Agencies
Services
Provider Notice issued 12/03/04
Increase in Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment Standards
| To: | Providers of Long Term Care |
| Date: | December 3, 2004 |
| Re: | Increase in Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment Standards |
This is to inform you of increased standards for the prevention of spousal impoverishment effective January l, 2005. The term “spousal impoverishment” includes the standards for the Community Spouse Asset Allowance (CSAA) and the Community Spouse Maintenance Needs Allowance (CSMNA). The prevention of spousal impoverishment standards should be included in the oral and written information that must be provided to residents and potential residents about how to apply for and use Medicaid benefits. Facilities are required by federal regulations (42 CFR 483.10) and state statute (210 ILCS 45/2-211) to give an explanation of resident rights at the time of admission and at least annually thereafter.
The CSAA standard is increased from $92,760 to $95,100. This is the maximum amount of assets a resident may transfer to a community spouse or to another for the sole benefit of a community spouse. The actual amount a resident may transfer is determined by deducting non‑exempt assets of the community spouse from the standard of $95,100.
The CSMNA standard is increased from $2,319 to $2,377. This is the maximum amount of monthly income a resident may give to a community spouse. The actual amount a resident may give is determined by deducting any gross income of the community spouse from the standard of $2,377.
Facilities may print brochure, DPA 3191 Nursing Home Services and Information for Couples. This brochure gives additional information relating to the prevention of spousal impoverishment, and is available on the department’s Web site.
If you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the Bureau of Long Term Care at 217- 524-7244.
Anne Marie Murphy, Ph.D
Administrator
Division of Medical Programs