Provider Notice issued 05/19/2023

This notice informs all Medical Assistance Program providers that the customer resource (also known as asset) limit amount has increased. In addition, the resource test has resumed now that the Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended.

This increase in the resource limit amount will result in more customers becoming eligible for medical benefits and will allow the customer to retain more of their resources/assets without eligibility being affected. The new resource limit amount is changing from $2000 for an individual and $3000 for a couple to $17,500 for both individuals and couples for medical cases eligible under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) medical program. The $17,500 resource limit amount applies to each household, regardless of the number of persons in the household.

In March of 2020, the resource test had been suspended due to the PHE. With the ending of the PHE on 05/11/2023, the resource test resumed on 05/12/2023. The resource test resumption applies to all new medical assistance applications and medical redeterminations processed on or after 05/12/2023.

New Applications

For new medical assistance applications processed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworkers on and after 05/12/23, the new resource limit amount will be applied during the initial eligibility determination.

Example 1:

Application date: 03/16/23
Processing date: 05/01/23
Backdate request: 3 months
Resources will be disregarded since the PHE was still in effect and the new resource limit amount was not effective until 05/12/23.  At the next medical              redetermination, the resource limit amount will be applied in determining ongoing eligibility.

Example 2:

Application date: 03/16/23
Processing date: 05/19/23
Backdate request: 3 months
The new resource limit amount will be applied since the application is processed on 05/19/2023 which is after the resource test was resumed.

Currently Active Medical Cases

The new resource limit amount will be applied when ongoing eligibility is reviewed during the medical redetermination process. Excess resources will be applied prospectively.

For questions regarding this notice, contact the Department of Human Services Help Line at (800) 843-6154.

Kelly Cunningham, Administrator

Division of Medical Programs