During the week of May 1, 2023, the VA updated its Adjudication Procedures Manual to clarify that a claim in which funds were withheld pending a fiduciary appointment is a claim pending at the time of death and may be paid as accrued benefits. The updated section is M21-1, Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, […]
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On May 4, 2023, the Department of Community Health announced the new state-wide average nursing facility private pay rate increased from $9,034.00 to $9,584.00. This rate is the divisor when calculating the length of a transfer penalty when resources or income are transferred for less than fair market value.
When applying for Medicaid, the nursing home spouse (called the Institutionalized Spouse) is often a joint owner (or sole owner) on checking, savings and other acounts. Should those resource be taken out of the name of the Institutionalized Spouse? The answer is generally “yes,” but it requires some context and some qualifications. The context and […]
In the Matter of the Medical Assistance Pooled Special Needs Trust of Scott Hewitt (Iowa 2023), the State Medicaid agency had a contigent interest in the trust remainder due to the payback requirement in 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)(C). However, after the beneficiary died, the master trust informed the Department that it would retain the remainder, […]
On April 25, 2023, the VA issued the following announcement: The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is introducing a new nationwide service offering comprehensive legal and financial planning services to Primary Family Caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). A network of licensed attorneys and certified financial counselors are readily accessible […]
One of the most fundamental, but often overlooked issues when planning for – or evaluating – Medicaid eligibility is this: Medicaid does not alter property rights, contract rights or other legal rights with value. Medicaid simply measures those rights to determine whether they cause an applicant to be eligible or ineligible. In other words, if […]
On April 5, 2023, the VA posted (presumably to remind everyone) regarding its comprensive assistance for family caregivers. The VA said “Support for caregivers means making sure you’re informed about the programs, resources, and services available to you. The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides clinical services to caregivers of Veterans who are enrolled in the […]
The new Aid and Attendance enhanced pension rates for 2023 are: Surviving Spouse $1,432 Monthly / $17,184 per year Single Veteran $2,229 Monthly / $26,748 per year Married Veteran $2,642 Monthly / $31,704 per year Two Vets Married $3,536 Monthly / $42,432 per year If you qualify for these benefits, the VA will base your […]
Each year, most Medicaid eligibility limits are adjusted for inflation. The 2023 Georgia Medicaid income and resource limits are: SSI Medicaid: Income: $914 per month, Countable Resources: $2,000 QMB Medicaid: Income: $1,235 (100% FPL + $20), Countable Resources: $9,090 SLMB Medicaid: Income: $1,478 (120% FPL +$20), Countable Resources: $9,090 CCSP/EDWP/Nursing Home Income Cap: $2,742; Applicant […]
As of this writing, the following pooled trusts are authorized by the Department of Community Health to provide trust services in Georgia: Georgia Community/Trust/Bobby Dodd Institute Anita Gardner Decatur, GA 404.809.2914 Anchor For Special Needs, Inc. Annie Warner Cincinnati, OH 844.526.2467 Advocates and Guardians for the Elderly & Disabled (AGED) Thad A. Joseph Longwood, FL 888-277-1826 The Center […]