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MEDICAL SERVICES POLICY MANUAL, SECTION E

E 516 Real Property Exclusions

sister, brother, stepbrother, stepsister, or cousin who is dependent on the recipient’s home for shelter. Dependency may be verified by the recipient’s declaration or by contact with collateral sources knowledgeable of the circumstances. Actual documentation of relationship is not required unless relationship is questionable (i.e. doubt has been raised due to contact with collaterals, etc.). Absence from the Home Absence from the home does not affect the home exclusion, as long as the individual intends to return to his home. This exclusion may be given to all AABD applicants/recipients who are away from home but intend to return to their home. See below for consideration to be given to an out-of-state home. Occupied Home Intent to return is irrelevant if the home is occupied by the spouse or a dependent relative at any time while the applicant or recipient is residing in a medical institution. As long as the spouse or dependent relative resides in the home, it will be excluded. Unoccupied Home When an individual enters a facility and leaves his or her home unoccupied, a statement of his/her intent to return to that home will be sufficient to allow exclusion of the home as a countable resource. The statement should include the reason for being away from home and the intent to return. The statement of intent to return will be accepted without challenge unless it is self-contradictory. For instance, if the individual states his or her intent to return, but also states he will talk to a realtor about listing the home for sale, the intent to return shouldbe questioned. When the statement is contradictory or does not make the intent clear, or the individual’s actions are contradictory to his statement, obtain clarification from a secondary source, such as a physician, relative, or other knowledgeable person. The individual’s intent to return home will be documented at 12-month intervals and the home exclusion will continue as long as the individual intends to return.