Provider Notice issued 01/03/2024

This notice informs long term care (LTC) providers that effective January 01, 2024, pursuant to Public Act 102-1037, the Community Spouse Maintenance Needs Allowance (CSMNA) and Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) will increase annually.

The term “spousal impoverishment” includes the standards for the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) 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 CSRA standard will change from $120,780.00 to $129,084.00. This is the maximum amount of resources 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 resources of the community spouse from the standard of $129,084.00.

The CSMNA standard will change from $3,715.50 to $3,853.50. 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 $3,853.50.

The CSMNA and CSRA will increase every year based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) amounts posted annually by the Federal government.

Reminder: The CSRA determination only occurs once. If the CSRA was already determined at application or long term care determination, then the previously determined amount will not be updated.

Questions regarding this change should be directed to the Bureau of Long Term Care toll free at 844-528-8444.

Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs