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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice issued 11/23/11

To: Providers of Long Term Care

Date: November 23, 2011

Re: Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security Benefits

 

A cost of living adjustment (COLA) has been approved for all persons receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits effective January 2012. As in previous years, the budgeting process has been automated to achieve timely processing of the increased SSA benefits for Medical Assistance residents. Automating the process assists the Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) caseworker with the budgeting.

The action being taken by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services applies only to changes in SSA benefits. If the amount of the credit is adjusted because of other factors, the Department of Human Services (DHS) FCRC will notify the resident and facility of the adjusted credit amount for January 2012.

 

The central updating of patient credits in the long term care billing system occurs annually to process the January SSA cost of living increases. DHS FCRCs will be notified to hold any changes received for patient credit amounts during the period December 12 through 16, 2011, to allow for the completion of the central budgeting process. Following this moratorium, income changes should be reported to the DHS FCRC in the usual manner.

 

If you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the Bureau of Long Term Care at 217- 524-7245.

 

 

Theresa A. Eagleson, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs