
79 | 9.67
80 | 9.11
81 | 8.58
82 | 8.06
83 | 7.56
84 | 7.08
85 | 6.63
86 | 6.20
87 | 5.79
88 | 5.41
89 | 5.05
90 | 4.71
91 | 4.40
92 | 4.11
93 | 3.84
94 | 3.59
95 | 3.36
96 | 3.16
97 | 2.97
98 | 2.80
99 | 2.64
100 | 2.48
101 | 2.34
102 | 2.20
103 | 2.06
104 | 1.93
105 | 1.81
106 | 1.69
107 | 1.58
108 | 1.48
109 | 1.38
110 | 1.28
111 | 1.19
112 | 1.10
113 | 1.02
114 | 0.96
115 | 0.89
116 | 0.83
117 | 0.77
118 | 0.71
119 | 0.66
Age | Life Expectancy
1 | 71.53
2 | 70.58
3 | 69.62
4 | 68.65
5 | 67.67
6 | 66.69
7 | 65.71
8 | 64.73
9 | 63.74
10 | 62.75
11 | 61.76
12 | 60.78
13 | 59.79
14 | 58.82
15 | 57.85
16 | 56.91
17 | 55.97
18 | 55.05
19 | 54.13
20 | 53.21
21 | 52.29
22 | 51.38
23 | 50.46
24 | 49.55
25 | 48.63
26 | 47.72
27 | 46.80
28 | 45.88
29 | 44.97
30 | 44
0.96
115 | 0.89
116 | 0.83
117 | 0.77
118 | 0.71
119 | 0.66
Age | Life Expectancy
1 | 71.53
2 | 70.58
3 | 69.62
4 | 68.65
5 | 67.67
6 | 66.69
7 | 65.71
8 | 64.73
9 | 63.74
10 | 62.75
11 | 61.76
12 | 60.78
13 | 59.79
14 | 58.82
15 | 57.85
16 | 56.91
17 | 55.97
18 | 55.05
19 | 54.13
20 | 53.21
21 | 52.29
22 | 51.38
23 | 50.46
24 | 49.55
25 | 48.63
26 | 47.72
27 | 46.80
28 | 45.88
29 | 44.97
30 | 44.06
31 | 43.15
32 | 42.24
33 | 41.33
34 | 40.23
35 | 39.52
36 | 38.62
37 | 37.73
38 | 36.83
39 | 35.94
40 | 35.05
41 | 34.15
42 | 33.26
43 | 32.37
44 | 31.49
45 | 30.61
46 | 29.74
47 | 28.88
48 | 28.02
49 | 27.17
50 | 26.32
51 | 25.48
52 | 24.65
53 | 23.82
54 | 23.01
55 | 22.21
56 | 21.43
57 | 20.66
58 | 19.90
59 | 19.15
60 | 18.42
61 | 17.70
62 | 16.99
63 | 16.30
64 | 15.62
65 | 14.96
66 | 14.32
67 | 13.70
68 | 13.09
69 | 12.50
70 | 11.92
71 | 11.35
72 | 10.80
73 | 10.27
74 | 9.27
75 | 9.24
76 | 8.76
77 | 8.29
78 | 7.83
79 | 7.40
80 | 6.98
81 | 6.59
82 | 6.21
83 | 5.58
84 | 5.51
85 | 5.19
86 | 4.89
87 | 4.61
88 | 4.34
89 | 4.09
90 | 3.86
91 | 3.64
92 | 3.43
93 | 3.24
94 | 3.06
95 | 2.90
96 | 2.74
97 | 2.60
98 | 2.47
99 | 2.34
100 | 2.22
101 | 2.11
102 | 1.99
103 | 1.89
104 | 1.78
105 | 1.68
106 | 1.59
107 | 1.50
108 | 1.41
109 | 1.33
110 | 1.25
111 | 1.17
112 | 1.10
113 | 1.02
114 | 0.96
115 | 0.89
116 | 0.83
117 | 0.77
118 | 0.71
119 | 0.66
Age | Life Estate | Remainder
0 | .97188 | .02812
1 | .98988 | .01012
2 | .99017 | .00983
3 | .99008 | .00992
4 | .98981 | .01019
5 | .98938 | .01062
6 | .98884 | .01116
7 | .98822 | .01178
8 | .98748 | .01252
9 | .98663 | .01337
10 | .98565 | .01435
11 | .98453 | .01547
12 | .98329 | .01671
13 | .98198 | .01802
14 | .98066 | .01934
15 | .97937 | .02063
16 | .97815 | .02185
17 | .97700 | .02300
18 | .97590 | .02410
19 | .97480 | .02520
20 | .97365 | .02635
21 | .97245 | .02755
22 | .97120 | .02880
23 | .96986 | .03014
24 | .96841 | .03014
25 | .96678 | .03322
26 | .96495 | .03505
27 | .96290 | .03710
28 | .96062 | .03938
29 | .95813 | .04187
30 | .95543 | .04457
31 | .95254 | .04746
1
13 | .98198 | .01802
14 | .98066 | .01934
15 | .97937 | .02063
16 | .97815 | .02185
17 | .97700 | .02300
18 | .97590 | .02410
19 | .97480 | .02520
20 | .97365 | .02635
21 | .97245 | .02755
22 | .97120 | .02880
23 | .96986 | .03014
24 | .96841 | .03014
25 | .96678 | .03322
26 | .96495 | .03505
27 | .96290 | .03710
28 | .96062 | .03938
29 | .95813 | .04187
30 | .95543 | .04457
31 | .95254 | .04746
32 | .94942 | .05058
33 | .94608 | .05392
34 | .94250 | .05750
35 | .93868 | .06132
36 | .93460 | .06540
37 | .93026 | .06974
38 | .92567 | .07433
39 | .92083 | .07917
40 | .91571 | .08429
41 | .91030 | .08970
42 | .90457 | .09543
43 | .89855 | .10145
44 | .89221 | .10779
45 | .88558 | .11442
46 | .87863 | .12137
47 | .87137 | .12863
48 | .86374 | .13626
49 | .85578 | .14422
50 | .84743 | .15257
51 | .83674 | .16126
52 | .82969 | .17031
53 | .82028 | .17972
54 | .81054 | .18946
55 | .80046 | .19954
56 | .79006 | .20994
57 | .77931 | .22069
58 | .76822 | .23178
59 | .75675 | .24325
60 | .74491 | .25509
61 | .73267 | .26733
62 | .72002 | .27998
63 | .70696 | .29304
64 | .69352 | .30648
65 | .67970 | .32030
66 | .66551 | .33449
67 | .65098 | .34902
68 | .63610 | .36390
69 | .62086 | .37914
70 | .60522 | .39478
71 | .58914 | .41086
72 | .57261 | .42739
73 | .55571 | .44429
74 | .53862 | .46138
75 | .52149 | .47851
76 | .50441 | .49559
77 | .48742 | .51258
78 | .47049 | .52951
79 | .45357 | .54643
80 | .43659 | .56341
81 | .41967 | .58033
82 | .40295 | .59705
83 | .38642 | .61358
84 | .36998 | .63002
85 | .35359 | .64641
86 | .33764 | .66236
87 | .32262 | .67738
88 | .30859 | .69141
89 | .29526 | .70474
90 | .28221 | .71779
91 | .26955 | .73045
92 | .25771 | .74229
93 | .24692 | .75308
94 | .23728 | .76272
95 | .22887 | .77113
96 | .22181 | .77819
97 | .21550 | .78450
98 | .21000 | .79000
99 | .20486 | .79514
100 | .19975 | .80025
101 | .19532 | .80468
102 | .19054 | .80946
103 | .18437 | .81563
104 | .17856 | .82144
105 | .16962 | .83038
106 | .15488 | .84512
107 | .13409 | .86591
108 | .10068 | .89932
109 | .04545 | .95455
955 | .73045
92 | .25771 | .74229
93 | .24692 | .75308
94 | .23728 | .76272
95 | .22887 | .77113
96 | .22181 | .77819
97 | .21550 | .78450
98 | .21000 | .79000
99 | .20486 | .79514
100 | .19975 | .80025
101 | .19532 | .80468
102 | .19054 | .80946
103 | .18437 | .81563
104 | .17856 | .82144
105 | .16962 | .83038
106 | .15488 | .84512
107 | .13409 | .86591
108 | .10068 | .89932
109 | .04545 | .95455
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Social Services
Division of Social Services
20000 Medicaid Long Term Care
20100 Long Term Care Introduction
Programs under Long Term Care (LTC) Medicaid include:
• Diamond State Health Plan Plus
• Nursing Facility Program
• Long Term Care Community Services
• Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Developmentally Disabled Waiver
• Long Term Acute Care Program
Common to all long term care programs is the requirement to be medically and financially eligible.
15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12)
20100.1 Nursing Facility Program - General Information
Persons who need nursing facility care, and who would be eligible for SSI if they were not institutionalized, are eligible for Medicaid. Nursing facility care may be needed if an individual is too disabled to be cared for in a home care situation but does not need acute care hospitalization.
20100.2 Categorically Eligible Groups
20100.2.1 SSI Recipients
20100.2.2 Individuals Whose Income is 250% of SSI
20100.2.3 Institutionalized Individuals Who Were Eligible in December 1973
20100.2.1 SSI Recipients
Residents of skilled or intermediate nursing facilities who would be eligible for SSI if they were not institutionalized, are eligible for Medicaid. DSS does not make the SSI eligibility determination.
If an individual has less than $50.00 income, she/he may be eligible for an SSI payment while in the institution. In this case, the client may be requested to make an application for eligibility determination
of skilled or intermediate nursing facilities who would be eligible for SSI if they were not institutionalized, are eligible for Medicaid. DSS does not make the SSI eligibility determination.
If an individual has less than $50.00 income, she/he may be eligible for an SSI payment while in the institution. In this case, the client may be requested to make an application for eligibility determination.
20100.2.2 Individuals Whose Income is 250% of SSI
Effective 1/1/96, two income limit standards will be applied to the LTC Acute Care Program. The 250% standard applies only to nursing facility residents. Individuals hospitalized for 30 consecutive days may be eligible only if their monthly income is 100% of the SSI standard or less.
Effective October 1, 1994, the eligibility standard for individuals in nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver programs became 250% of the SSI standard.
On October 1, 1993, the eligibility standard for individuals in nursing facilities was raised to 230% of the current SSI standard. The income standard had been at 210% of the SSI standard since January 1, 1991. All other SSI standards (resources, living arrangements, etc.) apply to this group of eligibles.
For cases prior to 1/1/96, in accordance with Public Law 99-272, the 250% standard starts with the beginning of any consecutive 30-day period of institutionalization (nursing facility or hospital or combination of both) counting only the date of admission and not the date of discharge. For example, if a patient enters an institution on July 2nd and is continually institutionalized until August 2nd, eligibility is based on the 250% standard from July 2nd on. Workers may assume, when an applicant enters a nursing facility, that the applicant will remain institutionalized for 30 consecutive days and authorize vendor payment. This assumption can only be made for nursing facility placement and does not apply to hospitalization
ion on July 2nd and is continually institutionalized until August 2nd, eligibility is based on the 250% standard from July 2nd on. Workers may assume, when an applicant enters a nursing facility, that the applicant will remain institutionalized for 30 consecutive days and authorize vendor payment. This assumption can only be made for nursing facility placement and does not apply to hospitalization. Vendor payment cannot be authorized unless the individual's income is below the SSI standard or the individual has been or is assumed will remain institutionalized 30 consecutive days.
20100.2.3 Institutionalized Individuals Who Were Eligible in December 1973
Federal Regulation 42 CFR 435.132
The agency must provide Medicaid to individuals who were eligible for Medicaid in December 1973, or any part of that month, as inpatients of medical institutions or residents of intermediate care facilities that were participating in the Medicaid program and who:
For each consecutive month after December 1973
(a) Continue to meet the requirements for Medicaid eligibility that were in effect under the State's plan in December 1973 for institutionalized individuals; and
(b) Remain institutionalized; and
(c) Are determined by the State or a professional standards organization to continue to need institutional care.
In accordance with this regulation, any nursing facility resident who has been continuously institutionalized since December, 1973, and who is ineligible by current SSI standards, must have his eligibility evaluated by 1973 standards.
29 DE Reg. 608 (01/01/26)
20101 Application Process - Long Term Care Services
The application process is twofold. Applicants for Medicaid must be medically and financially eligible to receive coverage. Referrals for Medicaid may come from many sources: the applicant, the family of the applicant, persons in the community, hospital social workers, etc
ave his eligibility evaluated by 1973 standards.
29 DE Reg. 608 (01/01/26)
20101 Application Process - Long Term Care Services
The application process is twofold. Applicants for Medicaid must be medically and financially eligible to receive coverage. Referrals for Medicaid may come from many sources: the applicant, the family of the applicant, persons in the community, hospital social workers, etc. The potential nursing facility or Home and Community Based Waiver patient may be in an adult foster care home, in his own home, in the hospital or in a nursing facility as a private pay patient.
Rarely does the applicant himself initiate the referral. This means it is extremely important in the case of the mentally competent patient that the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) nurse determine initially if the patient is aware that a referral for nursing facility admission or Home and Community Based Waiver has been made. The person must be willing to enter a nursing facility or accept Waiver services, otherwise placement or referral cannot be made. The DMMA nurse and social worker may assist the family or others in helping the patient to accept the need for nursing facility or Waiver care, but the main responsibility belongs to the family or persons acting as family.
If the patient is not competent, the family or someone acting responsibly as defined in 42 CFR 435.907(a) will act on behalf of the patient.
It is not the responsibility of DMMA to find a nursing facility placement for a patient although they may give assistance when they have knowledge of available, Medicaid certified beds.
22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18)
20102 Medical Eligibility Determinations
The first of two steps in the application process is to determine medical eligibility. This is usually determined by Pre-Admission Screening (PAS). Referrals to PAS may come from the family of the applicant as well as other sources
ient although they may give assistance when they have knowledge of available, Medicaid certified beds.
22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18)
20102 Medical Eligibility Determinations
The first of two steps in the application process is to determine medical eligibility. This is usually determined by Pre-Admission Screening (PAS). Referrals to PAS may come from the family of the applicant as well as other sources.
20102.1 Four Levels of Nursing Facility Care
There are four levels of nursing facility care for which Medicaid can make payment to qualified providers.
20102.1.1 Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care
20102.1.2 Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care
20102.1.3 Intermediate Care - Facility for the Mentally Retarded
20102.1.4 Intermediate Care - Facility for Mental Disease
20102.1.1 Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care
Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) is an institutional setting which provides skilled nursing or rehabilitation services for mental or physical conditions. Such a setting includes availability of around the clock professional nursing observations, assessment or intervention.
Super Skilled indicates a payment methodology to accommodate respirator and some other skilled level patients as recommended by the DSS Medical Operations Administrator.
20102.1.2 Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care
Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care Intermediate care nursing facility (ICF) is an institutional setting in which nursing and allied health care and support services are provided on a daily basis. Such services are supervised by but not necessarily given by a licensed nurse.
20102.1.3 Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded Level of Care
Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) An intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive habilitative and support services to persons with mental retardation or related conditions
sed by but not necessarily given by a licensed nurse.
20102.1.3 Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded Level of Care
Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) An intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive habilitative and support services to persons with mental retardation or related conditions. To qualify for an ICF/MR level of care, individuals exhibit significant deficits in age-appropriate functioning in multiple domains. As a consequence, they require frequent assistance or supervision to competently or safely engage in activities of daily living (ADLs).
20102.1.4 Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Disease Level of Care
Intermediate Care Mental Disease Level of Care (ICF/MD) results from a primary psychiatric diagnosis and indicates a need for services in an institution licensed to care for psychiatric patients. Medicaid vendor payments can only be made for persons who are 65 years of age and older.
An intermediate care facility for mental disease (ICF/MD) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive clinical and support services to persons with significant behavioral health disorders. Such disorder must compromise functioning in multiple areas and require frequent or intensive medical or behavioral interventions (e.g., drug therapy; professional counseling; behavior management techniques).
20102.2 Medical Necessity Procedures
There are two ways to determine the medical necessity of nursing facility care. These are:
20102.2.1 Pre-Admission Screening
20102.2.2 Medical Review Team
20102.2.1 Pre-Admission Screening
The Medicaid Long Term Care Unit's Pre-Admission Screening team performs a level of care determination for individuals in hospitals or in the community who will be entering a privately funded or public skilled or intermediate care facility. This includes individuals currently residing out-of-state who are seeking nursing facility placement in Delaware
Review Team
20102.2.1 Pre-Admission Screening
The Medicaid Long Term Care Unit's Pre-Admission Screening team performs a level of care determination for individuals in hospitals or in the community who will be entering a privately funded or public skilled or intermediate care facility. This includes individuals currently residing out-of-state who are seeking nursing facility placement in Delaware. The determination is made in accordance with guidelines established by the Medicaid program. The initial determination for applicants requiring a super skilled level of care is made by PAS. The Medical Review Team then confirms the determination of the necessity of super skilled care.
20102.2.2 Medical Review Team
The Medical Review Team determines the level of care for the following groups:
individuals seeking out of state inpatient rehabilitation hospital care,
superskilled Reimbursement level of care,
Children Community Alternative Disability Program.
A MAP-25 (Comprehensive Medical Report) is completed by the attending physician and is submitted to the State Office Medical Review Team along with any supporting documentation for approval.
15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
PAS POL 20102.3 PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEWS (PASRR) OVERVIEW
By Federal mandate, all individuals applying for placement in a Medicaid certified nursing facility, regardless of pay source, must have a Level I Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for Mental Illness (MI) or Mental Retardation (MR)/Related Condition (RC).
Based on results of a Level I PASRR Screening, the PAS RN may determine that further screening, a Level II PASRR, is warranted. A Level II PASRR evaluates clients with MI and MR/RC and determines if nursing home placement, either with or without specialized services, is appropriate. In addition to the PAS RN, an Independent Contracted Psychiatrist also makes placement recommendations
ndition (RC).
Based on results of a Level I PASRR Screening, the PAS RN may determine that further screening, a Level II PASRR, is warranted. A Level II PASRR evaluates clients with MI and MR/RC and determines if nursing home placement, either with or without specialized services, is appropriate. In addition to the PAS RN, an Independent Contracted Psychiatrist also makes placement recommendations. However, the final decision on appropriate placement for individuals with MI or MR/RC is made by the State Mental Health Authority for MI or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for MR/RC.
PAS POL 20102.3.1 PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEWS (PASRR)
This applies to all nursing home applicants or residents of a Medicaid certified nursing facility (NF) regardless of payment source or diagnoses.
1. DMMA is Responsible for PASRR Oversight
DMMA will assure PASRR program operates in accordance with federal regulations.
2. A Level I PASRR Screening is completed on all residents or potential residents of a Medicaid certified Nursing home.
A Level I screening is the process of identifying individuals who are suspected of having a mental illness or mental retardation or if categorical determinations are met.
The Nursing Facility is responsible for completing the Level I screening for non-Medicaid individuals.
The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance is responsible for completing the Level I screening for Medicaid and potential Medicaid individuals when notified.
3. Determination is made regarding the need for a Level II PASRR screening.
Based on the Level I screening, the individual will meet one of three categories:
·No indication of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition – nursing home admission/continued stay is appropriate - No further evaluation is needed.
·There are indicators of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition however individual meets any of the following Physician’s Exemption Criteria:
·Primary Diagnosis of Dementia or related disorder
will meet one of three categories:
·No indication of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition – nursing home admission/continued stay is appropriate - No further evaluation is needed.
·There are indicators of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition however individual meets any of the following Physician’s Exemption Criteria:
·Primary Diagnosis of Dementia or related disorder.
·Convalescent Care not to exceed 30 days - PAS nurses will track this exemption and initiate Level II PASRR evaluation prior to expiration if continued NF stay is warranted.
·Terminal Illness – a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
·Medical dependency with a severe physical illness.
No further evaluation is needed at this time.
·There are indicators of mental illness, mental retardation/related conditions – Needs complete PASRR Assessment (Level II).
4. DMMA will coordinate the Level II screening for all Medicaid and non-Medicaid individuals.
DMMA PAS nurse will gather data for Level II PASRR screening.
Data is reviewed with DMMA Nurse Supervisor for approval to continue with the Level II screening.
5. The individual and/or legal representatives must receive written notice that further evaluation is needed.
The notice must inform them that the individual is being referred for Level II Evaluation to DSAMH due to mental illness indicators or to DDDS due to mental retardation/related condition.
6. An Independent Psychiatric Consultant (IPC) will complete the Level II Evaluation for those with mental illness/indicators.
The IPC will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not there is a serious MI.
DDDS will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not diagnostic criteria of mental retardation or related conditions are met.
The Level II evaluation may be terminated at any time if the evaluator determines that no Mental Illness is present.
7. DDDS will complete the Level II Evaluation for those with mental retardation/indicators
ify whether or not there is a serious MI.
DDDS will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not diagnostic criteria of mental retardation or related conditions are met.
The Level II evaluation may be terminated at any time if the evaluator determines that no Mental Illness is present.
7. DDDS will complete the Level II Evaluation for those with mental retardation/indicators.
DDDS will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not diagnostic criteria of mental retardation or related conditions are met.
The Level II evaluation may be terminated at any time if the evaluator determines that no Mental Retardation [or related conditions] is present.
8. DSAMH or DDDS Determines Need For Specialized Services and /or NF Services.
DSAMH will review IPC’s recommendations and determine need for Specialized Services and/or NF services.
9. DMMA is notified by DSAMH/DDDS of final determination.
10. DMMA will send final determination letter to:
·Individual/applicant;
·Legal Representative;
·Admitting or retaining NF;
·Attending Physician;
·Discharging hospital – if exemption is not applicable.
Final PASRR determinations will be issued by DMMA.
14 DE Reg. 895 (03/01/11)
20103 Financial Eligibility Determination
In accordance with section 1413(b)(1)(A) of the Affordable Care Act, the agency must accept an application from the applicant, an adult who is in the applicant's household, as defined in 42 CFR §435.603(f), or family, as defined in section 36B(d)(1) of the United States Code (U.S.C.), an authorized representative, or if the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly for the applicant, and any documentation required to establish eligibility -
(1) Through commonly available electronic means;
(2) By telephone;
(3) Via mail;
applicant's household, as defined in 42 CFR §435.603(f), or family, as defined in section 36B(d)(1) of the United States Code (U.S.C.), an authorized representative, or if the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly for the applicant, and any documentation required to establish eligibility -
(1) Through commonly available electronic means;
(2) By telephone;
(3) Via mail;
(4) In person
The Application, Affidavit of Citizenship and Responsibility Statement must be signed by the individual or a representative of their choice. For individuals who are minors or incapacitated a signature is required by someone acting responsibly on the applicant's behalf. The date of application is the date the application is received by LTC Medicaid Office.
42 CFR 435.906; 42 CFR 435.907(a) and Social Security Act 1943(b)
9 DE Reg. 997 (12/01/05)
22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18)
20103.1 Agency Responsibilities
20103.1.1 Time Standard
20103.1.2 Timely Documentation
20103.1.3 Time Standard Extension
20103.1.1 Time Standard
The Federal regulation at 42 CFR 435.911 requires that Medicaid determine eligibility within 90 days for applicants who apply for Medicaid on the basis of disability. This time standard covers the period from the date of application to the date Medicaid mails notice of its decision to the applicant.
20103.1.2 Timely Documentation
The DMMA Medicaid worker must explain this 90-day time standard to the applicant or representative. It must be emphasized to the applicant or their representative, that all documentation needed for the worker to determine Medicaid eligibility must be received by the date indicated on the "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415) or the application will be denied. In cases where verification is incomplete, the worker will give the applicant 15 days to return the information on the initial "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415). The date by which all documentation must be received must be clearly noted on this form.
22 DE Reg
ty must be received by the date indicated on the "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415) or the application will be denied. In cases where verification is incomplete, the worker will give the applicant 15 days to return the information on the initial "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415). The date by which all documentation must be received must be clearly noted on this form.
22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18)
20103.1.3 Time Standard Extension
The Medicaid worker will automatically give all applicants an extension of 15 days, if needed, using a second "We Need" letter (Form 415) to note the required documentation and the deadline date. At the request of the applicant, a second extension of 15 days may be granted using a third Form 415. With supervisory approval, a further extension may be granted in cases with unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances include, but are not limited to, awaiting placement in a Medicaid nursing facility bed or difficulty obtaining an out-of-state deed. Medicaid is held to the 90 day timeliness standard except in unusual circumstances. If the information is not received by the given deadline date, the application will be denied.
20103.2 Applicant's Responsibilities
It is the applicant or representative's responsibility to obtain the documentation needed to determine the applicant’s eligibility for Medicaid. The applicant should provide the required documentation by the deadline date. The applicant will be given an extension of 15 days via a second Form 415. An additional 15 day extension will be granted upon the applicant/representative’s verbal or written request. A further extension is not granted except in cases of unusual circumstances.
20110 Managed Care Enrollment Requirements
Individuals who are found eligible must enroll with a managed care organization. The Health Benefits Manager (enrollment broker) will be responsible for the enrollment process.
15 DE Reg
day extension will be granted upon the applicant/representative’s verbal or written request. A further extension is not granted except in cases of unusual circumstances.
20110 Managed Care Enrollment Requirements
Individuals who are found eligible must enroll with a managed care organization. The Health Benefits Manager (enrollment broker) will be responsible for the enrollment process.
15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12)
20200 Income
20200.1 Available Income
Available income Is the total amount of money authorized (designated by the payor) for the recipient's benefit, whether received by the recipient directly or received by a representative payee. Income includes anything received by the individual, in cash or in kind, that can be used to meet needs for food, clothing or shelter.
20200.2 Excluded Income
Excluded income is money which is income by definition but does not count in determining eligibility. Some income is excluded when determining eligibility, but may be included when calculating patient pay amount. The following items are excluded income:
(a) Victims compensation payments from a State established fund.
(b) German reparations payments. These payments are not counted in the eligibility nor post eligibility process.
(c) Effective 9/1/91 Austrian social insurance payments specifically based on wage credits granted under Paragraphs 500-506 of the Austrian General Social Insurance Act.
(d) Japanese-American, Japanese-Canadian and Aleutian restitution payments.
(e) Agent orange settlement payments.
(f) Impairment-related work expenses.
(g) Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund payments.
(h) Cash or other assistance received under a Federal statute because the President has declared a major disaster.
(i) Payments made under the Netherlands' Act on Benefits for Victims of Persecution 1940-1945 (acronym WUV).
Canadian and Aleutian restitution payments.
(e) Agent orange settlement payments.
(f) Impairment-related work expenses.
(g) Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund payments.
(h) Cash or other assistance received under a Federal statute because the President has declared a major disaster.
(i) Payments made under the Netherlands' Act on Benefits for Victims of Persecution 1940-1945 (acronym WUV).
(j) Income of Native Americans derived from tribal trust lands; and effective 1/1/94, up to $2,000 per year in payments derived from individual interests in Indian trust or restricted land.
9 DE Reg. 239 (8/1/05)
20200.3 What is Not Income
Some items that an individual receives are not income because they do not meet the definition of income. An item received is not income if it is neither food, clothing, or shelter nor can be used to obtain food, clothing, or shelter. The following items are not income:
(a) Certain assistance under medical or social service programs
(b) Personal services
(c) Room and board received during a medical confinement
(d) Conversion or sale of a resource
(e) Rebates and refunds of money an individual has already paid
(f) Income tax refunds and Earned Income Tax Credit payments
(g) Payments by credit life or credit disability insurance
(h) Proceeds of a loan
(i) Bills paid by a third party
(j) Return of erroneous payments
(k) Weatherization assistance (insulation, storm doors and windows, etc.)
Replacement of income already received and counted as income in determining eligibility. (If income is lost, stolen, or destroyed and the claimant receives a replacement, e.g., for a stolen Title II check, the replacement is not income.)
20200.4 Gross Income
Income from all sources after business expenses, where applicable, have been deducted and before any disregards, exemptions or deductions such as taxes, health insurance premiums such as Medicare, life insurance premiums, loan payments, garnishments, credit union, alimony, child support (including court ordered), union dues etc. have been applied
he replacement is not income.)
20200.4 Gross Income
Income from all sources after business expenses, where applicable, have been deducted and before any disregards, exemptions or deductions such as taxes, health insurance premiums such as Medicare, life insurance premiums, loan payments, garnishments, credit union, alimony, child support (including court ordered), union dues etc. have been applied.
20200.5 When Income is Counted
Income is counted at the earliest of the following points: when it is received; or, when it is credited to an individual's account; or when it is set aside for his or her use. Income is determined monthly and counted in the month it is received. ( 20 CFR 416.1111 and 416.1123 )
Occasionally, a regular periodic payment is received in a month other than the month of normal receipt. As long as there is no intent to interrupt the regular payment schedule, consider the funds to be income in the normal month of receipt. For example, a check may be advance dated because the regular payment date falls on a weekend or holiday.
20200.6 Unearned Income
Income which is paid because of a legal or moral obligation rather than for work activity performed. It is all income that is not earned income. This includes Social Security, Railroad Retirement, pensions, benefits, interest and other types of payments. Since different exclusions apply to earned income than to unearned income, it is important to recognize the difference between them.
20200.7 Earned Income
Income which is received as a result of work activity. This includes gross wages, salaries, tips and commissions before taxes or other deductions such as pension fund, garnishment, or optional deductions such as insurance premiums or savings bonds or accounts.
20200.8 Infrequent or Irregular Income
We can apply an exclusion to income which is received either infrequently or irregularly provided the total of such income does not exceed: $10 per month of earned income; and/or $20 per month of unearned income
s before taxes or other deductions such as pension fund, garnishment, or optional deductions such as insurance premiums or savings bonds or accounts.
20200.8 Infrequent or Irregular Income
We can apply an exclusion to income which is received either infrequently or irregularly provided the total of such income does not exceed: $10 per month of earned income; and/or $20 per month of unearned income.
Infrequent income is received no more than once in a calendar quarter from a single source. A single source of earned income is an employer, a trade, or a business. A single source of unearned income is an organization, an investment (a single financial account) or an individual. Irregular income is income that an individual could not reasonably expect to receive.
This exclusion can apply to both earned and unearned income in the same month provided the total of each does not exceed the limits. This means it is possible to exclude as much as $30 per month under this provision. This exclusion is separate from the $20 general income exclusion described in Section 20240.1 "Budgeting Income for Eligibility
This exclusion does not apply to any income received on an infrequent or irregular basis if the total of such income exceeds the amounts described above ($10 and $20). We exclude all of the infrequent or irregular income (when it meets the definition of infrequent or irregular income) or none of it (when it exceeds the limits).
