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TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services 14000 Medicaid General Eligibility Requirements This section describes the general eligibility requirements for Medicaid. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100 General Application Information The application will be the single, streamlined application for all insurance affordability programs developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or an alternative single, streamlined application for all insurance affordability programs as approved by CMS. For individuals applying, or who may be eligible, on a basis other than a determination based on the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodologies described in Section 16000, the agency will use: • a single, streamlined application and supplemental forms to collect the additional information needed, or • an application designed specifically to determine eligibility on a basis other than MAGI. The application may be submitted via the Internet web site established by the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), via the agency’s Application for Social Service and Internet Screening Tool (ASSIST) self-service Internet web site, by telephone, via mail, in person with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and through other commonly available electronic means. The FFM is a competitive marketplace for individuals and small employers to directly compare available health insurance options. The FFM will conduct basic screening and an assessment for potential Medicaid eligibility and transmit the information provided on the application to the agency for an eligibility determination as described in Section 14100.8 Coordination of Eligibility and Enrollment with Other Insurance Affordability Programs. The application must be signed under penalty of perjury. Electronic, including telephonically recorded, signatures and handwritten signatures transmitted via any other electronic transmission are accepted. When an application is completed online, the date of application is the date the application is submitted online. The date of application for a paper application will be the date of receipt in an agency office or the date of the postmark if received via the United States Postal Service (USPS). The application filing date is used to determine the earliest date for which Medicaid can be effective. Medicaid eligibility is effective the first day of the month if the individual was eligible at any time during that month provided the individual was a Delaware resident on the first of the month. If not a Delaware resident on the first of the month, Medicaid will be effective the date the individual became a Delaware resident. Assistance will be provided to any individual seeking help with the application or renewal process in person, over the telephone, online, and in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and those who are limited English proficient. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.1 Authorized Representatives Applicants and beneficiaries are permitted to designate an individual or organization to act responsibly on their behalf in assisting with the individual’s application and renewal of eligibility and other ongoing communications with the agency. The designation must be in writing, including the applicant’s signature, and is permitted at the time of application and at other times. Legal documentation of authority to act on behalf of an applicant or beneficiary under state law, such as a court order establishing legal guardianship or a power of attorney, shall serve in the place of written authorization by the applicant or beneficiary. The authorized representative must agree to maintain, or be legally bound to maintain, the confidentiality of any information regarding the applicant or beneficiary provided by the agency. The agency will accept electronic, including telephonically recorded, signatures and handwritten signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic transmission. Designation of authorized representatives will be accepted via ASSIST self- service web site, by telephone, via mail, in person, and through other commonly available electronic means. Representatives may be authorized to: • assist the individual in completing and submitting an application, verification, or other documentation; • sign an application on the applicant’s behalf; • complete and submit a renewal form;
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 2 • receive copies of the applicant or beneficiary’s notices and other communications from the agency; and/or • act on behalf of the applicant or beneficiary in any other matters with the agency. The power to act as an authorized representative is valid until the applicant or beneficiary modifies the authorization or notifies the agency the representative is no longer authorized to act on his or her behalf, or there is a change in the legal authority upon which the individual or organization’s authority was based. This notification to the agency must be in writing and should include the individual’s or authorized representative's signature as appropriate. As a condition of serving as an authorized representative, a provider or staff member or volunteer of an organization must sign an agreement that he or she will adhere to the regulation in: • 42 CFR part 431, subpart F (relating to confidentiality of information); • 45 CFR 155.260(f) (relating to confidentiality of information); • 42 CFR 447.10 (relating to the prohibition against reassignment of provider claims as appropriate for a health facility or an organization acting on the facility’s behalf); and • other relevant State and Federal laws concerning conflicts of interest and confidentiality of information. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.2 Protected Filing Date An individual’s application filing date may be established based on either a written statement or an oral inquiry about Medicaid eligibility. An oral inquiry is a discussion about Medicaid eligibility for a specific person that results in a request for Medicaid. An oral inquiry must be documented when received. An oral inquiry or a written statement protects the filing date if a written application is completed and received in a DSS office within 30 days from the date of inquiry. When an application is received in the mail, the date of the postmark is considered the date of receipt. A postmark is the U.S. Postal Service mark stamped on a piece of mail canceling the postage stamp and recording the date and place of sending. An oral inquiry or written statement protects the filing date if an application is received within 30 days from the date of the inquiry. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.3 Interview Requirement for Some Eligibility Groups An in-person interview is not required for any eligibility group subject to the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)- based methodologies described in Section 16000. An in-person interview is not required for Long Term Care eligibility determinations. SEE SECTION 20101 - Application Process - Long-Term Care Services. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18) 14100.4 Disposition of Applications The agency must include in each applicant's case record facts to support the agency's decision on the individual’s application. The agency must dispose of each application by a finding of eligibility or ineligibility, unless there is: a) an entry in the case record that the applicant voluntarily withdrew the application, and that the agency sent a notice confirming his decision; b) a supporting entry in the case record that the applicant has died; or c) a supporting entry in the case record that the applicant cannot be located. An application must be reinstated effective as of the date the application was first received by the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) in cases where the individual: a) submitted an application via the FFM and is assessed as not potentially eligible for Medicaid; b) withdrew the application for Medicaid; and c) is assessed as potentially eligible for Medicaid by the FFM appeals entity. All applicants will receive a notice of acceptance or denial. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.5 Determination of Eligibility A determination of eligibility includes: a) an approval or denial of eligibility for applicants; b) a renewal of eligibility for beneficiaries; c) a termination of eligibility for beneficiaries; and d) a redetermination of eligibility between a regularly scheduled renewal based on a change reported or identified.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 Each applicant or beneficiary who meets the non-financial eligibility requirements will have a determination of financial eligibility based on MAGI methodology. For an applicant or beneficiary found not eligible based on MAGI methodology and who has been identified on the application or renewal form as potentially eligible on a MAGI-excepted basis, a determination of eligibility will be made on such basis. In addition, an individual may request a determination of eligibility on a basis other than MAGI. The agency will consider all categories of eligibility prior to a termination of eligibility. For individuals determined ineligible for Medicaid, the agency will determine potential eligibility for other insurance affordability programs in accordance with Section 14100.8 Coordination of Eligibility and Enrollment with Other Insurance Affordability Programs. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.5.1 Timely Determination of Eligibility The following Federal standards have been established for determining eligibility and informing applicants of the decision: a. Ninety days (90) for applicants who apply for Medicaid on the basis of disability. This includes long term care and Children’s Community Alternative Disability Program. b. Forty-five (45) days for all other applicants. The standards cover the period from the date of application with the agency or the date the application is transferred via the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) to the date the agency notifies the applicant of its decision. The standards must be met except in unusual circumstances, such as: a. A decision cannot be made because the applicant, his representative or his physician delays or fails to take a required action. b. There is an administrative or other emergency beyond the Division's control. The time standards must not be used as a waiting period before determining eligibility or as a reason for denying eligibility (because a decision has not been reached within the required time). Decision on applications should be made as quickly as possible, but if the final determination does not fall within the prescribed limits, the record must have documentation of the reasons for delay. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 14100.6 Annual Renewal of Eligibility 42 CFR 435.916 The eligibility of Medicaid beneficiaries must be renewed once every 12 months and no more frequently than once every 12 months. The agency will redetermine eligibility without requiring information from the individual if able to do so based on reliable information contained in the individual’s record or other more current information available to the agency. Information available to the agency includes but is not limited to information accessed through the electronic data sources described in DSSM 14800 - Verifications of Factors of Eligibility. If the agency is able to renew eligibility based on the available information, the agency will notify the individual of: • The eligibility determination and the information used for the determination; and • The individual’s responsibility to inform the agency if any of the information contained in the agency’s notice is inaccurate. The individual may report this information via the agency’s Application for Social Service and Internet Screening Tool (ASSIST) self-service Internet web site, by telephone, via mail, in person with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and through other commonly available electronic means. If the agency cannot renew eligibility as described above, the agency will provide the individual with a pre-populated renewal form. The pre-populated renewal form will contain information available to the agency about factors of eligibility. The renewal form will also include basic screening questions necessary to indicate potential eligibility on a basis other than modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The individual will be given 30 days from the date of the renewal form to respond. The individual must provide any additional information requested and sign and return the renewal form. The request for additional information from the individual will be limited to only the information needed to renew eligibility. The individual may return the additional information and the renewal form through any of the submission modes described above. If the individual does not respond to the renewal form and provide the additional information requested and eligibility is terminated on that basis, eligibility can be reconsidered if the individual responds within 90 days after the date of termination. The individual is not required to submit a new application. Coverage may extend back to the date of termination provided the individual is found eligible as described in DSSM 14920 - Retroactive Coverage.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 4 The agency will consider all categories of eligibility prior to a termination of eligibility as described in DSSM 14100.5 - Determination of Eligibility. 9 DE Reg. 774 (11/01/05) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) 14100.7 Fair Hearings A fair hearing is an administrative hearing held in accordance with the principles of due process. An opportunity for a fair hearing will be provided, subject to the provisions in policy at DSSM Fair Hearing Section. Any individual who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Division of Social Services may request a fair hearing. See DSSM Fair Hearing Section for policies covering fair hearings. 14100.8 Coordination of Eligibility and Enrollment with Other Insurance Affordability Programs The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Coordinated content” means information included in an eligibility notice regarding the transfer of the individual’s or households’ electronic account to the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) for a determination of eligibility for another insurance affordability program. “Electronic account” means an electronic file that includes all information collected and generated by the agency regarding each individual’s Medicaid eligibility and enrollment including any information collected or generated as part of the agency fair hearing process or the FFM appeals process. “Insurance affordability program” means a program that is one of the following: 1) Medicaid 2) Delaware Healthy Children Program 3) a State basic health program established under section 1331 of the Affordable Care Act 4) a program that makes available coverage in a qualified health plan through the FFM with advance payments of the premium tax credit established under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code available to qualified individuals 5) a program that makes available coverage in a qualified health plan through the FFM with cost-sharing reductions established under section 1402 of the Affordable Care Act. “Secure electronic interface” means an interface which allows for the exchange of data between Medicaid and other insurance affordability programs and adheres to the requirements in 42 CFR Part 433 subpart C. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.8.1 Transfer from Other Insurance Affordability Programs to the State Agency For individuals who have been assessed by the FFM (including as a result of a decision made by the FFM appeals entity) as potentially Medicaid eligible the agency must: • accept, via secure electronic interface, the electronic account for the individual and notify the FFM of the receipt of the electronic account; • not request information or documentation from the individual provided in the individual’s electronic account; • promptly and without undue delay, determine the Medicaid eligibility of the individual without • requiring submission of another application; and • notify the FFM of the final determination of the individual’s eligibility or ineligibility for Medicaid. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14100.8.2 Evaluation of Eligibility for Other Insurance Affordability Programs For individuals who submit an application; return a renewal form; or whose eligibility is being redetermined due to a change in circumstances; and who are found ineligible for Medicaid, the agency will: • promptly and without undue delay, determine potential eligibility for, and as appropriate, transfer via a secure electronic interface the individual’s electronic account to the FFM, and • include coordinated content in the notice of denial or termination of Medicaid eligibility. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 5 14100.8.3 Individuals Undergoing a Medicaid Eligibility Determination on a Basis other than MAGI For individuals with household income greater than the applicable MAGI standard and for whom the agency is determining eligibility on another basis, the agency must promptly and without undue delay: • determine potential eligibility for, and as appropriate, transfer via secure electronic interface the individual’s electronic account to the FFM; • notify the FFM that the individual is not eligible based on MAGI, but a final determination on a non-MAGI basis is still pending; and • notify the FFM of the agency’s final determination of eligibility or ineligibility. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14105 Social Security Number Each individual applying for Medicaid, except as provided in this section, must furnish his or her Social Security number (SSN) as a condition of eligibility. If the individual cannot furnish a SSN, he or she must provide proof of an application for a SSN with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency will assist the applicant with the completion of an application for a SSN. The SSN furnished will be verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA) via Federal Data Services Hub (FDSH) in accordance with Section 14800 Verifications of Factors of Eligibility. Eligibility will not be denied or delayed pending the issuance or verification of the SSN. An individual whose income will be considered when determining eligibility for an applicant will be asked to furnish his or her SSN on the application. When the SSN of a financially responsible individual is voluntarily furnished, the SSN will be verified with SSA via the FDSH. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14105.1 Exception to Furnish a Social Security Number (SSN) The requirement to furnish a SSN does not apply to an individual who: • is not eligible to receive a SSN; • does not have a SSN and may only be issued a SSN for a valid non-work reason; • refuses to obtain a SSN because of well-established religious objections; or • is an infant under age one. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14110 State Residency An applicant or beneficiary must be a Delaware resident. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 14110.1 Definitions The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: Per 42 CFR 435.403(b), “Institution” has the same meaning as Institution and Medical Institution as defined in 42 CFR 435.1010. For purposes of state placement, the term also includes foster care homes, licensed as set forth in 45 CFR 1355.20, and providing food, shelter, and services to one or more persons unrelated to the proprietor. Per 42 CFR 435.403(c), an individual is “Incapable of indicating intent” if the individual – a) Has an I.Q. of 49 or less or has a mental age of 7 or less, based on tests acceptable to the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities; b) Is judged legally incompetent; or c) Is found incapable of indicating intent based on medical documentation obtained from a physician, psychologist, or other person licensed by the State in the field of intellectual disability. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.2 Placement by State in an Out-Of-State Institution (42 CFR 435.403 (e))
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 6 An individual who is placed in an institution in another State by a Delaware agency including an entity recognized under State law as being under contract with the State for such purposes is considered a Delaware resident. The State arranging or actually making the placement is considered as the individual's State of residence. Any action beyond providing information to the individual and the family constitutes arranging or making a State placement. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.3 Actions which do not Constitute State Placement (42 CFR 435.403 (e)) The following actions do not constitute State placement: a. Providing basic information to the individual about another State's Medicaid program and information about the availability of services and facilities in another State. b. Assisting an individual in locating an institution in another State, provided the individual is capable of indicating intent and independently decides to move. c. When a competent individual leaves the facility in which he/she is placed by State, the individual’s State of residence for Medicaid purposes is the State where the individual is physically located. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.4 Lack of Appropriate Facility (42 CFR 435.403 (e)) Where a placement is initiated by a State because the State lacks a sufficient number of appropriate facilities to provide services to its residents, the State making the placement is the individual's State of residence. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.5 [Reserved] 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.6 Individuals Receiving a State supplementary payment (SSP) Per 42 CFR 435.403(f) Individuals of any age who are receiving an SSP, the State of residence is the State paying the SSP. 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.7 Individuals Receiving Title IV-E Payments Per 42 CFR 435.403(g) Individuals of any age who are receiving Federal payments for foster care or adoption assistance under title IV-E of the Social Security Act, the State of residence is the State where the child lives. 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.8 Individuals Under Age 21 42 CFR 435.403(i) For an individual under age 21 who is not eligible for Medicaid based on receipt of assistance under title IV-E of the Act, as addressed 14110.7 of this section, and is not receiving a State supplementary payment, as addressed in paragraph 14110.6 of this section, the State of residence is as follows: a) For an individual who is capable of indicating intent and is married or emancipated from his or her parent, and is not residing in an institution, the State of residence is where the individual is living; and • intends to reside including without a fixed address, or
