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If the PNA is not spent but allowed to accumulate in an account maintained by the facility or a bank, the balance in the account is considered a countable resource (see Section 1.4.1: Liquid Assets in Part VI).

The SSR must advise the individual or his/her authorized representative (see Section 1.6.2: Filing an Application/Accessing Benefits on Behalf of an Individual or Group in Part III) before the account exceeds the asset limit that the accumulating PNA may result in termination of eligibility on the basis of excess resources.

Allowance for Health Insurance Premiums 2.6.2

When an individual or a couple residing in or entering LTC is purchasing health insurance coverage, the health insurance premiums, including those for Medicare, are deducted from the total value of countable income in order to encourage the LTC resident to maintain the third party coverage.

The Medicare premium should only be deducted if the LTC individual or couple is paying the premium. Once the Department assumes responsibility for payment of the Medicare premium, the LTC SSR should no longer deduct the Medicare premium as part of the allowance for health insurance premiums.

The allowance for health insurance premiums is the amount of the monthly premium or the amount of the premium if paid on a monthly basis.

Allowance for Maintenance of the Unoccupied Home 2.6.3

A home, whether it is owned or rented, is exempt from countable assets if the LTC resident provides a statement by his/her physician which states that the LTC resident is expected to return to the community residence within the first six months of the eligibility period. If the physician does not expect the LTC resident to return within the first six months, then the home is a countable asset as of the date of admission. If the physician did provide a statement noting an expected return date within six months but the LTC resident does not return within six months, the community residence becomes a countable asset the first day of the seventh month following the month of admission to the LTC facility. If, however, the individual is trying to sell the property, the asset is excluded, see Section 1.23: Pending Sale of Property in Part VI.

If the individual or couple residing in or entering a LTC facility has a home that is not occupied by a spouse or a dependent child and the home is exempt from countable assets, deduct an amount from the total countable income of the assistance unit receiving LTC coverage for maintenance of the unoccupied home. Apply the allowance only during the month or months the unoccupied home is exempt from countable assets for a maximum of six consecutive months per admission to a LTC facility.

The deduction is equal to the lesser of the following:

 $377, or  the actual cost of maintaining the home.

Allowance for Representative Payee/Conservator 2.6.4

If the LTC resident is paying a representative payee or conservator to handle his/her affairs, then deduct the monthly costs of this service.