20200.9 Relationship of Income to Resources
Generally, anything received in a month, from any source, is income to an individual if it meets the definition of available income - Section 20200.1 Anything the individual owned prior to the month under evaluation, is subject to the resource rules. An item received in the current month is income for the current month only. It becomes a resource the following month.
20210 Types of Income
20210.1 Interest Income
Interest income may be excluded if it meets the definition and limits of infrequent or irregular income
lable income - Section 20200.1 Anything the individual owned prior to the month under evaluation, is subject to the resource rules. An item received in the current month is income for the current month only. It becomes a resource the following month.
20210 Types of Income
20210.1 Interest Income
Interest income may be excluded if it meets the definition and limits of infrequent or irregular income. It is included in patient pay amount calculation.
20210.2 Rental Income
Rental income is paid as compensation for the use of real or personal property. Rental deposits used to pay rental expenses become income at the point of use. Rental income is unearned income unless it is earned income from self employment (a real estate broker, or anyone in the business of renting properties). Therefore, rental payments received by those individuals would be considered earned income.
20210.3 Net Rental income
Gross rental receipts less allowable expenses paid in the same taxable year. The net amount is unearned income. Allowable expenses include but are not limited to:
20210.3.1 Nondeductible Expenses
These include the principal portion of a mortgage payment and capital expenditures. A capital expenditure is an expense for an addition or increase in the value of property which is subject to depreciation. For allowable income expenses (e.g., whether it is an incidental repair or a capital expenditure) refer to IRS Publication 527 or call the IRS.
20210.3.2 Net Rental Computation
Subtract deductible expenses paid in a month from gross rent received in the same month. If deductible expenses exceed gross rent in a month, subtract the excess expenses from the next month's gross rent and continue doing this as necessary until the end of the tax year in which the expenses are paid. Do not carry excess expenses over to other tax years nor use them to offset other income.
The individual's most recent Federal tax return including schedules will help identify past expenses and estimate future rental income
nt in a month, subtract the excess expenses from the next month's gross rent and continue doing this as necessary until the end of the tax year in which the expenses are paid. Do not carry excess expenses over to other tax years nor use them to offset other income.
The individual's most recent Federal tax return including schedules will help identify past expenses and estimate future rental income. Estimate net rental income for the next 12 months deducting only predictable expenses (utilities, interest, payments, taxes, etc).
Divide net rental income equally among joint owners. If the gross rent is split between two joint owners before expenses are paid, deduct expenses paid by the applicant/recipient from their portion of the gross rent.
20210.3.3 Room Rentals
For rooms rented out in an individual's single residence, prorate allowable expenses based on the number of rooms designated for rent compared to the number of rooms in the house. Do not count bathrooms as rooms in the house. Count basements and attics in the number of rooms only if they have been converted to living spaces (i.e., recreation rooms). For example, a Waiver client rents out a room in his house to his cousin. The house has 6 rooms excluding the bathroom. The allowable expenses (mortgage interest, utilities, etc.) are for the whole house. Only 1/6 of the allowable expenses is deducted from the gross rent.
20210.4 Royalties
Royalties are payments to the holder of a copyright or patent. Royalties earned by an individual in connection with any publication of his or her work (for example, a manuscript, magazine article, artwork, etc.) are earned income.
Royalties may also be paid to the owner of a mine, oil well, timber tract, or other resource, for extraction of a product, including proceeds from the direct sale of the product. Royalty compensation may be expressed as a percentage of receipts from using the property or as an amount per unit produced. Some documents verifying royalty payments will provide both a gross and a net payment amount
me.
Royalties may also be paid to the owner of a mine, oil well, timber tract, or other resource, for extraction of a product, including proceeds from the direct sale of the product. Royalty compensation may be expressed as a percentage of receipts from using the property or as an amount per unit produced. Some documents verifying royalty payments will provide both a gross and a net payment amount. When the difference between the gross and the net figures is due to income taxes withheld or windfall profit tax deductions, use the gross figure when determining income. When the difference between the gross and net figures represents a production or severance tax (most oil royalties will be reduced by this tax), use the net figure when determining income.
20210.5 Payments in Foreign Currency
The U.S. dollar value of a payment made in foreign currency, less expenses, is income.
20210.6 Black Lung Benefits
Black Lung benefits are paid to miners and their survivors under the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (FMSHA). They are unearned income. Benefits under Part B of the FMSHA are paid by the Social Security Administration and benefits under Part C of the FMSHA are paid by the Department of Labor. In general, Part B benefits are paid on the third of the month while Part C benefits are paid on the fifteenth of the month.
Both Part B and C benefits may be reduced by offsets and liens. Countable income will be the amount paid after application of an offset (such as workers compensation or work deductions) but before the collection of any garnishments or overpayments.
20210.7 Veterans Affairs Payments
The Department of Veteran Affairs has numerous programs which make payments to veterans and their families.
20210.7.1 VA Pensions
Pension payments are unearned income based on a combination of service and a nonservice-connected disability or death
ffset (such as workers compensation or work deductions) but before the collection of any garnishments or overpayments.
20210.7 Veterans Affairs Payments
The Department of Veteran Affairs has numerous programs which make payments to veterans and their families.
20210.7.1 VA Pensions
Pension payments are unearned income based on a combination of service and a nonservice-connected disability or death. All VA pension payments (except those resulting from Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance, paid on the basis of a Medal of Honor or paid under a special act of Congress) are based on need and do not receive the $20 general income exclusion.
The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 (Public Law 101-508) enacted October 1, 1992, limits VA Improved Pensions for a veteran and a surviving spouse (with no children) residing in Medicaid nursing facilities. The VA Improved Pension is limited to $90 a month and is not counted as income in the eligibility or post-eligibility process. There is not interaction between the reduced pension and the personal needs allowance. If the veteran has income from other sources that is considered countable for the purposes of post-eligibility, perform the post-eligibility calculations to determine the amount of the veteran's liability to his or her cost of care.
20210.7.2 VA Compensation Benefits
Compensation payments are unearned income based on service-connected disability or death. Compensation payments made to a veteran, spouse, child or widow(er) are non-needs based and do receive the $20 general income exclusion. Compensation payments to a surviving parent of a veteran are based on need and as such do not receive the $20 general income exclusion.
20210.7.3 VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance
VA pays an allowance to veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses who are in regular need of the aid and attendance of another person or who are housebound. These allowances do not meet the definition of income because they are assistance for medical and social services
such do not receive the $20 general income exclusion.
20210.7.3 VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance
VA pays an allowance to veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses who are in regular need of the aid and attendance of another person or who are housebound. These allowances do not meet the definition of income because they are assistance for medical and social services. The payments are not included in the post eligibility calculation. Aid and Attendance payments may be used for whatever purpose the veteran wishes without penalty. The veteran is free to make this income available to the community spouse.
20210.7.4 VA Clothing Allowance
A clothing allowance is not income and is not included in the post eligibility calculation.
20210.7.5 VA Payment Adjustment for Unusual Medical Expenses
Unreimbursed expenses which exceed 5% of the maximum annual VA payment rate are considered unusual. Effective 7/1/94, payments for unusual medical expenses do not meet the definition of income and are not included in the post eligibility calculation. The veteran is required to use these payments for medical expenses.
20210.8 Child Support
Support payments are considered unearned income to the child. One-third of the support payment is excluded as income in the eligibility determination. The entire support payment is included in the post eligibility calculation.
20210.9 Alimony
Alimony is an allowance made by a court from the funds of one spouse to the other spouse in connection with a suit for separation or divorce. Alimony is unearned income.
20210.10 Prizes
A prize is generally something won in a contest, lottery or game of chance. A prize is unearned income. Do not subtract gambling losses from gambling winnings in determining countable income.
20210.11 Workers' Compensation
The workers' compensation payment less any expenses incurred in getting the payment is unearned income
uit for separation or divorce. Alimony is unearned income.
20210.10 Prizes
A prize is generally something won in a contest, lottery or game of chance. A prize is unearned income. Do not subtract gambling losses from gambling winnings in determining countable income.
20210.11 Workers' Compensation
The workers' compensation payment less any expenses incurred in getting the payment is unearned income. Any portion of an award or payment that the authorizing or paying agency designates for medical expenses or legal or other expenses attributable to obtaining the award is not income. The expenses may be past, current, or future. The payments designated for such expenses may be received in a lump sum or as a continuing payment.
20210.12 Vacation Pay
Vacation pay is considered earned income even if donated to the individual by co-workers.
20210.13 Sick Pay
Sick pay is either wages or unearned income. Sick pay is earned income if received within 6 months after stopping work. To determine the 6-month period after stopping work: begin with the first day of nonwork, include the remainder of the calendar month in which work stops, and include the next 6 full calendar months. For example, if an individual stops work on May 5, the 6-month period begins on May 6 and runs through November 30.
Any sick payments made more than 6 months after work stops are unearned income.
20210.14 Inheritances
An inheritance is cash, a right or a noncash item received as the result of someone's death. An item is not income until it has a value that can be used for food, clothing, or shelter. An inheritance is unearned income in the first month it has value and can be used.
20210.15 Indemnity Benefit Payments
Indemnity Benefit Payments are a fixed amount of money payable to the insured individual when he or she becomes an inpatient of a hospital or a nursing facility. If the benefit payments are made directly to a facility, they are not income since they are not received by the individual
inheritance is unearned income in the first month it has value and can be used.
20210.15 Indemnity Benefit Payments
Indemnity Benefit Payments are a fixed amount of money payable to the insured individual when he or she becomes an inpatient of a hospital or a nursing facility. If the benefit payments are made directly to a facility, they are not income since they are not received by the individual. Amounts paid to a facility for purposes other than medical care are considered income if the money is available to the individual to use for food, clothing or shelter. An insurance payment made directly to an individual is considered income unless it is restricted to the purchase or reimbursement of medical services. Indemnity plans which are restricted to the purchase or reimbursement of medical services are a potential third party liability resource. Insurance payments which are countable income must be included in the posteligibility patient pay calculation. If the policy limits the benefits to medical care, the premium for the indemnity insurance plan may be deducted or "protected" from income in the patient pay calculation.
20210.16 Self Employment
Repealed 07/01/06)
9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05)
10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06)
20240 Budgeting Income for Eligibility
20240.1 Gross Income
Gross income is counted in the month it is actually received. Each applicant will have $20.00 of his available income disregarded in order to determine his/her eligibility. There is only one $20.00 disregard from total combined income for a couple. An exception is that "need" based payments (such as veteran's pensions) does not get a $20.00 disregard.
20240.2 Needs or Non-Needs Based Income
It is important to distinguish between "need" based and "non-need" based income. This becomes a consideration with applicants/recipients of Veterans benefits. Disability compensation is a non-need based benefit paid to veterans injured in the Service. VA pensions are generally need based
payments (such as veteran's pensions) does not get a $20.00 disregard.
20240.2 Needs or Non-Needs Based Income
It is important to distinguish between "need" based and "non-need" based income. This becomes a consideration with applicants/recipients of Veterans benefits. Disability compensation is a non-need based benefit paid to veterans injured in the Service. VA pensions are generally need based. A veteran receives a need based pension on the basis of other income and/or disability. Need based benefits are not age related. They are strictly a means of bringing a veterans income up to the minimum level set by the Veterans Administration if the veteran has a financial and/or medical need.
20240.3 Earned Income
For applicants who have earned income the following disregards apply to the monthly gross earned income:
Note: The $20.00/month exclusion is applied in the manner that is most advantageous to the individual. If the individual has both earned and unearned income, it is most advantageous to apply the exclusion to the unearned income.
20300 Resources
Effective 1/1/89 the SSI resource limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a couple is $3,000. An additional $1500 is allowed as a burial exclusion for burial expenses per individual.
Resources that are in effect on the first moment of the first day of a calendar month are considered as available for the entire month. The only exception to this occurs during the time of application at the beginning of a continuous period of institutionalization. In that period only, applicants will be determined eligible as of the date the resources are within the resource limit.
20300.1 Liquid Resources
Funds or other property that can be converted to cash within 20 working days.
The following items are examples of liquid resources: bank accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs, money market funds, promissory notes and mortgages.
20300.2 Non-Liquid Resources
Assets that require more than 20 working days to convert to cash are considered non-liquid
urces are within the resource limit.
20300.1 Liquid Resources
Funds or other property that can be converted to cash within 20 working days.
The following items are examples of liquid resources: bank accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs, money market funds, promissory notes and mortgages.
20300.2 Non-Liquid Resources
Assets that require more than 20 working days to convert to cash are considered non-liquid.
The following types of resources are non-liquid, including but not limited to: annuities and their streams of income, household goods and personal effects, automobiles, trucks, tractors, and other vehicles, machinery and livestock, buildings and land, non-cash business property.
8 DE Reg. 1312 (3/1/05)
20300.3 Resource Ownership
If the individual has the right, authority or power to liquidate the property or his or her share of property, it is considered a resource. In order to be considered a resource, the individual must have:
-some form of ownership interest in the property;
-a legal right to access the property;
-the legal ability to use the property for his/her own support and maintenance.
20300.3.1 Resource Access
An individual is considered to have free access to, and unrestricted use of property even when he can take those actions only through an agent. An agent is anyone acting in a fiduciary capacity, whether formal or informal, and regardless of the title (representative payee, conservator, guardian, etc.). It is not required that an individual undertake litigation in order to gain access. Acquiring guardianship in order to access a bank account is a petition to the court as opposed to litigation. An account will be considered a countable resource while access to the account is pending guardianship.
20300.3.2 When Income Becomes a Resource
When an individual receives something in cash or in kind during a month, we evaluate it under the income rules in the month of receipt. If the individual retains the item into the month following the month of receipt, it is evaluated under the resource rules
account will be considered a countable resource while access to the account is pending guardianship.
20300.3.2 When Income Becomes a Resource
When an individual receives something in cash or in kind during a month, we evaluate it under the income rules in the month of receipt. If the individual retains the item into the month following the month of receipt, it is evaluated under the resource rules. The same asset is not evaluated under two sets of counting rules for the same month.
If an individual sells, exchanges, or replaces a resource, what he or she receives in return is not income. It is a different form of resource.
20300.3.3 Increase or Decrease of Resource
Any increase or decrease in the value of an individual's resources affects eligibility as of the first moment of the month following the month in which:
the value of an existing resource increases (the value of a share of stock goes up);
an individual acquires an additional resource (inherits property);
an individual replaces an excluded resource with one that is not excluded (sells an excluded car for nonexcluded cash);
the value of an existing resource decreases (the value of a share of stock goes down);
an individual spends a resource (withdraws $150 from a savings account to pay a bill);
an individual replaces a countable resource with one that is not countable (trades a countable piece of real property for an excluded car).
EXCEPTION: Application period is an exception to the above. See Section 20300.
20310 Resource Exclusions
20310.1 Place of Residence/Real Property
An applicant/recipient's principal place of residence and any land that adjoins is excluded if certain conditions are met.
20310.1.1 Intent to Return
The principal place of residence, if located in Delaware, may be excluded if the individual intends to return home after any length of time
exception to the above. See Section 20300.
20310 Resource Exclusions
20310.1 Place of Residence/Real Property
An applicant/recipient's principal place of residence and any land that adjoins is excluded if certain conditions are met.