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 7 • has entered the state with a job commitment or seeking employment (whether or not currently employed). b) For an individual not described in a) and not living in an institution, the State of residence is: • the state where the individual resides including without a fixed address; or • the State of residency of the parent or caretaker, in accordance with 14110.9 of this section, with whom the individual resides. c) For an institutionalized individual who is neither married nor emancipated, the State of residence is: • the parent's or legal guardian’s State of residence at the time of placement (if a legal guardian has been appointed and parental rights are terminated, the State of residence of the guardian is used instead of the parent’s); or • the parent’s or legal guardian’s current State of residence if the individual is institutionalized in that same State (if a legal guardian has been appointed and parental rights are terminated, the State of residence of the guardian is used instead of the parent’s); or • the State of residence of the individual who files an application is used if the individual has been abandoned by the parents (including deceased parents), there is no legal guardian, and is institutionalized in that state. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.8.1 Prohibitions [Repealed, effective October 11, 2019.] 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.8.2 Exceptions [Repealed, effective October 11, 2019.] 15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.9 Individuals Age 21 and Over 42 CFR 435.403(h) For an individual over age 21 who is not eligible for Medicaid based on receipt of assistance under title IV-E of the Act, as addressed 14110.7 of this section, and is not receiving a State supplementary payment, as addressed in paragraph 14110.6 of this section, the State of residence is as follows: a) For an individual not residing in an institution, the State of residence is the state where the individual is living and: • intends to reside including without a fixed address; or • has entered the state with a job commitment or seeking employment (whether or not currently employed). b) For an individual not residing in an institution and who is not capable of stating intent, the State of residence is the state where the individual is living. c) For any institutionalized individual who became incapable of indicating intent before age 21, the State of residence is: • That of the parent applying for Medicaid on the individual's behalf, if the parents reside in separate States (if a legal guardian has been appointed and parental rights are terminated, the State of residence of the guardian is used instead of the parent's); or • The parent's or legal guardian's State of residence at the time of placement (if a legal guardian has been appointed and parental rights are terminated, the State of residence of the guardian is used instead of the parent's); or • The current State of residence of the parent or legal guardian who files the application if the individual is institutionalized in that State (if a legal guardian has been appointed and parental rights are terminated, the State of residence of the guardian is used instead of the parent's). • The State of residence of the individual or party who files an application is used if the individual has been aban- doned by his or her parent(s), does not have a legal guardian and is institutionalized in that State. d) For any institutionalized individual who became incapable of indicating intent at or after age 21, (irrespective of any type of guardianship) the State of residence is the state in which the individual is physically present, except where another state makes a placement.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 8 e) For any other institutionalized individual, the State of residence is the state where the individual is living and intends to reside. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.10 Specific Prohibitions for Denial or Termination of Eligibility 42 CFR 435.403(j); 42 CFR 435.956(c)(2) Per 42 CFR 435.956(c)(2), Evidence of immigration status may not be used to determine that an individual is not a State resident. A State cannot deny Medicaid eligibility to otherwise qualified resident of the State because: a) The individual's residence is not maintained permanently or at a fixed address. b) The individual has not resided in the State for a specific period of time; or c) An institutionalized individual did not establish residence in the community prior to admission to an institution. A State cannot terminate Medicaid eligibility for an otherwise qualified resident of the State due to temporary absence from the State if the person intends to return when the purpose of the absence has been accomplished, unless another State has determined that the person is a resident there for purposes of Medicaid. A State cannot wait to approve Medicaid eligibility in situations where the individual has moved to Delaware from another State and the Medicaid case is still open in the former State. The individual is no longer a resident of the former State and is ineligible in that State. The case may not be closed yet due to administrative processes. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14110.11 Exceptions to General Residency Rules When the following exists, it supersedes the general residency rules: a) When two or more States cannot resolve which State is the State of residence, the State in which the individual is physically located is the State of residence. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14120 Inmate of a Public Institution Statutory Authority Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L.111-148, as amended) Inmates of a public institution who are held involuntarily may be enrolled in Medicaid if otherwise eligible, but Medicaid may not provide coverage for most services while the individual is detained. The inmate may be eligible for Medicaid coverage of services as an inpatient in a medical institution if admitted to the medical institution for more than 24 hours. An inmate of a public institution is a person who is living in a public institution. A public institution is a facility that is under the responsibility of a governmental unit or over which a governmental unit exercises administrative control. This control can exist when a facility is actually an organizational part of a governmental unit or when a governmental unit exercises final administrative control, including ownership and control of the physical facilities and grounds used to house inmates. Administrative control can also exist when a governmental unit is responsible for the ongoing daily activities of a facility; for example, when facility staff members are government employees or when a government unit, board, or officer has final authority to hire and fire employees. Privately supported institutions that are not under the control of a governmental unit do not meet the definition of a public institution. An individual is an inmate and is not eligible when he or she is serving time for a criminal offense or is confined involuntarily awaiting trial, criminal proceedings, penal dispositions, or other involuntary detainment determinations and is living in: a. State or Federal prison b. jail
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 9 c. a detention facility d. a wilderness camp under government control e. a halfway house under government control f. any penal facility The following individuals are not inmates of a public institution and may be eligible: 1. An individual who is voluntarily living in a public institution after his or her case has been adjudicated and other living arrangements are being made (such as transfer to a community residence). 2. An individual who is sent to a privately supported institution as an alternative to a detention or prison sentence. 3. Infants living with the inmate in the public institution. 4. Parolees. 5. Probationers. 6. Individuals living in a halfway house that is not under governmental control. 26 DE Reg. 212 (09/01/22) 14300 Citizenship and Alienage Medicaid must be provided to eligible citizens or nationals of the United States. An individual qualifies as a U.S. citizen if the person was born in the 50 states and District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Northern Mariana Islands. Nationals from American Samoa or Swain's Island are regarded as U.S. citizens for purposes of Medicaid eligibility. Children of a U.S. citizen who are born outside the U.S. may automatically be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193) enacted on August 22, 1996, significantly changed Medicaid eligibility for individuals who are not citizens of the U. S. The legislation revised the categories of noncitizens who may be determined eligible for Medicaid. The legislation identifies noncitizens as qualified aliens or nonqualified aliens. Medicaid eligibility for aliens is based on whether the alien is a qualified or nonqualified alien. The term nonqualified alien also includes illegal aliens. All applicants, whether citizens or aliens, must meet the technical and financial eligibility criteria of a specific eligibility group such as SSI related group, AFDC related group, or poverty level related group. Not every alien, qualified or nonqualified, will be eligible for Medicaid or emergency services and labor and delivery only. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14 DE Reg. 1361 (06/01/11) 14310 Qualified Aliens A qualified alien is: a) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). b) A refugee who is admitted to the United States under §207 of the INA. c) An alien who is granted asylum under §208 of the INA. d) An alien whose deportation is being withheld under §243(h) of the INA or §241(b)(3) of the INA. e) An alien who is paroled into the United States under §212(d)(5) of the INA for a period of at least 1 year. f) An alien granted conditional entry pursuant to §203(a)(7) of the INA as in effect before April 1, 1980. g) Honorably discharged veterans and aliens on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and the spouse or unmarried dependent children of a veteran or active duty serviceman. The discharge must not be due to alien status and the active duty status must not be for training. For example, the 2 weeks of active duty training usually required of members of the National Guard does not meet the definition of active duty. Hmong and other Highland Lao veterans who fought on behalf of the Armed Forces of the U.S. during the Vietnam conflict and who have lawfully been admitted for permanent residence are considered veterans. h) An alien granted status as a Cuban and Haitian entrant (as defined in Section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980).