20310.1.1 Intent to Return
The principal place of residence, if located in Delaware, may be excluded if the individual intends to return home after any length of time.
Temporary Institutionalization - If the attending physician has certified that a recipient is likely to return to his own home within a definite period (not to exceed 2 months) up to $75.00 per month may be protected for maintenance of the home.
15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11)
20310.1.2 Spouse and/or Dependent Relative
If the applicant/recipient's home is used by a spouse and/or dependent relative during the individual's absence it may be excluded.
20310.2 Jointly Owned Real Property
Jointly owned real property may be excluded if the sale would cause undue hardship, due to loss of housing, to a co-owner.
20310.3 Attempts to Sell
Real property may be excluded when an individual has made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to sell throughout a 9-month period of conditional benefits, as long as the individual continues to make reasonable efforts to sell it. (See DSSM 20360)
20310.4 Indian Lands
Any lands that are restricted allotted Indian lands are excluded.
20310.5 Automobiles
20 CFR 416.1218
SI 01130.200
An automobile is any registered or non-registered vehicle that is used for transportation.
One automobile, per household, is excluded if:
·Used for transportation of the eligible individual or
·Used for transportation of a member of the eligible individual’s household.
If there is more than one vehicle used for transportation, the automobile with the greatest equity value will be excluded.
The equity value of all additional automobiles will be evaluated as a non-liquid resource.
11 DE Reg
e automobile, per household, is excluded if:
·Used for transportation of the eligible individual or
·Used for transportation of a member of the eligible individual’s household.
If there is more than one vehicle used for transportation, the automobile with the greatest equity value will be excluded.
The equity value of all additional automobiles will be evaluated as a non-liquid resource.
11 DE Reg. 1479 (05/01/08)
20310.7 Life Insurance
20310.7.1 Face Value
20310.7.2 Death Benefits
20310.7.1 Face Value
Life insurance is excluded if the total face value of the policies is $1500 or less and the individual has no revocable designated burial funds.
(See Section 20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance for the relationship between life insurance and the burial allowance)
20310.7.2 Death Benefits
The face value of term or death benefit only policies that do not generate a cash surrender value and burial insurance policies are excluded for eligibility. Term, death benefit policies or burial insurance with a face value equal to or greater than $10,000.00 must designate the State of Delaware as the beneficiary in the first position. The State will retain the amount no greater than the Medicaid expenditures. In situations where there are other burial funds available to cover the burial expenses, there will be no $10,000.00 allowance. Naming the State of Delaware as the Beneficiary is a condition of eligibility. Applicants/recipients may request a hardship consideration.
10 DE Reg. 533 (09/01/06)
20310.8 Burial Exclusions
20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds
20310.8.2 Burial Spaces for Relatives
20310.8.3 Burial Space Items
20310.8.4 Burial Site Services
20310.8.5 Prepaid Burial Contract
20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds
Burial funds in the amount of $1500 that are separately identifiable and are clearly designated for burial expenses will be excluded
consideration.
10 DE Reg. 533 (09/01/06)
20310.8 Burial Exclusions
20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds
20310.8.2 Burial Spaces for Relatives
20310.8.3 Burial Space Items
20310.8.4 Burial Site Services
20310.8.5 Prepaid Burial Contract
20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds
Burial funds in the amount of $1500 that are separately identifiable and are clearly designated for burial expenses will be excluded.
20310.8.2 Burial Spaces for Relatives
A burial space or burial space item is excluded if held for the burial of the applicant/recipient, his/her spouse, or any other member of his/her immediate family. Immediate family includes parents, adoptive parents, minor or adult children (including adoptive and stepchildren) siblings (including adoptive and step) and the spouses of these relatives. If the relative's relationship to the recipient is by marriage only, the marriage must be in effect in order for the burial space exclusion to continue to apply. For example, a burial space held for a sister-in-law is no longer excludable if she and the recipient's brother divorce.
20310.8.3 Burial Space Items
A burial plot, gravesite, crypt, mausoleum, urn, niche, or other repository customarily and traditionally used for the deceased's bodily remains, vaults, headstones, markers, or plaques if pre-paid are excluded.
20310.8.4 Burial Site Services
The opening and closing of the gravesite and the care and maintenance of the gravesite if prepaid are excluded.
20310.8.5 Prepaid Burial Contract
A prepaid burial contract (sometimes funded by a life insurance policy) that cannot be revoked and cannot be sold without significant hardship is excluded.
20310.9 Retroactive Social Security Administration Lump Sum Payments
The unspent portion of retroactive SSI and Title II Retirement, Survivors, and Disability insurance (RSDI) benefits is excluded from resources for the nine calendar months following the month of receipt
sometimes funded by a life insurance policy) that cannot be revoked and cannot be sold without significant hardship is excluded.
20310.9 Retroactive Social Security Administration Lump Sum Payments
The unspent portion of retroactive SSI and Title II Retirement, Survivors, and Disability insurance (RSDI) benefits is excluded from resources for the nine calendar months following the month of receipt. (See Social Security Administration’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS) SI 01130.600 for exclusion of retroactive RSDI benefits.)
14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11)
20310.10 Reparations
German Reparation payments must not be considered available in the eligibility or post eligibility treatment of income and resources. They can no longer be applied toward the personal needs allowance, community spouse income allowance, family member allowance nor cost of care. If German reparations payments are retained beyond the month of receipt, they must be considered exempt resources whether received while the person was in the community or after becoming institutionalized. These funds should be kept separate from other income and resources. Interest earned on these resources must be considered available income.
9 DE Reg. 239 (8/1/05)
20310.11 Disaster Assistance Funds
Any unspent Federal disaster assistance funds are excluded for 9 to 18 months.
20310.12 Agent Orange Payments
Any unspent Agent Orange settlement payments are excluded.
20310.13 Victims Compensation Payments
Victims compensation payments from a State established fund are excluded from resources for a period of 9 months after the month of receipt.
20310.14 Radiation Exposure Compensation
Any unspent Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund Payments are excluded.
20310.15 Unspent Cash for Medical or Social Services
The unspent cash paid to an individual to help the individual pay for a medical or social service is not a resource for 1 full calendar month following the month of receipt
es for a period of 9 months after the month of receipt.
20310.14 Radiation Exposure Compensation
Any unspent Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund Payments are excluded.
20310.15 Unspent Cash for Medical or Social Services
The unspent cash paid to an individual to help the individual pay for a medical or social service is not a resource for 1 full calendar month following the month of receipt.
20310.16 Netherlands' Act for Victims of Persecution
Any unspent payments from the Netherlands' Act on Benefits for Victims of Persecution 1940-1945 (WUV) are excluded.
20310.17 Earned Income Tax Credit
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) payments are excluded from resources in the month following the month of receipt.
20310.18 Tax Refunds and Advance Payments
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (P. L. 111-312), which was signed into law on December 17, 2010, includes a provision that requires all programs funded in whole or in part with Federal funds, to disregard Federal tax refunds for a period of twelve months from the month of receipt.
Tax refunds and advance payments with respect to a refundable tax credit received after December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2012 are excluded from resources for the twelve calendar months following the month of receipt.
Any portion of the refund or payment that is still retained after that twelve- month period will be a countable resource.
Any retained portion of a tax refund and/or advance payment that was received on or after January 1, 2013 will be a countable resource the month following receipt.
14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11)
16 DE Reg. 1077 (04/01/13)
20320 Ownership of Real Property by Institutionalized Individuals
Real property is land, including houses or immovable objects attached permanently to the land. The terms real estate, realty, and real property are used synonymously with one another and designate real property in which an individual has ownership rights and interests
ng receipt.
14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11)
16 DE Reg. 1077 (04/01/13)
20320 Ownership of Real Property by Institutionalized Individuals
Real property is land, including houses or immovable objects attached permanently to the land. The terms real estate, realty, and real property are used synonymously with one another and designate real property in which an individual has ownership rights and interests. When an applicant/recipient of Medicaid institutional services is the owner of real property, the following procedure and eligibility rules apply.
20320.1 Types of Ownership
20320.1.1 Fee Simple
20320.1.2 Tenancy in Common
20320.1.3 Tenancy in the Entirety
20320.1.4 Joint Tenancy
20320.1.5 Life Estate
12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09)
20320.1.1 Fee Simple
In fee simple ownership, the owner is completely free of conditions imposed by others.
20320.1.2 Tenancy in Common
In tenancy in common ownership, each owner has a part interest in the property and each portion can be sold separately.
20320.1.3 Tenancy in the Entirety
Tenancy by the entirety only applies to married couples. If a husband and wife are sole owners of a property and the deed does not specify type of ownership, there is a precedent in Delaware law that allows the presumption that ownership is "tenancy by the entirety". These terms refer to property owned by a husband and wife where each member has ownership interest in the whole property which is indivisible. Ownership by the entirety can only be dissolved by death or divorce.
20320.1.4 Joint Tenancy
In the case of joint tenancy each owner has an equal interest in the whole property and each equal part can be sold with the agreement of the co-owners.
20320.1.5 Life Estate
In the case of lifetime rights the individual may live in or use the property during their lifetime, but has no ownership rights. The individual merely has the right to live in the property.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
12 DE Reg
the case of joint tenancy each owner has an equal interest in the whole property and each equal part can be sold with the agreement of the co-owners.
20320.1.5 Life Estate
In the case of lifetime rights the individual may live in or use the property during their lifetime, but has no ownership rights. The individual merely has the right to live in the property.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09)
20320.2 Eligibility Factors of Types of Ownership
20320.2.1 Joint Owners
20320.2.2 Life Estate
12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09)
20320.2.1 Joint Owners
20320.2.1.1 Tenancy by the Entirety
20320.2.1.2 Joint Tenancy
20320.2.1.3 Principal Place of Residence
20320.2.1.1 Tenancy by the Entirety
If ownership is a tenancy by the entirety and both spouses are still living the property will not be considered a resource. If the ownership is in fee simple or tenancy by the entirety with one spouse deceased, the entire equity value of the property is considered a resource according to sections 20320.3, 20320.4, and 20320.5.
20320.2.1.2 Joint Tenancy
In the case of joint tenancy where the co-owners do not agree to sell, the property will not be considered a resource. A statement from the co-owner(s) indicating refusal to sell must be placed in the case record. The refusal to sell creates a legal bar so the property is excluded as a resource. DSS/Medicaid does not require the individual to sue the co-owner to accomplish sale or access.
If ownership is joint tenancy (where the co-owners agree to sell) or tenancy in common, the applicant/recipient’s share in the equity must be treated as a resource according to sections 20320.3, 20320.4, and 20320.5.
20320.2.1.3 Principal Place of Residence
If the property is the principal place of residence for the joint owner(s) and it would cause undue hardship (loss of housing) to sell the jointly owned property it can be disregarded.
20320.2.2 Life Estates
Life Estate is an ownership interest in real property. The right of ownership exists for the lifetime of an individual(s)
0320.3, 20320.4, and 20320.5.
20320.2.1.3 Principal Place of Residence
If the property is the principal place of residence for the joint owner(s) and it would cause undue hardship (loss of housing) to sell the jointly owned property it can be disregarded.
20320.2.2 Life Estates
Life Estate is an ownership interest in real property. The right of ownership exists for the lifetime of an individual(s). Upon the death of the individual(s) the ownership passes to the "remainderman." A life estate may be sold or otherwise transferred. As per the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), effective 4/1/06, a life estate in a home property may be an excluded resource provided the purchaser resides in the home for a period of at least 1 year after the date of purchase and continues to live in the property.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.1 Non-Home Property
A life estate in nonhome property must be counted as a resource. See section 20320.3 - Principal Place of Residence Section.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.2 Transfer of Assets
In a life estate transaction, a transfer of assets is involved when the applicant or spouse, as owner of the property, transfers ownership of that property to another individual while retaining lifetime rights. This transfer is for less than fair market value whenever the value of the transferred asset (i.e. ownership of the property) is greater than the value of the life estate. See Section 20350 - Transfer of Assets to determine whether a penalty is assessed because of a life estate transaction. In addition, effective 4/1/06, a transfer of assets has occurred when an individual purchases a life estate in another individual’s home when the purchaser has not lived there for at least 1 year.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.3 Calculations of Life Estate Value
To calculate the value of the life estate, use the life estate table
r a penalty is assessed because of a life estate transaction. In addition, effective 4/1/06, a transfer of assets has occurred when an individual purchases a life estate in another individual’s home when the purchaser has not lived there for at least 1 year.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.3 Calculations of Life Estate Value
To calculate the value of the life estate, use the life estate table. Determine the value of the life estate by multiplying the current market value of the property by the life estate decimal that corresponds to the life estate owner's age.
See Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table 20350
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.4 Life Estate with Powers
Under a life estate with powers, the owner of the property creates a life estate for himself or herself, retaining the power to sell the property, with a remainder interest to someone else such as a child. Since the life estate holder retains the power to sell the property, its value as a resource is the property's full equity value (unless it is an otherwise excludable resource).
20320.2.2.5 Remainder Interest
When the owner of property gives it to one party in the form of a life estate, and designates a second party to inherit it upon the death of the life estate holder, the second party has a remainder interest in the property. Determine the value of a remainder interest by multiplying the current market value of the property by the remainder interest decimal that corresponds to the individual's age.
See Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table 20350
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.6 Rebuttal
The applicant may be given an opportunity to rebut the value placed on the life estate. The rebuttal must include an estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determination or that the property has no marketable value
.
See Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table 20350
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
20320.2.2.6 Rebuttal
The applicant may be given an opportunity to rebut the value placed on the life estate. The rebuttal must include an estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determination or that the property has no marketable value.
20320.3 Principal Place of Residence
An individual's home is property in which he or she has an ownership interest and that serves as his or her principal place of residence. An individual's principal place of residence is the dwelling the individual considers his or her established or principal home and to which, if absent, he or she intends to return. A dwelling cannot be considered as an individual's principal place of residence until the individual has actually lived in it and used it as such. The principal place of residence includes the plot of land on which the home is located and any land that adjoins it. The land adjoins the home if it is not completely separated by land in which the individual has no ownership interest. Easements and public rights of way (utility lines, roads, etc.) do not separate the other land from the home. The home includes all related buildings on the adjoining land.
20320.4 Principal Place of Residence Exclusions
20320.4.1 Intent to Return
20320.4.1.1 Sale of House or Mental Condition Change
20320.4.1.2 Purchase of House After Nursing Facility Admission
20320.4.1.3 Use of Residence by Relative
20320.4.1 Intent to Return
The applicant must be able to express the desire to return to their principal place of residence located in Delaware. The record must include a written statement of intent to return to the home. The case record must indicate if the applicant gives intent verbally to DMMA social worker.
If someone other than applicant writes the statement, there must be an indication that this is in fact the intent of the applicant (i.e. signature or mark of applicant)
urn to their principal place of residence located in Delaware. The record must include a written statement of intent to return to the home. The case record must indicate if the applicant gives intent verbally to DMMA social worker.
If someone other than applicant writes the statement, there must be an indication that this is in fact the intent of the applicant (i.e. signature or mark of applicant). If an institutionalized applicant/recipient is mentally capable of indicating that he intends to return to his principal place of residence in Delaware (even if medical evidence indicates that he will never recover sufficiently to return home), then the home may be excluded as a resource. In no case can the family declare this intent for the applicant/recipient.
15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11)
20320.4.1.1 Sale of House or Mental Condition Change
Statements of intent to remain valid until the home is sold. If the home is sold, the proceeds then become a countable resource. If the applicant becomes incompetent after a valid statement of intent is signed, it does not invalidate the statement. The home remains excluded as long as the applicant owns it regardless of changes in mental conditions.
20320.4.1.2 Purchase of House After Nursing Facility Admission
For an individual with no spouse or other dependents, the value of a home purchased after admission to a medical institution cannot be excluded with an intent to return home statement. This is because the individual has not actually lived in the home.
20320.4.1.3 Use of Residence by Relative
The applicant/recipient's home is used by a spouse and/or dependent relative during the absence. Relatives are: child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, cousin or an in-law of any of these
the individual has not actually lived in the home.
20320.4.1.3 Use of Residence by Relative
The applicant/recipient's home is used by a spouse and/or dependent relative during the absence. Relatives are: child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, cousin or an in-law of any of these.
The record must show contact with the spouse or dependent relative indicating that she/he continues to reside in the house, the relationships between the individuals, and the basis of dependency (financial, medical, etc.). In addition, the applicant/recipient's statement of what he considers his principal place of residence to be should be obtained and placed in the case record.
20320.5 Property Essential to Self-Support
The Social Security Act provides for the exclusion from resources property that is essential to an individual's means of self-support. Property excluded under this provision generally falls into 3 categories.
20320.5.1 Property Excluded Regardless of Value or Rate or Return
The following conditions need to be met to exclude the essential to self-support property regardless of value of rate or return.
a. the property (including liquid resources used in the operation) is used in a trade or business
b. the property requires a government permit to engage in an income producing activity (i.e. commercial fishing permit granted by the State Commerce Commission)
c. the personal property is used by an individual to perform his/her work such as tools, uniforms, etc.
d. the property is required by an employer for work
20320.5.2 Property Excluded Up To $6,000 Equity, Regardless Of Rate Of Return
Property can be excluded up to $6,000 equity regardless of rate of return if it is a nonbusiness property used to produce goods or services essential to daily activities. For example, land used to produce vegetables or livestock solely for consumption by the individual's household
erty is required by an employer for work
20320.5.2 Property Excluded Up To $6,000 Equity, Regardless Of Rate Of Return
Property can be excluded up to $6,000 equity regardless of rate of return if it is a nonbusiness property used to produce goods or services essential to daily activities. For example, land used to produce vegetables or livestock solely for consumption by the individual's household.
20320.5.3 Property Excluded Up To $6000 Equity If It Produces a 6% Rate of Return
The property essential to self-support may be excluded up to $6,000 if it produces a 6% rate of return and meets the following two conditions.
a. The property is used in a trade or business in the period before 5/1/90
b. The property is nonbusiness income-producing property, for example rental property. Up to $6,000 of the equity value can be excluded from resources if the property produces a net annual return equal to at least 6% of the excluded equity. Any portion of the property's equity value in excess of $6,000 is not excluded. If the property produces less than a 6% return, the exclusion can apply only if the lower return is for reasons beyond the individual's control and there is a reasonable expectation that the property will again produce a 6% return.
20320.5.3.1 Equity Determination
Equity is the current market value less legal debts such as mortgages, liens, etc. Document the file with a copy of the appraisal of the fair market value. Determine rate of return based on income and value figures shown on the individual's Schedule E of Form 1040 for the prior year. If no tax return is available, obtain other appropriate evidence, for example a copy of the lease agreement. In addition obtain the estimated net and gross income from the property for the current tax year.
20320.5.4 Current Use of Property
The property excluded under the above categories (20320.5.1, 20320.5.2, 20320.5.3) must be in current use in the type of activity described
for the prior year. If no tax return is available, obtain other appropriate evidence, for example a copy of the lease agreement. In addition obtain the estimated net and gross income from the property for the current tax year.
20320.5.4 Current Use of Property
The property excluded under the above categories (20320.5.1, 20320.5.2, 20320.5.3) must be in current use in the type of activity described. If not in current use, there must be a reasonable expectation that the required use will resume within 12 months of last use. The 12-month period can be extended for an additional 12 months if nonuse is due to a disabling condition.
20320.6 Non-Home Real Property
Non-home real property consists of land and buildings or immovable objects that are attached permanently to the land and that do not meet the definition of home or principal place of residence.
20320.6.1 Non-Home Real Property Current Market Value (CMV) Documentation
Obtain the current market value (CMV) of the real property. The (CMV) may be determined by an estimate of the property's CMV from a knowledgeable source. The estimate must show:
a. the name of the person providing the estimate;
b. the name, address and telephone number of the business or agency for whom the person providing the estimate works;
c. the basis for the estimate, including a description of the property and its condition and the value of similar property in the same area; and
d. the period for which the estimate applies.
Knowledgeable sources include but are not limited to real estate brokers, mortgage companies, banks, savings and loan associations, or similar lending institutions, or an official of the local property tax jurisdiction.
The value of the property as a resource is its CMV minus the outstanding principal balance on any loan or mortgage unless there is a legal bar to the sale of the property
applies.
Knowledgeable sources include but are not limited to real estate brokers, mortgage companies, banks, savings and loan associations, or similar lending institutions, or an official of the local property tax jurisdiction.
The value of the property as a resource is its CMV minus the outstanding principal balance on any loan or mortgage unless there is a legal bar to the sale of the property. (See Section 20300.3 Resource Ownership )
20320.7 Substantial Home Equity
The policy in this section applies to nursing facility and HCBS recipients who are receiving Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid on or after January 1, 2006. It does not apply to recipients who were receiving LTC Medicaid prior to January 1, 2006, and who maintain continuous Medicaid eligibility as per the Deficit Reduction Act section 6014.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.A Receiving LTC Before 01-01-2006
If a Medicaid recipient started receiving LTC Medicaid before January 1, 2006, do not evaluate home equity at the next redetermination. As long as he remains continuously eligible for Medicaid, do not evaluate home equity. If the recipient is found ineligible for Medicaid, and he subsequently re-applies for LTC Medicaid, home equity must be evaluated when he reapplies.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.B Receiving LTC On/After 01-01-2006
If a Medicaid recipient started receiving LTC Medicaid on or after January 1, 2006, evaluate home equity at the next redetermination.
Verification of the equity value of the home is required. Equity value is determined by using the current market value of the home minus any encumbrance (e.g. mortgage; loan; lien on the home.
Individuals with equity value in home property that exceeds the home equity cap as set by federal regulations are NOT eligible for Medicaid payment of long-term care services unless the home is lawfully occupied by:
• a spouse,
• a dependent child under age 21 years, or
• a blind or disabled child of any age
ent market value of the home minus any encumbrance (e.g. mortgage; loan; lien on the home.
Individuals with equity value in home property that exceeds the home equity cap as set by federal regulations are NOT eligible for Medicaid payment of long-term care services unless the home is lawfully occupied by:
• a spouse,
• a dependent child under age 21 years, or
• a blind or disabled child of any age.
*Note: This is not a change in the general rule that excludes a home of any value for purposes of determining eligibility for Medicaid. It applies only to medical assistance payment for nursing facility services, or other long-term care services referred to in 1917(c)(i)(C)(i).
Individuals with substantial home equity may be eligible for Medicaid payment of other covered services if they meet all the other Medicaid eligibility requirements.
See DSSM 20320.7.E for current home equity cap.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
16 DE Reg. 639 (12/01/12)
20320.7.B.1 Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages do not reduce equity value until payments are being received from the reverse mortgage.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.B.2 Home Equity Credit Lines/Loans
A home equity line of credit or home equity loan does not reduce the equity value until credit line or loan has been used or payments from the credit line or loan have been received. DMMA shall verify that the home equity credit line or loan was not transferred for less than Fair Market Value.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.C Co Owners
When there are co owners to the property, divide the total equity interest by the number of shared owners proportional to their interest in the property. Husband and wife are considered as one owner.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.D Definition of Home
The home is defined as any residential property in which the applicant and/or spouse possess an ownership interest that also serves as the principal place of residence of the applicant and /or, spouse, or dependent child
y the number of shared owners proportional to their interest in the property. Husband and wife are considered as one owner.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.D Definition of Home
The home is defined as any residential property in which the applicant and/or spouse possess an ownership interest that also serves as the principal place of residence of the applicant and /or, spouse, or dependent child. An applicant and spouse may have an ownership interest in several residential properties, but only one shall be considered a home for the purposes of this section. See DSSM 20320.3.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20320.7.E Substantial Home Equity Cap
Beginning in the year 2011, the limit on the substantial home equity will be increased yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
16 DE Reg. 639 (12/01/12)
20320.7.F Hardship
Applicants/recipients may request a hardship waiver. See DSSM 20400.12.1 for definition of hardship.
10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07)
20330 Countable Resources Computation
20330.1 Automobiles
For the purpose of Medicaid, automobile is defined as any registered or unregistered vehicle used for transportation.
One vehicle may be excluded under Section 20310.5.
Only one vehicle may be excluded per married couple/household.
If one vehicle cannot be excluded under Section 20310.5, or there is more than one vehicle, the equity value is a non-liquid resource if it:
Is owned by an eligible individual/spouse; or
Cannot be excluded under another provision (e.g. property essential to self support - DSSM 20320.5; co-owner refuses to sell) or conditional benefits do not apply (DSSM 20360).
The equity value is the price it can reasonably sell for on the open market in Delaware minus any encumbrances.
11 DE Reg
hicle, the equity value is a non-liquid resource if it:
Is owned by an eligible individual/spouse; or
Cannot be excluded under another provision (e.g. property essential to self support - DSSM 20320.5; co-owner refuses to sell) or conditional benefits do not apply (DSSM 20360).
The equity value is the price it can reasonably sell for on the open market in Delaware minus any encumbrances.
11 DE Reg. 1479 (05/01/08)
20330.2 Financial Institutions Accounts
Financial institution accounts which include savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, etc., are an individual's resource if the individual owns the account and can use the funds for his or her support and maintenance. We determine whether an individual owns the account and can access the funds by looking at how the account is titled.
An exception to this policy would be for Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Accounts. These accounts are not included in the countable resources computation. Please review 20330.2.1 for policy applicable to ABLE Savings Accounts.
If an individual is designated as sole owner by the account title, all of the funds are that individual's resource unless legal restrictions preclude the owner from using the funds for his or her support and maintenance. We do not provide an opportunity for the owner of an individually-held account to rebut the presumption of 100% ownership.
If the account is in the name of a Medicaid applicant/recipient and another Medicaid applicant/recipient, assume all account funds belong to each individual in equal shares. If the account is in the name of a Medicaid applicant/recipient and another individual who is not applying for Medicaid or who is not a Medicaid recipient, then assume all of the funds belong to the Medicaid applicant/recipient.
If the applicant or recipient disagrees with the ownership presumption on jointly-held accounts, we give the individual the opportunity to rebut the presumption
al shares. If the account is in the name of a Medicaid applicant/recipient and another individual who is not applying for Medicaid or who is not a Medicaid recipient, then assume all of the funds belong to the Medicaid applicant/recipient.
If the applicant or recipient disagrees with the ownership presumption on jointly-held accounts, we give the individual the opportunity to rebut the presumption. Rebuttal is a procedure which permits an individual to furnish evidence and establish that some or all of the funds in a jointly-held account do not belong to him or her. Obtain the individual's statement on a form containing the penalty clause regarding who owns the funds, why there is a joint account, who has made deposits to and withdrawals from the account, and how withdrawals have been spent. Inform the individual that he or she must submit the following evidence within 30 days:
A corroborating statement from the other account holder(s). If the other account holder is incompetent or a minor, have the individual submit a corroborating statement from anyone aware of the circumstances surrounding establishment of the account; account records showing deposits, withdrawals and interest paid for the months that ownership is an issue; if the individual owns none of the funds, evidence showing that he or she can no longer withdraw funds from the account; if the individual owns only a portion of the funds, evidence showing removal from the account of the individual's funds or removal of the funds owned by the other account holder(s) and redesignation of the account.
Any funds that the evidence establishes were owned by the other account holder(s) are not and were not the individual's resources. The effect of a successful rebuttal is retroactive as well as prospective.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1 Delaware Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Accounts
Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014,
Pub. L. 113-295, 128 Stat
that the evidence establishes were owned by the other account holder(s) are not and were not the individual's resources. The effect of a successful rebuttal is retroactive as well as prospective.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1 Delaware Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Accounts
Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014,
Pub. L. 113-295, 128 Stat. 4010
The Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) of 2014 established a tax-advantaged account that can be used to save funds for the disability-related expenses of the account’s designated beneficiary. The designated beneficiary must be blind or disabled by a condition that began prior to the individual’s twenty-sixth (26 th ) birthday.
Eligible individuals can be the designated beneficiary of only one ABLE account. The Delaware Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program is administered by the Plans Management Board as per 16 Delaware Code Ch. 96A.
Funds in qualifying ABLE accounts, and qualified disability expenses withdrawn from these accounts, are not to be counted towards the determination of eligibility for state or local assistance programs.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.1 Definitions
The following terms, when used in this regulation, have the following meaning unless the context indicates otherwise:
" ABLE Program " means a program established and maintained by a State or consortium of states (or agency or instrumentality thereof) through which interested individuals can open ABLE accounts.
" Contributions " means the deposit of funds into an ABLE account. Any person can contribute to an ABLE account. (Note that "person," as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, includes an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation.) However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits the total annual contributions any ABLE account can receive from all sources to the amount of the per-donee gift-tax exclusion in effect for a given calendar year
an contribute to an ABLE account. (Note that "person," as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, includes an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation.) However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits the total annual contributions any ABLE account can receive from all sources to the amount of the per-donee gift-tax exclusion in effect for a given calendar year.
" Designated beneficiary " means the eligible individual who established and is the owner of the ABLE account.
" Distributions " means the withdrawal or issuance of funds from an ABLE account. The designated beneficiary or the person with signature authority determines when distributions are made. Distributions may be made only to or for the benefit of the designated beneficiary.
" Eligible Individual " means a resident of this State or any state in which an ABLE program is established, who is:
• Entitled to benefits based on disability or blindness under Title II or XVI of the Social Security Act, and such blindness or disability began before the age of twenty-six (26); or
• An individual with respect to whom a disability certification, meeting the requirements of the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014, is filed.
" Person with signature authority " means a person who can establish and control an ABLE account for a designated beneficiary. If the designated beneficiary is not able to exercise signature authority over his or her ABLE account, or chooses to establish an ABLE account but not exercise signature authority, references to the designated beneficiary with respect to his or her actions include actions by the designated beneficiary’s agent under a power of attorney or, if none, a parent or legal guardian of the designated beneficiary.
" Qualified disability expense " or " QDE " means an expense related to the blindness or disability of the designated beneficiary and that are for the benefit of the designated beneficiary
he designated beneficiary with respect to his or her actions include actions by the designated beneficiary’s agent under a power of attorney or, if none, a parent or legal guardian of the designated beneficiary.
" Qualified disability expense " or " QDE " means an expense related to the blindness or disability of the designated beneficiary and that are for the benefit of the designated beneficiary. In general, a QDE includes, but is not limited to, the following types of expenses:
• Education;
• Housing;
• Transportation;
• Employment training and support;
• Assistive technology and related services;
• Health;
• Prevention and wellness;
• Financial management and administrative services;
• Legal fees;
• Expenses for professional ABLE account oversight and monitoring;
• Funeral and burial; and,
• Basic living expenses.