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 10 i) An alien admitted to the U.S. as an Amerasian immigrant pursuant to Section 584 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988. j) Aliens who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty and who meet certain criteria, including an alien whose child has been battered or an alien child whose parent has been battered. k) An American Indian born in Canada who is at least one-half American Indian blood and to whom the provisions of §289 of the INA apply or who is a member of an Indian tribe under section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. l) Victims of trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 including certain family members of victims of a severe form of trafficking. m) Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants under The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010. These immigrants are treated in the same manner as refugees. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14310.1 Five Year Bar Unless specifically exempt, qualified aliens who enter the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, are subject to a five-year bar from Medicaid. While subject to the five-year bar from full Medicaid, a qualified alien may be eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14310.2 Aliens Exempt from Five Year Bar The following qualified aliens are exempt from the five-year bar: · Refugees (§207 of INA) · Asylees (§208 of INA) · Aliens who have had deportation withheld under §243(h) or §241(b)(3) of the · INA · Honorably discharged veterans and aliens on active duty in the U.S. armed forces · and the spouse or unmarried dependent children of a veteran or active duty serviceman. · Cuban and Haitian entrants · Amerasians · An American Indian born in Canada, Mexico or who is a member of an Indian · tribe under section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act · Victims of trafficking · Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants · Legal permanent residents (LPR) who first entered the U.S. under an exempt · category (such as refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant) and later converted to LPR In addition, title IV-E Foster Children and Adoption Assistance children may be found eligible for Medicaid regardless of the date of entry provided the foster or adoptive parent of the child is also a qualified alien or a citizen. The IV-E agency is responsible for making that determination about the parent. If a IV-E payment is being made on behalf of the child, then the child is deemed eligible for Medicaid. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14310.3 Date of Entry before August 22, 1996 An alien who entered the U.S. before August 22, 1996, and obtained qualified alien status before that date, may be found eligible for full Medicaid benefits. An alien who entered the U.S. before August 22, 1996, but obtained qualified alien status on or after that date, is not subject to the five-year bar provided the alien remained continuously present in the U.S. from the latest date of entry prior
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 11 to August 22, 1996, until becoming a qualified alien. This also applies to aliens who entered the U.S without proper documentation or those who overstayed their visa. Any single absence from the U.S. of more than 30 days, or a total aggregate of absences of more than 90 days, is considered to interrupt continuous presence. For most legal entrants, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) maintains a record of arrivals to and departures from the U.S. Verification of continuous presence may be obtained by filing Form G-845 and Form G-845-Supplement with the USCIS. For some legal entrants, such as Canadian and Mexican border crossers, and for illegal entrants, the USCIS does not maintain an arrival and departure record. These aliens must provide proof of continuous presence, such as tax returns, employment records, or rent receipts. Once an immigrant has obtained qualified alien status, he or she does not have to remain continuously present in the U.S. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14310.4 Date of Entry on or after August 22, 1996 An alien who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, is not eligible for full Medicaid benefits for five years. The alien may be eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only. The five-year bar begins on the date the immigrant obtains qualified alien status. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14320 Legally Residing Nonqualified Aliens These are aliens who do not meet the definition of a qualified alien. Individuals formerly known as PRUCOL are now considered nonqualified aliens. Nonqualified aliens have to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) if one is available, or apply for a SSN if the applicant does not have one. Legally residing nonqualified aliens include the following: 1. A citizen of a Compact of Free Association State (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) who has been admitted to the U.S. as a non-immigrant and is permitted by the Department of Homeland Security to reside permanently or indefinitely in the U.S. 2. An individual described in 8 CFR section 103.12(a)(4) who does not have a permanent residence in the country of their nationality and is in a status that permits the individual to remain in the U.S. for an indefinite period of time, pending adjustment of status. These individuals include: a) an individual currently in temporary resident status as an Amnesty beneficiary pursuant to section 210 or 245A of the INA b) an individual currently under Temporary Protected Status pursuant to section 244 of the INA and pending applicants for Temporary Protected Status who have been granted employment authorization c) a family unity beneficiary pursuant to section 301 of Public Law 101-649 as amended by, as well as pursuant to, section 1504 of Public Law 106-554 d) an individual currently under Deferred Departure pursuant to a decision made by the President e) an individual who is the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen whose visa petition has been approved and who has a pending application for adjustment of status. 3. An individual in non-immigrant classifications under the INA who is permitted to remain in the U.S. for an indefinite period, including the following as specified in section 101(a)(15) of the INA: a) a parent or child of an individual with special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27) of the INA, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(N) of the INA b) a fiancé of a citizen, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(K) of the INA c) a religious worker under section 101(a)(15)(R) d) an individual assisting the Department of Justice in a criminal investigation, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the INA e) a battered alien under section 101(a)(15)(U)(see also section 431 as amended by PRWORA)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 12 f) an individual with a petition pending for 3 years or more, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(V) of the INA 4. An alien in nonimmigrant status who has not violated the terms of the status under which he or she was admitted or to which he or she has changed after admission. 5. An alien who has been paroled into the U.S. pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the INA for less than one year, except for an alien paroled for prosecution, for deferred inspection or pending removal proceedings. 6. Aliens who have been granted employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9), (10), (16), (18), (20), (22), or (24). 7. Aliens currently in deferred action status. 8. A pending applicant for asylum under section 208(a) of the INA or for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or under the Convention Against Torture who has been granted employment authorization, and such an applicant under the age of 14 who has had an application pending for at least 180 days. 9. An alien who has been granted withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture. 10. A child who has a pending application for Special Immigrant Juvenile status as described in section 101(a)(27)(J) of the INA. 11. An alien who is lawfully present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under 48 U.S.C. § 1806(e). 12. An alien who is lawfully present in American Samoa under the immigration laws of American Samoa. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14 DE Reg. 654 (01/01/11) 14320.1 Medicaid Eligibility for Legally Residing Nonqualified Aliens Legally residing nonqualified aliens may be eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only. Legally residing nonqualified aliens are not eligible for any long term care Medicaid program. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14330 Illegally Residing Nonqualified Aliens The term nonqualified aliens also includes aliens who are illegally residing in the U.S. These aliens were never legally admitted to the U.S. for any period of time or were admitted for a limited period of time and did not leave the U.S. when the period of time expired. Aliens who are illegally residing in the U.S. do not have to provide a SSN. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14330.1 Medicaid Eligibility for Illegally Residing Nonqualified Aliens Illegally residing nonqualified aliens may be eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only. Illegally residing nonqualified aliens are not eligible for any long term care Medicaid program. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14340 Ineligible Aliens [Repealed, effective October 11, 2019.] 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19) 14340.1 Medicaid Eligibility for Certain Ineligible Aliens [Repealed, effective October 11, 2019.] 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 23 DE Reg. 303 (10/01/19)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 13 14350 Legal Immigrant Pregnant Women and Children under age 21 Section 214 of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) authorizes coverage under Medicaid or CHIP for certain alien pregnant women and children who are lawfully residing in the United States and are otherwise eligible. Delaware will cover these certain alien pregnant women under Medicaid and will cover these certain alien children under Medicaid or CHIP. Eligibility under this section will be implemented with the earliest effective date of July 1, 2010. Children who are in one of the legal alien groups must have their immigration status verified at each annual redetermination. The documentation provided for the initial application may be used. The alien groups who may be determined eligible under this section are: 1. An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the INA, who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, and is subject to the five-year bar under PRWORA. 2. An alien who is paroled into the United States under §212(d)(5) of the INA for a period of at least 1 year who, entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, and is subject to the five-year bar under PRWORA. 3. An alien granted conditional entry pursuant to §203(a)(7) of the INA as in effect before April 1, 1980, who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, and is subject to the five-year bar under PRWORA. 4. A citizen of a Compact of Free Association State (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) who has been admitted to the U.S. as a non-immigrant and is permitted by the Department of Homeland Security to reside permanently or indefinitely in the U.S. 5. An individual described in 8 CFR section 103.12(a)(4) who does not have a permanent residence in the country of their nationality and is in a status that permits the individual to remain in the U.S. for an indefinite period of time, pending adjustment of status. These individuals include: a) an individual currently in temporary resident status as an Amnesty beneficiary pursuant to section 210 or 245A of the INA b) an individual currently under Temporary Protected Status pursuant to section 244 of the INA and pending applicants for Temporary Protected Status who have been granted employment authorization c) a family unity beneficiary pursuant to section 301 of Public Law 101-649 as amended by, as well as pursuant to, section 1504 of Public Law 106-554 d) an individual currently under Deferred Departure pursuant to a decision made by the President e) an individual who is the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen whose visa petition has been approved and who has a pending application for adjustment of status. 