" Qualified disability expense for housing " means expenses for purposes of an ABLE account are the same as they are for in-kind support and maintenance purposes, except that they do not include food. QDEs for housing are payments for:
• Mortgage (including property insurance required by the mortgage holder);
• Real property taxes;
• Rent;
• Heating fuel;
• Gas;
• Electricity;
• Water;
• Sewer; and
• Garbage removal.
" Rollover " means the distribution of all or some of the funds from one ABLE account to the ABLE account of a member of the original, designated beneficiary’s family. For the purposes of a rollover, a member of the designated beneficiary’s family means a sibling, which includes step-siblings and half-siblings, whether by blood or by adoption.
20 DE Reg
ty;
• Water;
• Sewer; and
• Garbage removal.
" Rollover " means the distribution of all or some of the funds from one ABLE account to the ABLE account of a member of the original, designated beneficiary’s family. For the purposes of a rollover, a member of the designated beneficiary’s family means a sibling, which includes step-siblings and half-siblings, whether by blood or by adoption.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.2 ABLE Account Verification
When documenting whether an applicant is the designated beneficiary of an ABLE account, obtain evidence that contains the following information:
20330.2.1.2.1 The name of the designated beneficiary;
20330.2.1.2.2 The State or consortium ABLE program that is administering the account;
20330.2.1.2.3 The name of the person who has signature authority (if different from the designated beneficiary);
20330.2.1.2.4 The unique account number assigned by the State to the ABLE account;
20330.2.1.2.5 The account opened date; and
20330.2.1.2.6 The first-of-the-month account balance or information sufficient to derive a first-of-the-month balance.
If the available evidence does not provide this information, contact the appropriate ABLE program to obtain it.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.3 ABLE Account Contributions
ABLE account funds must be excluded from the countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility. This includes rollovers from a family member’s ABLE account to a recipient’s ABLE account.
Contributions made to an ABLE account by persons other than the designated beneficiary shall not be excluded from the countable income of the person who makes the contribution. The fact that a person uses the person’s own income to contribute to an ABLE account does not mean that income is not countable for Medicaid purposes.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.4 ABLE Account Earnings
The funds in an ABLE account are invested and can accrue interest, earn dividends, and otherwise appreciate in value
uded from the countable income of the person who makes the contribution. The fact that a person uses the person’s own income to contribute to an ABLE account does not mean that income is not countable for Medicaid purposes.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.4 ABLE Account Earnings
The funds in an ABLE account are invested and can accrue interest, earn dividends, and otherwise appreciate in value. Such earnings increase the account’s balance. Exclude any earnings an ABLE account receives from the countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility.
20330.2.1.5 ABLE Account Balance
Exclude the balance of a designated beneficiary’s ABLE account from the beneficiary’s countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.6 ABLE Account Distributions
A distribution from an ABLE account is not considered income but rather a conversion of a resource from one form to another. Distributions are evaluated based on the criteria below, to determine if they are to be excluded from the designated beneficiary’s countable resources.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.6.1 Exclusion of Retained Distributions for Non-Housing Qualified Disability Expenses (QDE)
Distributions for QDEs not related to housing should be excluded as a resource if retained beyond the month received. This exclusion applies for as long as:
20330.2.1.6.1.1 The designated beneficiary maintains, makes contributions to, or receives distributions from the ABLE account.
20330.2.1.6.1.2 The distribution is unspent; and
20330.2.1.6.1.3 The distribution is identifiable.
(NOTE: Excludable funds commingled with non-excludable funds must be identifiable in order to be excluded.)
20 DE Reg
e month received. This exclusion applies for as long as:
20330.2.1.6.1.1 The designated beneficiary maintains, makes contributions to, or receives distributions from the ABLE account.
20330.2.1.6.1.2 The distribution is unspent; and
20330.2.1.6.1.3 The distribution is identifiable.
(NOTE: Excludable funds commingled with non-excludable funds must be identifiable in order to be excluded.)
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.2.1.6.2 Retained Distributions for Housing-Related Qualified Disability Expenses (QDE) or Expenses That Are Not QDEs
Distributions from a designated beneficiary’s ABLE account for housing-related QDEs or for expenses that are not QDEs that are retained into the month following the month of receipt are countable as a resource. If the distribution is spent within the month of receipt it has no effect on eligibility.
20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20330.3 Promissory Notes, Loans and Property Agreements
A loan is an advance from a lender to a borrower that the borrower must repay, with or without interest. DMMA does not count loan proceeds as income to a borrower because of the borrower's obligation to repay. Any portion of the borrowed funds that the borrower does not spend is a countable resource if it is retained into the month following the month of receipt.
If a Medicaid applicant is the owner of a promissory note, loan, or property agreement (mortgage), DMMA will assume that the value of the agreement is its outstanding principal balance.
If the outstanding principal balance plus other countable resources exceeds the resource limit, we will inform the individual that DMMA will use the outstanding principal balance to determine the value of resources unless the individual successfully rebuts the value. See 20330.3.1
property agreement (mortgage), DMMA will assume that the value of the agreement is its outstanding principal balance.
If the outstanding principal balance plus other countable resources exceeds the resource limit, we will inform the individual that DMMA will use the outstanding principal balance to determine the value of resources unless the individual successfully rebuts the value. See 20330.3.1.
DMMA will consider the value of a promissory note, loan, or mortgage as a transfer for less than fair market value unless:
·The repayment term is actuarially sound;
·Payments are made in equal amounts during the term of the loan with no deferral of payments and no balloon payments; and
·The promissory note, loan or mortgage prohibits the cancellation of the balance upon the death of the lender.
In determining the amount of the asset transferred, DMMA looks at the value of the outstanding balance of the note, loan or mortgage at the date of the individual's application for Medicaid coverage of services listed in section 1917(c)(1)(C)of the Act.
Payments received against the principal balance are not income. They are conversion of a resource. The portion of the payment which represents interest is unearned income.
The SSA Life Expectancy Table can be found at
www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4c6.html .
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
11 DE Reg. 314 (09/01/07)
20330.3.1 Rebutting the Value
DMMA will give the applicant an opportunity to rebut the value placed on the promissory note, loan or mortgage. The rebuttal must include a written estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determined value. An applicant may also assert that there is a legal bar to the sale of the instrument by offering documentary or other evidence of a bar or impediment to the sale of the instrument.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
11 DE Reg
age. The rebuttal must include a written estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determined value. An applicant may also assert that there is a legal bar to the sale of the instrument by offering documentary or other evidence of a bar or impediment to the sale of the instrument.
10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07)
11 DE Reg. 314 (09/01/07)
20330.4 Retirement Funds
Retirement funds are annuities or work-related plans for providing income when employment ends, such as pensions, individual retirement accounts (IRA), disability, Keogh plans and some profit sharing plans.
The value of a retirement fund is the amount of money that an individual can currently withdraw. Pension plans that allow withdrawals are known as Defined Contribution Plans. If there is a penalty for early withdrawal, the fund's value is the amount available after the penalty deduction. Any taxes due are not deductible in determining the fund's value. A retirement fund is not a resource if an individual must terminate employment in order to obtain any payment.
If an individual is eligible for periodic retirement benefits, the individual must apply and accept the periodic benefit. If the individual has a choice between periodic benefits and a lump sum, the individual must choose the periodic benefits.
Defined Benefit Plans are retirement funds that are not accessible until the recipient meets eligibility criteria outlined in the retirement plan contract (e.g. actual retirement and reaching a predetermined age). These plans are not considered a countable resource until the individual is eligible to begin receiving benefits as outlined in the retirement plan. Defined Contribution Plans and Defined Benefit Plans are not considered countable resources when owned by an ineligible spouse. An ineligible spouse is a legally married husband or wife who is not eligible for Medicaid benefits.
10 DE Reg
rmined age). These plans are not considered a countable resource until the individual is eligible to begin receiving benefits as outlined in the retirement plan. Defined Contribution Plans and Defined Benefit Plans are not considered countable resources when owned by an ineligible spouse. An ineligible spouse is a legally married husband or wife who is not eligible for Medicaid benefits.
10 DE Reg. 1436 (03/01/07)
20330.5 Stocks
Shares of stock represent ownership in a business corporation. Their value shifts with demand and may fluctuate widely. If the stock has co-owners, assume that each owner owns an equal share of the value of the stock and that the owner can sell them at current value. Broker fees do not reduce the value that stocks have as resources. Obtain a copy of the stock certificate or most recent statement of account from the firm that issued or is holding the stock.
The value of a stock as a resource is its current market value. The current market value of a stock is its closing price on any given day and can usually be found in a regular or financial newspaper. A closing price of 22 3/4 equals $22.75. The values of over-the-counter stocks are shown on a "bid" and "asked" basis. For example, "18, bid, 19 asked." Use the bid price as the current market value. The "par value" or "stated value" shown on some stock certificates is not the market value.
The stock of some corporations is held within close groups and traded very infrequently. The sale of such stock is often handled privately and is subject to restrictions. The evidence for this kind of stock can be a written statement from the firm's accountants giving their best estimate of the stock's value and the basis for the estimate, such as most recent sale, most recent offer from outsiders, current market value of assets less any debts on them, etc.
A stock option is the right to sell or buy stock at a specified price by a specified date. A stock option controls 100 shares of stock, but options are quoted on the price per share
firm's accountants giving their best estimate of the stock's value and the basis for the estimate, such as most recent sale, most recent offer from outsiders, current market value of assets less any debts on them, etc.
A stock option is the right to sell or buy stock at a specified price by a specified date. A stock option controls 100 shares of stock, but options are quoted on the price per share. Options come due and are quoted for each January, April, July and October. A closing price of 1/4 equals $25.00.
20330.6 Mutual Fund Shares
"Mutual Fund" is a term that encompasses a wide range of investments. It is a pool of assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by an investment company. A mutual fund share represents ownership interest in this pool as opposed to a particular stock or bond. The documentation guidelines for stocks also apply to mutual funds. Many newspapers contain a separate table showing the values of funds not traded on an exchange.
20330.7 U.S. Savings Bonds
U.S. Savings Bonds are obligations of the Federal Government. They are not transferable and can only be sold back to the Federal Government. Normally, they cannot be redeemed for six months after the issue date specified on the face of the bond. For Series EE, and I Savings Bonds, the redemption period has been extended to 12 months. They become resources (not income) as of the 7 th or 13th month. A bond may not roll over or renew in order to prolong the minimum retention period. Actual redemption (converting to cash) of one bond is required before purchasing a new bond. However, the U.S. Treasury regulation authorizes the Commission of Public Debt to waive the regulatory provisions pertaining to U.S. Savings bonds including the redemption period in order to "relieve any person or persons of unnecessary hardship". A request for a refund because the person now requires Nursing Home care and so needs the funds used to purchase the bonds may constitute hardship
bond. However, the U.S. Treasury regulation authorizes the Commission of Public Debt to waive the regulatory provisions pertaining to U.S. Savings bonds including the redemption period in order to "relieve any person or persons of unnecessary hardship". A request for a refund because the person now requires Nursing Home care and so needs the funds used to purchase the bonds may constitute hardship. A written request to the Commissioner of Public Debt requesting a waiver to the redemption period is all that is required. The bondholder may simultaneously tender the bond(s) for redemption. If the Treasury receives the bond(s) and grants the waiver, it will issue the individual a check. Since bonds are redeemable due to hardship, the redemption value is treated as an available resource.
The individual in whose name a U.S. Savings Bond is registered owns it. The Social Security Number shown on a bond is not proof of ownership. The co-owners of a bond (bond titled AND/OR) own equal (50%) shares of the redemption value of the bond. The bond may show an owner followed by POD (proof of death) and another name. This is a survivorship type of bond. The name of the first individual owns 100% of the bond. The second individual will own 100% of the bond upon the death of the first individual.
Physical possession of a U.S. Savings Bond is a requirement for redeeming it. This is true for sole or joint ownership. If an individual alleges that he or she cannot submit a bond because a co-owner or other individual will not relinquish physical possession of the bond, obtain a signed statement from the co-owner or the other individual that he or she: has physical possession of the bond; will not allow the applicant to cash the bond; and if co-owner, will not cash the bond and give the applicant his or her share.
The Table of Redemption Values for U.S. Savings Bonds is used to determine the value of a bond. These are available from a local bank. The bank will need the series, denomination, date of purchase or issue date
dividual that he or she: has physical possession of the bond; will not allow the applicant to cash the bond; and if co-owner, will not cash the bond and give the applicant his or her share.
The Table of Redemption Values for U.S. Savings Bonds is used to determine the value of a bond. These are available from a local bank. The bank will need the series, denomination, date of purchase or issue date. The value of a series H or HH bond is its face value.
Treasury Retail Securities Services
P.O. Box 9150
Minneapolis, MN 55480-9150
(844) 284-2676
www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/cashing-a-bond/affected-by-a-disaster
See 20330.7 U.S. Savings Bonds – History
8 DE Reg. 1313 (03/01/05)
10 DE Reg. 1601 (04/01/07)
27 DE Reg. 46 (07/01/23)
20330.8 Municipal, Corporate and Government Bonds
A bond is a written obligation to pay a sum of money at a specified future date.
A municipal bond is the obligation of a State or a locality (county, city, town, village, or special purpose authority such as a school district).
A corporate bond is the obligation of a private corporation. Corporations sell corporate bonds to raise capital. Corporate bonds are issued in two forms: registered, which pay interest to their registered owner; and bearer or coupon bonds, which pay interest to whomever holds the bond. Zero coupon bonds do not pay current interest. The accrued interest is paid at maturity.
A government bond, distinct from a U.S. Savings Bond, is a transferable obligation issued or backed by the Federal Government. They include Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and Federal agency securities, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FREDDIE MAC) and Government National Mortgage Association (GINNIE MAC).
Bonds are negotiable and transferable. Their value as a resource is their current market value. The redemption value, which is available only at maturity, is immaterial. The documentation for these bonds is similar to stocks
bills, notes and bonds, and Federal agency securities, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FREDDIE MAC) and Government National Mortgage Association (GINNIE MAC).
Bonds are negotiable and transferable. Their value as a resource is their current market value. The redemption value, which is available only at maturity, is immaterial. The documentation for these bonds is similar to stocks.
20330.9 Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
Delaware has adopted the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) which permits making gifts to minors that are free of tax burdens. The UGMA is sometimes called the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
Under Delaware UGMA law:
·An individual may make an irrevocable gift of money or other property to a minor. If such a gift is made, then;
·The gift, plus any earnings it generates, is under the control of a custodian until the child reaches the age of majority established by State law;
·The custodian has discretion to provide to the minor or spend for the minor’s support, maintenance, benefit or education as much of the assets as he/she deems equitable; and
·The child automatically receives control of the assets upon reaching the age of majority (his/her 18 th birthday). At this time, the UGMA property becomes a countable asset for the purpose of program eligibility.
UGMA property including any additions or earnings is not income to the minor. However, any disbursements from the UGMA account to the minor will be considered income to the minor.
Verification
DSS will verify all allegations of existence of a UGMA gift by obtaining a copy of the document of ownership (e.g., deed, certificate of deposit, savings account, etc.) or other written document from the issuing source. If there is no document designating a UGMA gift, then the asset will be considered a countable resource.
8 DE Reg
to the minor will be considered income to the minor.