6. An individual in non-immigrant classifications under the INA who is permitted to remain in the U.S. for an indefinite period, including the following as specified in section 101(a)(15) of the INA: a) a parent or child of an individual with special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27) of the INA, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(N) of the INA b) a fiance´ of a citizen, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(K) of the INA c) a religious worker under section 101(a)(15)(R) d) an individual assisting the Department of Justice in a criminal investigation, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the INA e) a battered alien under section 101(a)(15)(U)(see also section 431 as amended by PRWORA) f) an individual with a petition pending for 3 years or more, as permitted under section 101(a)(15)(V) of the INA 7. An alien in nonimmigrant status who has not violated the terms of the status under which he or she was admitted or to which he or she has changed after admission. 8. An alien who has been paroled into the U.S. pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the INA for less than one year, except for an alien paroled for prosecution, for deferred inspection or pending removal proceedings. 9. Aliens who have been granted employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9), (10), (16), (18), (20), (22), or (24). 10. Aliens currently in deferred action status.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 14 11. A pending applicant for asylum under section 208(a) of the INA or for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or under the Convention Against Torture who has been granted employment authorization, and such an applicant under the age of 14 who has had an application pending for at least 180 days. 12. An alien who has been granted withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture. 13. A child who has a pending application for Special Immigrant Juvenile status as described in section 101(a)(27)(J) of the INA. 14. An alien who is lawfully present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under 48 U.S.C. § 1806(e). 15. An alien who is lawfully present in American Samoa under the immigration laws of American Samoa. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14 DE Reg. 654 (01/01/11) 14360 State Funded Benefits In State Fiscal Year 1998, (SFY 98), the Delaware legislature appropriated state only funds to provide coverage of full Medicaid benefits to certain legally residing noncitizens who are ineligible for full Medicaid benefits because of PRWORA. This did not include long term care services. Coverage for these aliens was subject to the availability of state funding. Effective July 1, 2011, state funded benefits are no longer available for these certain legally residing noncitizens. These aliens may be found eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14 DE Reg. 1361 (06/01/11) 14370 Coverage of Emergency Services and Labor and Delivery Only Emergency services must be rendered in an acute care hospital emergency room or in an acute care inpatient hospital. Labor and delivery only services must be rendered in an acute care hospital emergency room, an acute care inpatient hospital, or a birthing center. The DMAP defines an emergency as: · a sudden serious medical situation that is life threatening; or · a severe acute illness or accidental injury that demands immediate medical attention or surgical attention; and · without the treatment a person's life could be threatened or he or she could suffer serious long lasting disability. Medically necessary physician (surgeon, pathologist, anesthesiologist, emergency room physician, internist, etc.) or midwife services rendered during an emergency service that meets the above criteria are covered. Ancillary services (lab, x-ray, pharmacy, etc.) rendered during an emergency service that meets the above criteria are also covered. Emergency ambulance services to transport these individuals to and from the services defined above are also covered. Services not covered for aliens who are determined to be eligible for emergency services and labor and delivery only include but are not limited to: · any service delivered in a setting other than an acute care hospital emergency room or an acute care inpatient hospital. Exception: labor and delivery services may be rendered in a birthing center. · any service (such as pharmacy, transportation, office visit, lab or x-ray, home health) that precedes or is subsequent to a covered emergency service. Exception: ambulance transportation that is directly related to the emergency is covered. · organ transplants · long term care or rehabilitation care · routine prenatal and post partum care 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 15 DE Reg. 1023 (01/01/12)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 15 14380 Declaration of U.S. Citizenship and Satisfactory Immigration Status As a condition of eligibility under section 1137(d) of the Act, an applicant must sign a written declaration under penalty of perjury stating if he or she is a citizen or national of the U.S. or an alien in satisfactory immigration status (qualified alien or alien in lawful status). This declaration is obtained as part of the application for Medicaid. In the case of a child or incompetent applicant, an adult must sign on the applicant's behalf. If the applicant is not a citizen or national of the United States, qualified alien, or an alien in lawful status, the declaration of citizenship or satisfactory immigration status and verification of such status is not required. If the applicant will not sign the declaration, he or she may be found eligible for coverage of emergency services and labor and delivery only. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14390 Documentation of Citizenship and Identity or Alien Status Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and identity, qualified alien status, or lawful alien status. Exception: The following groups of individuals are not required to provide documentation of citizenship and identity: a) Individuals receiving SSI b) Individuals entitled to or enrolled in any part of Medicare c) Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits d) Individuals who are recipients of foster care maintenance or adoption assistance payments under Title IV-E of the Act e) Individuals who are in foster care and who are assisted under Title IV-B of the Act f) Deemed newborns – a child born in the U.S. to a woman who was eligible for and receiving Medicaid (including coverage of an alien for labor and delivery as emergency medical services) on the date of the child’s birth. This includes a retroactive determination of eligibility. If the applicant will not provide evidence of alien status and does not allege qualified or lawful alien status, the applicant may be eligible for coverage of emergency services and labor and delivery only. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14390.1 Reasonable Opportunity to Provide Documentation of Citizenship and Identity or Alien Status An applicant shall have a reasonable opportunity period of 90 days to obtain and provide proof of citizenship and identity, qualified alien status, or lawful alien status. The reasonable opportunity period begins on the date a written request for documentation is issued to the applicant. Medicaid shall be approved to otherwise eligible applicants during the reasonable opportunity period. If the individual has not provided satisfactory documentation by the end of the reasonable opportunity period, eligibility will be terminated. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14400 Acceptable Evidence of U. S. Citizenship and Identity Both citizenship AND identity can be verified by the Social Security Administration through the State Verification Exchange System (SVES). If verification cannot be obtained through SVES, verification of citizenship and identity must be obtained from original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. Once documentation of citizenship and identity has been provided, it is not necessary to obtain documentation again. The list below provides acceptable documentation for verifying citizenship and identity. There are four levels of verification listed in order of preference. If a higher level document is not available, a lower level may be used. A. First level documentation of both citizenship AND identity 1. A U.S. passport. A U.S. passport does not have to be currently valid to be accepted as evidence of U.S. citizenship, as long as it was originally issued without limitation. Do not accept any passport as evidence of U.S. citizenship when it was issued with a limitation. However, such a passport may be used as proof of identity. Note: Spouses and
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 16 children were sometimes included on one passport through 1980. The citizenship and identity of the included person can be established when one of these passports is presented. U.S. passports issued after 1980 show only one person. 2. A Certificate of Naturalization (DHS Forms N–550 or N–570) 3. A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (DHS Forms N–560 or N–561) B. Second level documentation of citizenship 1. A U.S. public birth certificate showing birth in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico (if born on or after January 13, 1941), Guam (on or after April 10, 1899), the Virgin Islands of the U.S. (on or after January 17, 1917), American Samoa, Swain's Island, or the Northern Mariana Islands (after November 4, 1986 (NMI local time)). 2. A Certification of Report of Birth (DS–1350) 3. A Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS–240) 4. A Certification of birth issued by the Department of State (Form FS–545) 5. A U.S. Citizen I.D. card (I-197 or I-179) 6. A Northern Mariana Identification Card (I–873) 7. An American Indian Card (I–872) 8. A final adoption decree showing the child's name and U.S. place of birth. In situations where an adoption is not finalized and the State in which the child was born will not release a birth certificate prior to final adoption, a statement from a State approved adoption agency that shows the child's name and U.S. place of birth is acceptable. The adoption agency must state in the certification that the source of the place of birth information is an original birth certificate. 9. Evidence of U.S. Civil Service employment before June 1, 1976 10. U.S. Military Record showing a U.S. place of birth. (DD–214 or similar official document showing a U.S. place of birth) 11. A data verification with the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program for naturalized citizens. 12. Child Citizenship Act - Obtain documentary evidence that verifies that at any time on or after February 27, 2001, the following conditions have been met: (i) at least one parent of the child is a U.S. citizen by either birth or naturalization and this has been verified; (ii) the child is under the age of 18; (iii) the child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent; (iv) the child was admitted to the U.S. for lawful permanent residence and this has been verified; and (v) if adopted, the child satisfies the requirements of section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1) pertaining to international adoptions (admission for lawful permanent residence as IR– 3 or IR–4). C. Third level documentation of citizenship 1. Extract of a hospital record on hospital letterhead established at the time of the person's birth that was created 5 years before the initial application date and that indicates a U.S. place of birth. For children under age 16, the document must have been created near the time of birth or 5 years before the date of application. Do not accept a souvenir “birth certificate” issued by the hospital. 2. Life, health, or other insurance record showing a U.S. place of birth that was created at least 5 years before the initial application date and that indicates a U.S. place of birth. For children under age 16, the document must have been created near the time of birth or 5 years before the date of application. Life or health insurance records may show biographical information for the person including place of birth and can be used to establish U.S. citizenship when it shows a U.S. place of birth. 3. Religious record recorded in the U.S. within 3 months of birth showing the birth occurred in the U.S. and showing either the date of the birth or the individual's age at the time the record was made. The record must be an official record recorded with the religious organization. 4. Early school record showing a U.S. place of birth. The school record must show the name of the child, the date of admission to the school, the date of birth, a U.S. place of birth, and the name(s) and place(s) of birth of the applicant's parents. D. Fourth level documentation of citizenship
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 17 1. Federal or State census record showing U.S. citizenship or a U.S. place of birth. Census records from 1900 through 1950 contain certain citizenship information. The census record must also show the applicant's age. 2. One of the documents listed that shows a U.S. place of birth and was created at least 5 years before the application for Medicaid. For children under age 16, the document must have been created near the time of birth or 5 years before the date of application. This document must be one of the following and show a U.S. place of birth: a) Seneca Indian tribal census record. b) Bureau of Indian Affairs tribal census records of the Navajo Indians. c) U.S. State Vital Statistics official notification of birth registration. d) A delayed U.S. public birth record that is recorded more than 5 years after the person's birth. e) Statement signed by the physician or midwife who was in attendance at the time of birth f) The Roll of Alaska Natives maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 3. Institutional admission papers from a nursing facility, skilled care facility, or other institution created at least 5 years before the initial application date that indicates a U.S. place of birth. Admission papers generally show biographical information for the person including place of birth. The record can be used to establish U.S. citizenship when it shows a U.S. place of birth. 4. Medical (clinic, doctor, or hospital) record created at least 5 years before the initial application date that indicates a U.S. place of birth. For children under age 16, the document must have been created near the time of birth or 5 years before the date of application. Medical records generally show biographical information for the person including place of birth. The record can be used to establish U.S. citizenship when it shows a U.S. place of birth. (Note: An immunization record is not considered a medical record for purposes of establishing U.S. citizenship.) 5. Written affidavit. Affidavits should only be used in rare circumstances. If the documentation requirement needs to be met through affidavits, the following rules apply: a) There must be at least two affidavits by two individuals who have personal knowledge of the event(s) establishing the applicant's or recipient's claim of citizenship. b) At least one of the individuals making the affidavit cannot be related to the applicant or recipient. Neither of the two individuals can be the applicant or recipient. c) The persons making the affidavits must be able to provide proof of their own citizenship and identity. d) If the individual making the affidavit has information which explains why documentary evidence establishing the applicant's claim of citizenship does not exist or cannot be readily obtained, the affidavit should contain this information as well. e) The applicant or representative must make a separate affidavit explaining why the evidence does not exist or cannot be obtained. f) The affidavits must be signed under penalty of perjury and need not be notarized. E. Documentation of identity. 1. Identity documents described in 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(1). Exception: Do not accept a voter's registration card or Canadian driver's license as listed in 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(1). a) Driver's license issued by a State or Territory either with a photograph of the individual or other identifying information of the individual such as name, age, sex, race, height, weight, or eye color. b) School identification card with a photograph of the individual. c) U.S. military card or draft record. d) Identification card issued by the Federal, State, or local government with the same information included on drivers' licenses. e) Military dependent's identification card. f) Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or other American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal document with a photograph or other personal identifying information relating to the individual such as age, weight, height, race, sex, and eye color. g) U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card. 2. A cross match with Office of Vital Statistics.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 18 3. Three or more documents that together reasonably corroborate the identity of an individual provided such documents have not been used to establish the individual's citizenship and the individual submitted second or third level evidence of citizenship. Such documents must at a minimum contain the individual's name, plus any additional information establishing the individual's identity. All documents used must contain consistent identifying information. These documents include employer identification cards, high school and college diplomas from accredited institutions (including general education and high school equivalency diplomas), marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and property deeds/titles. F. Special identity rules for children For children under age 16, a clinic, doctor, hospital, or school record may be accepted. School records include nursery or daycare records and report cards if verified with the issuing school. If none of the above documents in the preceding groups are available, an affidavit may be used. An affidavit is only acceptable if it is signed under penalty of perjury by a parent, guardian, or caretaker relative stating the date and place of the birth of the child and cannot be used if an affidavit for citizenship was provided. The affidavit is not required to be notarized. An affidavit for children under age 18 may be accepted when a school ID card or driver’s license is not available. G. Special identity rules for individuals with disabilities in institutional care facilities An affidavit signed under penalty of perjury by a residential care facility director or administrator on behalf of an institutionalized individual in the facility. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14410 Acceptable Evidence of Qualified Alien Status Documentation of alien status is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security. Older documents were issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Acceptable documentation of qualified alien status is listed below. The card should show the date of admission or date of entry into the United States. A. Lawful Permanent Residents Form I-551, or for recent arrivals, a temporary I-551 stamp in a foreign passport or on Form I-94. NOTE: USCIS has replaced Forms I-151, AR-3 and AR-3a. If a lawful permanent resident presents one of these old forms as evidence of status, contact USCIS using a G-845S and attach the old card. B. Refugees Form I-94 annotated with stamp showing entry as refugee under §207 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) and date of entry to the United States; Form I-688B annotated 274a.2(a)(3); I-766 annotated A3; or Form I-571. Refugees usually adjust to Lawful Permanent Resident status after 12 months in the U.S. However, for purposes of eligibility, the individual is still considered a refugee and it is important to check the coding on Form I-551 for codes RE-6, RE-7, RE-8, or RE-9. C. Asylees Form I-94 annotated with stamp showing grant of asylum under §208 of the INA; a grant letter from the Asylum Office of the USCIS; Form I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(5); I-766 annotated A5; or an order of an Immigration Judge granting asylum. If the applicant provides a court order contact USCIS using a G-845S and attach a copy of the court order. D. Alien who has had deportation withheld under §243(h) of the INA Order of an Immigration Judge showing deportation withheld under §243(h) or §241(b)(3) and date of the grant; Form I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(10); or I-766 annotated A10. If applicant provides a court order contact USCIS using G-845S and attach copy of court order. E. Parolees Form I-94 annotated with stamp showing grant of parole under §212(d)(5) of the INA and a date showing granting of parole for at least 1 year. Form I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(4) or 274a.12(c)(11) or I-766 annotated A4 or C11 indicates status as a parolee but does not reflect the length of the parole period. F. Conditional Entrant Form I-94 annotated with stamp showing admission under §203(a)(7) of the INA, refugee-conditional entry; Forms I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(3); or I-766 annotated A-3.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 19 G. Evidence of Honorable Discharge or Active Duty Status Discharge - a copy of the veteran's discharge papers issued by the branch of service in which the applicant was a member. (Department of Defense Form 214) Active Duty Military - a copy of the applicant's current orders showing the individual is on full-time duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard or an active military identification card, DD Form 2. Full time National Guard duty is excluded. H. Cuban and Haitian entrants I-551 annotated CH6, CNP, CU6, CU7; I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(4); I-94 annotated 212(d)(5) I. Amerasian I-94 annotated AM1, AM2, AM3; I-551 annotated AM1, AM2, AM3. J. Battered Immigrant In order to be a qualified alien based on battery or extreme cruelty, the alien must meet the following requirements: 1. the alien must not now be residing in the same household as the individual responsible for the battery or extreme cruelty 2. the alien or the alien’s child has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the U.S. by a spouse or parent of the alien, or by a member of the spouse’s or parent’s family residing in the same household as the alien, but only if the spouse or parent consents to or acquiesces in such battery or cruelty and, in the case of a battered child, the alien did not actively participate in the battery or cruelty 3. there is substantial connection between the battery or extreme cruelty and the need for the public benefit sought. There is a substantial connection under any one or more of the following circumstances: a) Where the benefits are needed to enable the alien and/or the alien’s child to become self-sufficient following separation from the abuser; b) Where the benefits are needed to enable the alien and/or the alien’s child to escape the abuser and/or the community in which the abuser lives, or to ensure the safety of the alien and/or his or her child from the abuser; c) Where the benefits are needed due to a loss of financial support resulting from the alien’s and/or his or her child’s separation from the abuser; d) Where the benefits are needed because the battery or cruelty, separation from the abuser, or work absence or lower job performance resulting from the battery or extreme cruelty or from legal proceedings relating to the battery or cruelty (such as child support or child custody disputes) cause the alien and/or the alien’s child to lose his or her job or require the alien and/or the alien’s child to leave his or her job for safety reasons; e) Where the benefits are needed because the alien or his or her child requires medical attention or mental health counseling, or has become disabled, as a result of the battery or cruelty; f) Where the benefits are needed because the loss of a dwelling or source of income or fear of the abuser following separation from the abuser jeopardizes the alien’s ability to care for his or her children (e.g. inability to house, feed, or clothe children or to put children into day care for fear of being found by the batterer); g) Where the benefits are needed to alleviate nutritional risk or need resulting from the abuse or following separation from the abuser; h) Where the benefits are needed to provide medical care during an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the abuser’s sexual assault or abuse of or relationship with the alien or his or her child; and/or to care for any resulting children; or i) where medical coverage and/or health care services are needed to replace medical coverage or health care services the applicant or child had when living with the abuser. 