Verification
DSS will verify all allegations of existence of a UGMA gift by obtaining a copy of the document of ownership (e.g., deed, certificate of deposit, savings account, etc.) or other written document from the issuing source. If there is no document designating a UGMA gift, then the asset will be considered a countable resource.
8 DE Reg. 1712 (06/01/05)
20330.10 Annuities
20330.10.A Defining Annuity
For Medicaid purposes, an annuity is a financial device between an individual and a commercial company that conveys a right to receive periodic payments for life or a fixed number of months or years.
20330.10.B Disclosure of Interest in an Annuity
1. Any interest an applicant or community spouse has in a revocable or irrevocable annuity must be disclosed at the time of application.
2. Failure to disclose interest in an annuity may result in denial of payment for long term care services or denial of Medicaid eligibility.
20330.10.C Determining If Annuity is Income and or a Resource
1. The equity value of a revocable annuity is a countable resource.
2. An assignable annuity (the owner or payee may be changed) is a countable resource. The resource value is the amount the assignable annuity can be sold for on the secondary market.
3. An annuity purchased by a third party, e.g. applicant’s employer, as a retirement benefit to the applicant will not be counted as an available resource. (DSSM 20330.4)
4. The stream of income generated by an annuity, whether a countable resource or not, is countable income.
20330.10.D State’s Rights as a Preferred Remainder Beneficiary
1. The DMMA will notify, in writing, the issuer of an annuity owned by an applicant that the State is the preferred remainder beneficiary.
This notice will require the issuer to notify the State of any changes in the amount of income, principal or beneficiary to the annuity
ity, whether a countable resource or not, is countable income.
20330.10.D State’s Rights as a Preferred Remainder Beneficiary
1. The DMMA will notify, in writing, the issuer of an annuity owned by an applicant that the State is the preferred remainder beneficiary.
This notice will require the issuer to notify the State of any changes in the amount of income, principal or beneficiary to the annuity.
This notice will require the issuer to notify the State of any changes in the amount of income, principal or beneficiary to the annuity.
2. Certain transactions that occur on or after February 8, 2006 will subject an annuity purchased prior to this date to the DRA provisions. (DSSM 20330.10.E, DSSM 20330.10.F)
These transactions include such things as an addition to the principal, elective withdrawal, requests to change beneficiary, or elections to annuitize the contract.
20330.10.E State Named Remainder Beneficiary in All Annuities Purchased on or after February 8, 2006
1. The State of Delaware must be named as a beneficiary in the correct position.
The State must be named beneficiary in the first position for the total amount of medical assistance paid on behalf or the institutionalized spouse, unless there is a community spouse, minor child, or disabled child who resides in the applicant’s home.
In such a case, the State must be named in a secondary or remainder position.
2. If the State is not named as a remainder beneficiary the purchase of the annuity will be considered a transfer for less than fair market value.
3. The full purchase value of the annuity will be considered the amount transferred.
20330.10.F Purchase of an Annuity is Considered a Transfer of Assets
1. The transfer of assets provisions should be applied to all annuities purchased on or after February 8, 2006 unless:
A. The annuity is considered either:
An individual retirement annuity (according to Sec. 408 (b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); or
A deemed Individual Retirement Account under a qualified employer plan (according to Sec
hase of an Annuity is Considered a Transfer of Assets
1. The transfer of assets provisions should be applied to all annuities purchased on or after February 8, 2006 unless:
A. The annuity is considered either:
An individual retirement annuity (according to Sec. 408 (b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); or
A deemed Individual Retirement Account under a qualified employer plan (according to Sec. 408 (q) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
OR
B. The annuity is purchased with proceeds from one of the following:
A traditional IRA (IRC Sec. 408a); or
Certain accounts or trusts which are treated as traditional IRAs (IRC Sec. 408 §(c)); or
A simplified retirement account (IRC Sec. 408 §(p)); or
A simplified employee pension (IRC Sec. 408 §(k)); or
A Roth IRA (IRC Sec. 408A).
OR
C. The annuity meets all of the following requirements:
The annuity is irrevocable and non-assignable; and
The annuity is actuarially sound; and
The annuity provides payments in approximately equal amounts, with no deferred or balloon payments.
11 DE Reg. 676 (11/01/07)
20340 Life Insurance and Burial Resource Computation
20340.1 Life Insurance
20340.1.1 Life Insurance Terminology
20340.1.2 Life Insurance as a Resource
20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance
20340.1.1 Life Insurance Terminology
Insured is the individual whose life is covered by the policy.
Beneficiary is the individual who receives the proceeds upon the insured's death.
Owner is the individual who is designated as the owner on the policy or by the insurance company.
Face Value (FV) is the amount of basic death benefit contracted for at the time the policy is purchased.
Cash Surrender Value (CSV) is a form of equity value that is acquired over time. The owner of a policy can obtain its CSV only by turning the policy in for cancellation before it matures or the insured dies. A loan against a policy reduces its CSV.
Dividends are shares of company earnings paid to the policy owner. The dividends are not income but the interest on dividends is income
y is purchased.
Cash Surrender Value (CSV) is a form of equity value that is acquired over time. The owner of a policy can obtain its CSV only by turning the policy in for cancellation before it matures or the insured dies. A loan against a policy reduces its CSV.
Dividends are shares of company earnings paid to the policy owner. The dividends are not income but the interest on dividends is income.
Dividend Additions are amounts of insurance purchased with dividends and added to the policy, increasing its death benefit and CSV. The table of CSV's that comes with a policy does not reflect the added CSV of any dividend additions.
Dividend Accumulations are dividends that the policy owner has constructively received but left in the hands of the insurance company to accumulate at interest, like money in a bank account. They are not a value of the policy; the owner can obtain them at any time without affecting the policy's FV or CSV.
Dividend accumulations cannot be excluded from resources under the life insurance exclusion, even if the policy that pays the accumulations is excluded from resources. Dividend accumulations are a separate resource (they are not considered as an increase in CSV) and must be designated as burial funds separate from the life insurance policy itself. Unless they can be designated and excluded as burial funds, they are a countable resource.
20340.1.2 Life Insurance as a Resource
Life insurance is only considered a resource if the applicant is the owner of policy. A life insurance policy is an excluded resource if its FV and the FV of any other life insurance policies the individual owns total $1500 or less.
The policy/policies original face value(s) is considered when determining if the cash surrender value of a policy is countable. Do not include the FV of dividend additions. If the original face value of the policy/policies exceeds $1500, the cash surrender value, including the CSV of dividend additions, is counted toward the applicant's total resources
cies the individual owns total $1500 or less.
The policy/policies original face value(s) is considered when determining if the cash surrender value of a policy is countable. Do not include the FV of dividend additions. If the original face value of the policy/policies exceeds $1500, the cash surrender value, including the CSV of dividend additions, is counted toward the applicant's total resources. Applicants have the option to designate life insurance for burial or to retain it as a liquid resource. The individual can also designate any dividend accumulations on the life insurance policy.
Some life insurance companies offer to pay the owner of a life insurance policy money that would normally go to the beneficiary of the policy after the death of the insured. These payments are referred to as "accelerated life insurance payments". Some payments are made as a lump sum, others are paid out monthly. The plans vary from company to company but they all involve early payout of some or most of the proceeds of the policy to the insured.
Since these accelerated life insurance payments can be used to meet food, clothing, or shelter needs, the payments are income in the month received and a resource if retained into the following month. The receipt of an accelerated payment is not treated as a conversion of a resource. This is because the individual receives proceeds from the policy and not the policy's resource value-which is its cash surrender value. Accelerated payments are not "benefits" for purposes of the requirement to file for other benefits. We do not require a policyholder to apply for accelerated payments as a condition of eligibility.
20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance
The $1500 burial funds allowance is reduced by the FV of any life insurance policy or policies excluded under the life insurance exclusion. A total of $1500 FV life insurance is excluded as a resource but must be considered if the individual wants to designate other revocable burial funds
holder to apply for accelerated payments as a condition of eligibility.
20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance
The $1500 burial funds allowance is reduced by the FV of any life insurance policy or policies excluded under the life insurance exclusion. A total of $1500 FV life insurance is excluded as a resource but must be considered if the individual wants to designate other revocable burial funds. If the individual has burial funds in an irrevocable arrangement, then the maximum $1500 burial allowance is reduced by the face value of any life insurance that has been excluded as a resource AND any amount held in an irrevocable arrangement.
SEE:
Section 20340.2 - Burial Allowance
Section 20340.4 - Life Insurance Funded Burial Contracts
Section 20340.5 - Irrevocable Funeral Arrangements
If a Medicaid applicant is the beneficiary of another's life insurance, upon death of the insured, the proceeds that are not used to pay for last medical or burial expenses of the deceased would be considered as income for the applicant in the month of receipt. If an expense has been incurred but not yet paid, assume the individual will pay the expense and do not count the death benefit as a resource until the second calendar month following the month of receipt.
20340.2 Burial Allowance
We can exclude up to $1500 each in funds set aside for the burial expenses of the individual and the individual's spouse. This exclusion is separate from and in addition to the burial space exclusion.
The $1500 burial allowance may consist of revocable burial contracts, burial trusts, other burial arrangements, cash, accounts, or other financial instruments (documents which have a definite cash value).
20340.2.1 Burial Allowance Reductions
The $1500 burial allowance is reduced by:
a. the face value of any life insurance policy that has been excluded as a resource and
b. amounts held in an irrevocable arrangement for the individual's (or spouse's) burial
ontracts, burial trusts, other burial arrangements, cash, accounts, or other financial instruments (documents which have a definite cash value).
20340.2.1 Burial Allowance Reductions
The $1500 burial allowance is reduced by:
a. the face value of any life insurance policy that has been excluded as a resource and
b. amounts held in an irrevocable arrangement for the individual's (or spouse's) burial.
20340.2.2 Burial Allowance Combinations
An individual can have BOTH an irrevocable burial trust or a funeral funded by an irrevocable assignment of ownership AND separate life insurance with a face value of $1500 or less. If the funeral arrangement is revocable or the individual has designated burial funds, the life insurance of $1500 or less must also be counted toward the $1500 burial allowance. If the face value of life insurance exceeds $1500, the CSV is a countable resource.
20340.2.3 Burial Funds Kept Separate
The $1500 burial exclusion applies only to funds set aside for burial expenses that are kept separate from all other resources not intended for burial of the individual (or spouse) and that are clearly designated as set aside for the individual's (or spouse's) burial expenses. If excluded burial funds are mixed with resources not intended for burial, the exclusions will not apply to any portion of the funds.
Remember that a burial fund, such as a certificate of deposit, can include both designated, excludable burial funds (up to $1500) and non-excluded burial funds. For example, an applicant has a $2500 CD which is designated for burial. All of the CD's value is burial-related; however, the maximum burial allowance is $1500. This means that $1500 are excludable burial funds and $1000 are non-excluded burial funds. The $1000 is countable toward the liquid resource limit
clude both designated, excludable burial funds (up to $1500) and non-excluded burial funds. For example, an applicant has a $2500 CD which is designated for burial. All of the CD's value is burial-related; however, the maximum burial allowance is $1500. This means that $1500 are excludable burial funds and $1000 are non-excluded burial funds. The $1000 is countable toward the liquid resource limit.
Current recipients who have been eligible since 7/11/90 who have had burial funds excluded which do not meet all the new requirements must convert or separate such funds to meet these requirements unless there is an impediment to such conversion or separation; i.e., a circumstance beyond the individual's control which makes the conversion/separation impossible or impracticable. For as long as such impediment exists, the burial funds will continue to be excluded if the individual remains otherwise eligible for the exclusion.
20340.2.4 Declarative Designation Statement
A declarative designation statement must be signed by the applicant/representative in order for funds to be excluded. In cases where funds are not designated for burial, the funds may be excluded as of the first day of the month in which the applicant/representative signs the Burial Designation Statement. Within 30 days from the date the statement is signed, documentary evidence must be submitted that funds have been set aside. A copy of the documentary evidence must be made a permanent part of the case record.
If an individual has a burial fund that was established prior to application, the value of the burial fund as of the date of application rather than the original amount will be countable toward the resource limit
e date the statement is signed, documentary evidence must be submitted that funds have been set aside. A copy of the documentary evidence must be made a permanent part of the case record.
If an individual has a burial fund that was established prior to application, the value of the burial fund as of the date of application rather than the original amount will be countable toward the resource limit.
20340.3 Prepaid Burial Contracts
20340.3.1 Prepaid Burial Contract Definition
20340.3.2 Burial Funds/Funeral Services
20340.3.3 Burial Space Exclusion
20340.3.1 Prepaid Burial Contract Definition
A prepaid burial contract is an agreement entered into in which an individual prepays burial expenses and the seller agrees to furnish the burial. A contract must identify and distinguish between funeral services (burial funds) and burial space items.
20340.3.2 Burial Funds/Funeral Services
Funeral services include items and services relative to preparing the body. Such preparation includes, for example, transportation of the body, embalming, cremation, funeral/memorial services, flowers, clothing, etc.
20340.3.3 Burial Space Exclusion
Purchased burial space items are excluded. An item is considered purchased even if the specific model number of the item is not mentioned or is not in existence, since the burial space exclusion applies to any burial space item.
As long as the contract/agreement results in the individual's right to the items listed, value at the amount indicated, the requirement for exclusion as a burial space is met - a burial space item is being held for the individual (i.e. there was a purchase). A burial space is "held for" an individual when someone currently has: title to and/or possesses a burial space or a contract with a funeral home for specified burial spaces for the individual's burial
s right to the items listed, value at the amount indicated, the requirement for exclusion as a burial space is met - a burial space item is being held for the individual (i.e. there was a purchase). A burial space is "held for" an individual when someone currently has: title to and/or possesses a burial space or a contract with a funeral home for specified burial spaces for the individual's burial. Until the purchase price is paid in full, a burial space is not "held for" an individual under an installment contract if:
the individual does not currently own the space;
the individual does not currently have the right to use the space;
the seller is not currently obligated to provide the space.
If the burial space is not being currently held for an individual under an installment contract, the amounts paid may be considered burial funds rather than burial space items.
20340.4 Life Insurance Funded Burial Contracts
A life insurance funded burial contract involves an individual purchasing a life insurance policy on his life and then assigning, revocably or irrevocably, either the proceeds or ownership of the policy to a funeral provider. The purpose of the assignment is to fund a burial contract. The burial contract itself has no resource value. The value of the burial arrangement is the value of the life insurance policy.
20340.4.1 Revocable Assignment of Ownership
The burial space exclusion does not apply if the assignment of ownership is revocable. This is because the funeral provider has not received any payment and no purchase of burial spaces has been made. The burial funds exclusion applies. The resource value is equal to the CSV of the life insurance policy subject to the $1500 burial funds exclusion.
20340.4.2 Irrevocable Assignment of Ownership
To determine irrevocability a copy of the "irrevocable assignment of ownership" is required along with a complete copy of the policy and burial contract. Any portion of the contract that represents the purchase of a burial space is excluded
The resource value is equal to the CSV of the life insurance policy subject to the $1500 burial funds exclusion.
20340.4.2 Irrevocable Assignment of Ownership
To determine irrevocability a copy of the "irrevocable assignment of ownership" is required along with a complete copy of the policy and burial contract. Any portion of the contract that represents the purchase of a burial space is excluded. The life insurance policy and the burial contract are not resources because the individual no longer owns them. The face value of the burial funds portion of the contract offsets the $1500 burial funds exclusion because the contract represents an irrevocable arrangement available to meet the individual's burial.