4. the alien or alien’s child must have a petition approved by or pending with USCIS under one of several subsections of the INA that sets forth a prima facie case for the status. K. American Indian born in Canada or Mexico under section 289 of the INA or member of Indian tribe under section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20 Form I-551 with the code S13; unexpired temporary I-551 stamp with code S13 in a Canadian passport or on Form I-94; satisfactory evidence of birth in Canada and a document that indicates the percentage of American Indian blood in the form of a birth certificate issued by the Canadian reservation or a record issued by the tribe; a membership card or other tribal document showing membership in the tribe that is on the list of recognized Indian tribes published annually by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Federal Register. L. Victims of Trafficking Form I-797 indicating Class T-1 Visa, T-2 (spouse), T-3 (child), T-4 (parent) or T-5 (unmarried sibling under age 18); letter of certification from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Call the trafficking verification line at (202) 401-5510 to confirm the validity of the certification letter or similar letter for children and to notify ORR of the benefits for which the individual has applied. M. Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants Iraqi passport with an immigrant visa stamp SI1, SI2 (spouse), SI3 (unmarried child under age 21); an immigrant visa stamp SQ1, SQ2 (spouse), SQ3 (unmarried child under age 21); I-551 showing Iraqi nationality (or an Iraqi passport) with code S16 or SQ6, code S17 or SQ7 (spouse), code S19 or SQ9 (unmarried child under age 21). 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14420 Verification of Alien Status The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) is a program established by USCIS that provides a process to verify the immigration status of aliens who apply for benefits. The documents provided by an alien applicant as verification of immigration status must be authenticated by using SAVE. Staff will institute primary verification to USCIS through the form "Record of Contact with ASVI Data Base" (SAVE-1). ASVI is the acronym for Alien Status Verification Index. A clear copy of the immigration document must be attached to the SAVE-1 form. If the response verifies alien status, the eligibility determination is completed using the information provided by USCIS. If the response states institute secondary verification, staff will complete Form G-845 and attach a copy of the immigration document. An alien registration number is required for both primary and secondary verifications. If the applicant provides an alien registration number but does not have the immigration document, complete Form G-845 including the alien registration number. If an applicant provides a receipt indicating that he or she has applied to USCIS for a replacement document, complete Form G-845 and attach a copy of the receipt. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 14500 Criteria Affecting Specific Groups Certain eligibility groups have requirements that include age, household composition/filing unit, and medical eligibility/ disability. 14510 Age Some eligibility groups have certain age requirements. Refer to specific eligibility group for information specific to that program. 14520 Household Composition/Filing Unit Generally, related applicants, their needs, income and resources are grouped together when a family applies for Medicaid. The requirements are specific to each eligibility group. 14530 Medical Eligibility/Disability Certain eligibility groups require a medical professional to certify that an applicant meets the specific program definition of medical need or disability. Examples are: · pregnant women must have proof of pregnancy
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 21 · children with a disability must meet disability and level of care requirements · long term care applicants must meet level of care requirements 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 14540 Estate Recovery Protections Effective with dates of service on or after January 1, 2010, medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing is protected from estate recovery for certain categories of individuals who, collectively, are known as dual eligibles. The following categories of individuals are protected from estate recovery of Medicare cost-sharing: a) Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries b) Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries c) Qualifying Individuals d) Qualified and Disabled Working Individuals e) Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries with full Medicaid f) Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries with full Medicaid Medicare cost-sharing includes payments of Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The date of service for premiums is the date DMMA paid the premium. The date of service for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments is the date the request for payment is received by DMMA. The protection from estate recovery for Medicare cost sharing applies to mandatory and optional services under the State plan including nursing facility, home and community-based services, and related prescription drugs and hospital services. 15 DE Reg. 84 (07/01/11) 14600 Third-Party Liability Some Medicaid recipients are covered by other medical insurance plans. Examples of other resources are Medicare, employment related health insurance, Union Health & Welfare Funds, national Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, Military Health Insurance For Active Duty, Retired Military, and their dependents, workmen's compensation, and no-fault automobile coverage. When a recipient receives payment from an insurance carrier, court settlement, etc. for any medical services paid by Medicaid, the recipient is obligated to reimburse the program for those related services. All such cases must be referred to the Third Party Liability Unit at the Medicaid State Office. 14610 Assignment Of Rights To Benefits As a condition of eligibility, each legally able applicant and recipient must: A. assign his or her rights and the rights of any other eligible individuals for whom the individual has the legal authority under State laws to assign such rights, to medical support or other third party payments to the agency. (for example, a parent assigns the rights of a child); B. cooperate in establishing paternity and obtaining medical support unless there is a finding of good cause (pregnant and post partum women do not have to meet this requirement); and C. cooperate, absent good cause, in identifying and providing information needed to pursue third parties who may be liable to pay for medical services covered by Medicaid. 14620 Rights Assigned The applicant or recipient must make a written assignment assigning his or her rights to any medical support available under an order of a court or an administrative agency. He or she must also assign to Medicaid any third party payments for medical care and payments for any other eligible individual for whom he or she has the legal authority under State law to make an assignment.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 22 14630 Cooperation In Establishing Paternity And Obtaining Support The individual is required to cooperate in establishing the paternity of a child born out of wedlock for whom the individual can legally assign rights and in obtaining medical care support and medical care payments for himself/herself, as well as for any other person for whom the individual can legally assign rights. Exception: Pregnant and Post Partum women do not have to cooperate in establishing paternity and obtaining medical support. 14640 Identifying and Providing Third Party Information The individual is required to cooperate in identifying and providing information to assist the state in pursuing any third party which may be liable to pay for care and services available under the state plan. 14650 Good Cause For Noncooperation The requirements for cooperation may be waived if there is a determination of good cause. The determination of whether good cause exists is based on the factors established by the TANF/AFDC child support enforcement program at 45 CFR 232.40 - 232.49. Use similar procedures to make a determination of good cause for individuals other than a child excluding those applicable only to children. 14660 Denial Or Termination Of Eligibility Individuals who fail to meet the assignment provisions including assignment of rights to benefits and cooperation must be denied Medicaid eligibility or have eligibility terminated if already receiving Medicaid. This includes individuals who refuse to assign his or her own rights or those of any other individual for whom he or she can legally make an assignment. Pregnant and postpartum women do not have to cooperate in establishing paternity and obtaining medical support. Medicaid must be provided to any individual who cannot legally assign his or her own rights and is otherwise eligible for Medicaid, when the person who has the legal authority refuses to assign the eligible individual’s rights. For example, if a mother refuses to assign benefits for herself and her children, only the mother becomes ineligible for Medicaid. The children remain eligible. However, if a mother with a newborn refuses to assign rights or to cooperate, both the mother and the newborn are ineligible, since the newborn’s eligibility is dependent upon the mother’s eligibility. An application must be filed on behalf of the newborn to establish eligibility on his or her own behalf as a child. 14670 Payor Of Last Resort Because other insurance is commonly available, the Federal Government as a way of saving taxpayers’ monies, has required by law THAT Medicaid be a payor of last resort. Because Medicaid is a payor of last resort, it is especially important to screen patients for the existence of other health insurance coverage. Keep in mind that other insurance will usually pay more for the incurred charges than Medicaid, hence it is beneficial to always inquire thoroughly. Although the Medicaid Program attempts to collect this information when a recipient becomes eligible, additional efforts in this area at redetermination should not only increase provider's payments, but decrease the expenditures of taxpayers' monies. The usual elements that a financial social worker will need to obtain are: name, address, policy number of the insurance company, as well as the policy holders name, address, Social Security number, employer number and effective dates of coverage. Medicaid will only pay a designated amount (which is usually lower than the amount billed) no matter what the provider charges. This payment has to be accepted in full by the provider and the client cannot be billed for any balance. Providers agree to accept our payment as payment in full when they sign a contract to enroll in the Medicaid Program. Any violations should be referred to the Surveillance and Utilization Review unit. Clients can report loss of coverage or a change in benefit directly to the TPL unit via phone call. This unit also investigates and verifies potential coverage for Medicaid recipients.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 23 14680 Third Party Liability Guide To aid in turning up other possible sources of coverage, the following guide has been prepared. 14700 Assets There are different types of income and resources which are counted and budgeted according to a specific Medicaid program’s criteria. 