20340.5 Irrevocable Funeral Arrangements
Effective January 30, 1992, Delaware law allows the establishment of irrevocable trust accounts for prepaid funerals. The irrevocable trust may represent all funds or any portion of payments made under the burial agreement, contract or plan. The principal sum (excluding accrued interest) may not exceed $5,000. Effective January 1, 2008 the principal sum may not exceed $15,000. Irrevocable trusts established under Title 5, Chapter 34 of the Delaware Code must contain the following mandatory provisions.
11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08)
20340.5.1 Irrevocable
The trust must include a provision which expressly identifies the trust as irrevocable for the lifetime of the beneficiary.
20340.5.2 Alternative Disposition
The trust must include a provision for the alternative disposition of trust funds upon discontinuation of business or inability to provide goods or services in accordance with the terms of the trust.
20340.5.3 Inadequate Funds
The trust must include a provision which sets forth that in the event funds paid into the trust are inadequate, at the time of the death of the beneficiary, to cover anticipated funeral expenses, the trustee shall contribute all trust funds toward payment of the actual funeral expenses for the funeral of the beneficiary
services in accordance with the terms of the trust.
20340.5.3 Inadequate Funds
The trust must include a provision which sets forth that in the event funds paid into the trust are inadequate, at the time of the death of the beneficiary, to cover anticipated funeral expenses, the trustee shall contribute all trust funds toward payment of the actual funeral expenses for the funeral of the beneficiary.
20340.5.4 Excess Funds
The trust must include a provision which sets forth that in the event the sum held by the trust exceeds the total actual costs of the goods and services for the funeral of the beneficiary, the excess funds shall be paid to the estate of the beneficiary.
20340.5.5 Contributions to Trust
The trust must include a provision which sets forth that the trustee may, from time to time, accept periodic monetary contributions to the trust, provided that the principal sum contributed, exclusive of interest earned, shall not exceed $15,000.00.
11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08)
20340.5.6 Maximum Amount
The trust must include a provision which shall state "In no event shall the principal amount of the trust exceed $15,000.00 plus interest".
Once an irrevocable trust is executed in conjunction with a burial contract, the funds are not available to the buyer. Any written request for a refund of money is no longer an option. The irrevocable trust arrangement will offset the $1500 burial allowance. This is effective for irrevocable trust arrangements executed on or after January 30, 1992.
11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08)
20340.6 Burial Funds in Excess of $1500
Upon application, any burial funds which exceed $1500 must be counted toward the recipient's $2000 resource limit.
Mrs. Jones has a prepaid burial contract of which $2000 is countable and no life insurance.
The excess $500 must be counted toward her resources. As long as her total resources (including the excess $500) do not exceed the current applicable SSI resource limit, the recipient would remain eligible
tion, any burial funds which exceed $1500 must be counted toward the recipient's $2000 resource limit.
Mrs. Jones has a prepaid burial contract of which $2000 is countable and no life insurance.
The excess $500 must be counted toward her resources. As long as her total resources (including the excess $500) do not exceed the current applicable SSI resource limit, the recipient would remain eligible.
20340.7 Use of Burial Funds After Designation
Any designated burial funds used for another purpose will be counted as income in the month withdrawn. The penalty for using excluded burial funds for some other purpose applies only to those whose resources would have been over the limit without benefit of this exclusion. The budgeting of this additional income could result in the recipient exceeding the monthly income limit. As a result, Medicaid benefits would be terminated.
20340.8 Interest on Burial Funds and Burial Spaces
Interest and other accruals on the $1500 burial funds and spaces is excluded from countable income and resources. Interest on and appreciation in value of an excluded burial fund are excluded if left to accumulate and become part of the excluded fund. In the event the recipient loses Medicaid eligibility, the appreciated value (accrued interest) will be counted toward the resource limit upon reapplication.
20340.9 Funds Added to Existing Burial Accounts
If someone has a burial fund that is less than the $1,500 limit, the recipient can add funds to it to bring it up to the $1,500 limit. The money added would have to be from the recipient's personal needs money or other liquid resources. The recipient couldn't divert patient pay or accept money from friends/relatives to place in the account. Contributions from friends/relatives would be considered income.
20345 Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program
This policy applies to Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policies purchased on or after November 1, 2011.
1. Defining a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership
couldn't divert patient pay or accept money from friends/relatives to place in the account. Contributions from friends/relatives would be considered income.
20345 Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program
This policy applies to Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policies purchased on or after November 1, 2011.
1. Defining a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership.
The Delaware Qualified State Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Partnership is a partnership between States that implement a Partnership program, private insurance companies that offer long term care insurance policies and State insurance departments. The term "Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership" means an approved State plan amendment (SPA) that provides for the disregard of any assets or resources from Medicaid estate recovery in an amount equal to the insurance benefits paid by certain LTC insurance policies, where those benefits were disregarded in determining an individual’s Medicaid eligibility. The term "long-term care insurance policy" includes a certificate issued under a group insurance contract.
Purchasing or owning a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy does not guarantee Medicaid eligibility. All other financial, non-financial and medical eligibility requirements must be met.
Policies must meet specific conditions and the State Insurance Commissioner must certify that a policy meets those conditions, in order for the State to apply the disregard from estate recovery.
The long-term care partnership policy is designed to do all of the following:
a. Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs.
b. Provide a mechanism for individuals to qualify for coverage of the cost of their long-term care needs under Medicaid without first being required to substantially exhaust their resources.
c. Reduce Medicaid expenditures by delaying or eliminating the need for Long-Term Care Medicaid.
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a. Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs.
b. Provide a mechanism for individuals to qualify for coverage of the cost of their long-term care needs under Medicaid without first being required to substantially exhaust their resources.
c. Reduce Medicaid expenditures by delaying or eliminating the need for Long-Term Care Medicaid.
2. Long-term care insurance policies purchased prior to November 1, 2011 are not Partnership policies.
3. Long-term care insurance policies purchased on or after November 1, 2011 may or may not be Partnership policies.
A long-term care partnership program policy means a policy that must meet all of the following requirements:
a. The policy must have been issued on or after November 1, 2011.
b. The covered individual must be a resident of a Qualified Partnership State when coverage first becomes effective. If a policy is exchanged for another policy, the residency rule applies to the issuance date of the original policy.
c. The policy must meet the definition of a "qualified long-term care insurance policy" as stated in section 7702B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
d. The policy must meet specific requirement of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Long Term Care Insurance Model Regulations Act and Model Act.
e. The policy must include inflation protection.
i. For purchasers under 61 years of age, compound annual inflation protection.
ii. For purchasers 61 to 76 years of age, some level of inflation protection; or
iii. For purchasers 76 years of age or older, inflation protection may be offered, but is not required.
4. A Partnership policy allows for assets to be disregarded from eligibility.
The amount of the disregard is equal to the dollar amount of insurance benefits that have been paid to or on behalf of the individual.
This amount is limited to the amount paid as of the month of application, even if additional benefits are available under the terms of the policy.
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n may be offered, but is not required.
4. A Partnership policy allows for assets to be disregarded from eligibility.
The amount of the disregard is equal to the dollar amount of insurance benefits that have been paid to or on behalf of the individual.
This amount is limited to the amount paid as of the month of application, even if additional benefits are available under the terms of the policy.
5. Assets are also protected from the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.
The amount of the assets disregarded in the eligibility process is not recoverable under the Medicaid estate recovery program.
6. Disregarded assets are counted in the Spousal Resource Assessment.
The disregarded assets are included in determining the amount of the community spouse resource allowance in a Spousal Impoverishment case.
However, the disregarded asset is not counted in determining the individual’s eligibility.
7. Disregarded assets may be transferred without penalty.
If an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid through the application of a QLTCP disregard, then transfers all or part of the disregarded resources that would otherwise be considered an improper transfer, no restricted Medicaid coverage period applies. The disregarded value of the transferred resource continues to be considered part of the individual's QLTCP disregard.
If an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid through the application of a QLTCP disregard after making a transfer that would otherwise be considered an improper transfer:
a. If the individual's QLTCP disregard plus resource limit equals or exceeds the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource, no penalty period applies. The disregarded value of the transferred resource is considered part of the individual's QLTCP disregard.
b. If the individual's QLTCP disregard plus resource limit is less than the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource:
i
esource limit equals or exceeds the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource, no penalty period applies. The disregarded value of the transferred resource is considered part of the individual's QLTCP disregard.
b. If the individual's QLTCP disregard plus resource limit is less than the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource:
i. Determine the individual’s available QLTCP disregard by adding the individual's QLTCP disregard to the individual's resource limit, then subtracting the individual's current countable resources and any amounts that have previously been transferred without a restricted Medicaid coverage period as a result of a QLTCP disregard.
ii. Subtract the individual’ available QLTCP disregard from the amount that would otherwise have been considered improperly transferred. The remainder is the amount improperly transferred; a restricted Medicaid coverage period is calculated for the remainder.
8. Reciprocity with other states.
DMMA will accept partnership policies issued in other States with qualified long-term care insurance partnership programs.
9. Exhaustion of Benefits.
An individual who owns a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy can apply for Medicaid before exhausting policy benefits.
The partnership policy is treated as a third party liability and Medicaid will pay for services not covered. Medicaid will be payor of last resort.
10. Verification of the Partnership policy.
A Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy must meet all relevant requirements of federal and state law. Qualified partnership policies are certified by the Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI).
15 DE Reg. 1014 (01/01/12)
20350 Transfer of Assets
Transfer of assets occurs when an institutionalized individual, or the individual's spouse, has sold, given away (including establishment of a trust or contribution to a charity) or otherwise transferred any asset
ant requirements of federal and state law. Qualified partnership policies are certified by the Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI).
15 DE Reg. 1014 (01/01/12)
20350 Transfer of Assets
Transfer of assets occurs when an institutionalized individual, or the individual's spouse, has sold, given away (including establishment of a trust or contribution to a charity) or otherwise transferred any asset. Assets transferred by a parent, guardian, court or administrative body, or anyone acting in place of or on behalf of or at the request or direction of the individual or spouse, are considered to be transferred by the individual or spouse. Medicaid law provides for a period of ineligibility when an institutionalized individual or the individual's spouse disposes of assets for less than fair market value (FMV) on or after a specified look-back date.
Section 13611 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (P. L. 103-66) enacted 8/10/93, revised the rules on Transfer of Assets. The new rules are effective for long term care applications filed on or after 10/1/93 and assets transferred on or after 8/11/93. The new rules do not apply to assets transferred on or before 8/10/93.
20350.1 Definitions
20350.1.1 Institutionalized Individual
20350.1.2 Spouse
20350.1.3 Assets
20350.1.1 Institutionalized Individual
An institutionalized individual is an individual who is:
- an inpatient in a nursing facility, or
- an inpatient in a medical institution with respect to whose eligibility is based on an appropriate level of care for that medical institution, or
- a home and community-based services recipient described in section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(VI).
20350.1.2 Spouse
This is a person who is considered legally married to an individual under the laws of the State in which the individual is applying for or receiving Medicaid.
20350.1.3 Assets
Assets include all income and resources of the individual or the individual's spouse. NOTE: PRIOR TO OBRA 93 THE DEFINITION OF ASSETS DID NOT INCLUDE INCOME
pient described in section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(VI).
20350.1.2 Spouse
This is a person who is considered legally married to an individual under the laws of the State in which the individual is applying for or receiving Medicaid.
20350.1.3 Assets
Assets include all income and resources of the individual or the individual's spouse. NOTE: PRIOR TO OBRA 93 THE DEFINITION OF ASSETS DID NOT INCLUDE INCOME.
Assets would also include assets that the individual or spouse is entitled to receive but does not because of an action taken by:
- the individual, or
- the individual's spouse, or
a person, including a court or administrative body, with legal authority to act in place of or on behalf of the individual or spouse, or
- any person, including a court or administrative body, acting at the direction of or upon the request of the individual or such individual's spouse.
20350.1.3.1 Actions Which Result in Non-Receipt of Assets
Examples of actions which would cause income or resources not to be received are:
irrevocably waiving pension income;
- waiving an inheritance;
- not accepting or accessing injury settlements;
- tort settlements which are diverted by the defendant into a trust or similar device to be held for the benefit of the plaintiff;
- refusal to take legal action to obtain a court ordered payment that is not being paid, such as alimony.
20350.1.3.2 Failure to Receive
However, failure to cause assets to be received does not constitute a transfer of assets in all cases. For example, the individual may not be able to afford to take the necessary action to obtain the assets or the cost of obtaining the assets may be greater than the assets are worth. The specific circumstances of each case must be examined before making a decision whether an uncompensated asset transfer has occurred
cause assets to be received does not constitute a transfer of assets in all cases. For example, the individual may not be able to afford to take the necessary action to obtain the assets or the cost of obtaining the assets may be greater than the assets are worth. The specific circumstances of each case must be examined before making a decision whether an uncompensated asset transfer has occurred.
20350.1.3.4 Joint Assets
In the case of jointly owned assets (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or similar arrangement) any action taken by the individual or by any other person that reduces or eliminates the individual's ownership or control of the asset will be penalized as an uncompensated transfer. See Section 20350.8 Treatment of jointly owned assets
20350.1.4 Resource Transfer
The definition of a resource is the same definition as used by the SSI program, except that the home is NOT excluded for institutionalized individuals. In determining if a transfer of assets involves a SSI-countable resource, take into account those resource disregards used by the SSI program.
20350.1.5 Income Transfer
The definition of income is the same definition as used by the SSI program. In determining whether a transfer of assets involves SSI-countable income, take into account those income disregards used by the SSI program.
20350.1.6 For the Sole Benefit of Requirement
A transfer is considered to be for the sole benefit of a spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability if the transfer is arranged in such a way that no individual or entity except that spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability can benefit from the assets transferred in any way, whether at the time of the transfer or at any time in the future
sfer is considered to be for the sole benefit of a spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability if the transfer is arranged in such a way that no individual or entity except that spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability can benefit from the assets transferred in any way, whether at the time of the transfer or at any time in the future.
A transfer, transfer instrument, or trust that provides for funds or property to pass to a beneficiary who is not the spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability is not considered to be established for the sole benefit of one of these individuals. In order for a transfer to be considered to be for the sole benefit of one of these individuals, the instrument document must provide for the spending of the funds involved for the benefit of the individual on a basis that is actuarially sound based on the life expectancy of the individual involved.
An exception to the "for the sole benefit of" requirement exists for certain trusts. Under these exceptions, the trust instrument must provide that any funds remaining in the trust upon the death of the individual must go to the State, up to the amount of Medicaid benefits paid on the individual's behalf. In these instances, it is a requirement that the State is also a beneficiary of the trust.
15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
20350.1.7 Fair Market Value (FMV)
Fair market value is an estimate of the value of an asset, if sold at the prevailing price at the time it was actually transferred. In order to appraise the value of an asset, use the same criteria and methods that are used when determining Medicaid eligibility.
For an asset to be considered transferred for fair market value, or to be considered to be transferred for valuable consideration, the compensation received for the asset must be in a tangible form. A transfer for "love and consideration", for example, is not considered a transfer for fair market value
an asset, use the same criteria and methods that are used when determining Medicaid eligibility.
For an asset to be considered transferred for fair market value, or to be considered to be transferred for valuable consideration, the compensation received for t
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