14710 Income Income is any payment from any source whether in money, goods or services; whether recurring or on a one-time basis. Gross income, net income, disregarded income, excluded income, earned and unearned income are defined in the policy of each specific program. Income eligibility limits vary from program to program. For each Medicaid eligibility group and for the Delaware Healthy Children Program, all wages paid by the U.S. Census Bureau for temporary employment related to Decennial Census activities are excluded in years in which there is a federal census. 12 DE Reg. 1416 (05/01/09) 14720 Resources Resources vary from program to program. See specific program for limits. The term "resources" means things a person owns. It includes real estate and personal property, such as household goods, savings and checking accounts, stocks and bonds, life insurance, and other assets that can be applied to meeting a person's needs for food, clothing, or shelter. 14730 Accepting Other Benefits As a condition of eligibility, applicants/recipients are required to take all necessary steps to obtain any income or resource benefits. Examples are annuities, pensions, retirement, disability and veteran's benefits to which they are entitled. IF YOU FIND: THEN A CASE MEMBER MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR: Any case member is over 65 or blind or disabled Medicare or Medicare Supplemental policies A recipient, absent parent, step- parent, dependent child, new spouse or an absent parent, or anyone else who is legally or voluntarily responsible for a case member is EMPLOYED or a UNION MEMBER Employment related health insurance A case member, spouse of a case member, absent parent, or step- parent is ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY or a VETERAN Military Health Insurance For Active Duty, Retired Military, and their dependents, VA Health coverage Any case member has been in an accident or otherwise accidentally injured: INJURY/TRAUMA/ ACCIDENT Workman’s compensation, homeowners insurance, automobile insurance, liability insurance
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 24 14800 Verifications of Factors of Eligibility Regulatory Statute 42 CFR 435.948 42 CFR 435.949 42 CFR 435.952 42 CFR 435.956 Attestation will be accepted for most factors of eligibility at application, renewal, and for a change in circumstances. Attestation will be accepted by the individual; an adult who is in the applicant’s household; an authorized representative; or if the individual is a minor or incapacitated someone acting responsibly for the individual. Certain factors of eligibility will be verified post-enrollment, post-renewal, and after a redetermination of eligibility due to a change in circumstances. Verification will be obtained electronically using the Federal Data Services Hub (FDSH) and other electronic data sources. The FDSH is a service that enables access to multiple data bases via a single electronic transaction. Data will be available from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Equifax Workforce Solutions (also known as TALX). TALX is a contracted service that verifies earned income as reported by employers. The agency will not be obtaining IRS data. Other electronic data sources include the following: • State Wage Information Collection Agency (SWICA) • State Unemployment Compensation • General Assistance Program • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) • Child Care Subsidy Program • Office of Vital Statistics • Department of Motor Vehicles • Office of Child Support Enforcement • Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS). Attestation will be accepted without post-enrollment verification for the following factors of eligibility: • residency • date of birth • household composition • household relationships • application for other benefits • pregnancy – unless other available information, such as a medical claim, is not reasonably compatible with such attestation. Attestation will be accepted with post-enrollment verification for the following factors of eligibility: • income • Medicare. Attestation will not be accepted and must be verified via the FDSH for the following factors of eligibility: • citizenship and identity • immigration status • Social Security number (SSN). If citizenship and immigration status cannot be verified via the FDSH, the individual will be provided with a 90-day reasonable opportunity period to submit other documentation and may be found eligible during that time period. The reasonable opportunity period will be extended beyond 90 days if the individual is making a good faith effort to obtain the documentation. Verification of SSN will be in accordance with Sections 14105-14105.1. Individuals will not be required to provide additional information or documentation unless the information cannot be obtained electronically or is not reasonably compatible with the attested information. Reasonably compatible means that the information provided by an electronic data source is generally consistent with the information reported by the applicant or beneficiary. Income verification obtained through an electronic data source shall be considered reasonably compatible when: • attestation of income and the electronic verification are at or below the income standard; • attestation of income and the electronic verification are above the income standard; and
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 25 • attestation of income is at or below the income standard and the electronic verification is above the income standard and the difference between the 2 is 25% or less. When the difference between the attestation of income and the electronic verification is more than 25%, a reasonable explanation will be sought from the applicant or beneficiary. A reasonable explanation may include, but is not limited to, a loss of employment or reduced hours of employment. If both the reported income and the data source indicate that the income is below the applicable standard then no additional information is needed. Post-enrollment verification will be completed in accordance with the agency’s verification plan approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Post-enrollment verification of income and Medicare will be completed within 30 days of the date of enrollment. When additional information is needed to complete the eligibility determination, the agency will request such additional information from the individual. The individual will be provided 30 days to respond to the request for additional information. If the additional information requested is not provided, eligibility will be terminated unless the child is in a continuous eligibility period. See Section 14810.2 Continuous Eligibility for Children in Medicaid. Exceptions to the verification requirements will be permitted on a case-by-case basis when documentation does not exist or is not reasonably available, such as for individuals who are homeless or have experienced domestic violence or a natural disaster. The exception does not apply to the verification requirements for citizenship and immigration status. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 26 DE Reg. 590 (01/01/23) 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14810 Continuous Eligibility Continuous eligibility provides coverage for a predetermined period of time, regardless of changes in circumstances, with certain exceptions. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14810.1 Continuous Eligibility for Pregnant Women 42 CFR 435.116 42 CFR 435.170 Once a pregnant woman is determined eligible, she remains eligible throughout the pregnancy and the postpartum period regardless of changes in circumstances or eligibility category she is currently enrolled in. Refer to DSSM 15200 for full details around Continuous Eligibility for Pregnant Women. 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14810.2 Continuous Eligibility for Children Enrolled in Medicaid 42 CFR 435.926 Effective January 1, 2024, all children under the age of 19 who are enrolled in Medicaid under any eligibility program shall have 12 months of continuous eligibility. The continuous eligibility period begins: • For applicants on the date of the individual's eligibility. • Following an annual renewal, on the effective date of the individual's renewal, which begins a new eligibility period. A child's eligibility may not be terminated during a continuous eligibility period, regardless of any change in circumstances, unless: (1) The child attains age 19, unless the child is in a 12-month postpartum period; (2) The child or child's representative requests a voluntary termination of eligibility; (3) The child ceases to be a resident of the State; (4) The agency determines that eligibility was erroneously granted at the most recent determination, or renewal of eligibility because of agency error or fraud, abuse, or perjury attributed to the child or the child's representative; or (5) The child dies.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 26 Children who have been determined eligible based on self-attested information are entitled to the 12-month continuous eligibility period. Coverage may not be terminated for such children during a continuously eligible period if, in conducting post-enrollment verification, the state obtains information that indicates that the child does not meet all the eligibility requirements unless the information indicates that one of the limited exceptions to continuous eligibility above applies. If the self-attested information indicates that the child is eligible, the state is not considered to have made an erroneous determination, even if there is an inconsistency between the attested information and information subsequently obtained from family or electronic data sources after enrollment. The receipt of information is considered a change in circumstance. See Section 14800 Verifications of Factors of Eligibility. Children whose citizenship or satisfactory immigration status is not verified have not been determined eligible. Continuous Eligibility does not apply to children who are receiving benefits under a reasonable opportunity to provide (ROP) period if the child's status cannot be verified. See Section 14390.1 Reasonable Opportunity to Provide Documentation of Citizenship and Identity or Alien Status. 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14820 Changes in Circumstances At the time of application and renewal, individuals will be informed that they are responsible for notifying the agency about changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility. Changes may be reported via the ASSIST Self Service website, by telephone, via mail, in person, and through other commonly available electronic means. Eligibility will be redetermined promptly between regularly scheduled renewals when information about a change in circumstance may affect eligibility unless the member is in a continuous eligibility period. See Section 14810.1 How Changes in Circumstances affect Continuous Eligibility. If the agency has information about anticipated changes in a beneficiary’s circumstances that may affect their eligibility, the agency will redetermine eligibility at the appropriate time based on such changes. Failure to report changes that may affect eligibility may result in an overpayment being filed or legal action taken to recover funds expended during periods of ineligibility. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14820.1 How Changes in Circumstances affect Continuous Eligibility When a beneficiary is in a continuous eligibility period, coverage may not be terminated due to a change in circumstance, reported by the family or detected through a data match, prior to the regularly scheduled renewal, unless the change of circumstance is an allowable exception. See Section 14810 Continuous Eligibility. 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 14830 State To State Transfer Of Medicaid Eligibility Medicaid benefits do not automatically transfer when a Medicaid client moves from one state to another. The Medicaid client must cancel Medicaid in one state and call the new state to establish coverage. In the case of an individual who has moved to Delaware from another State, the individual is no longer a resident of the first State. The individual is ineligible in that State. However, the case may not be closed yet due to administrative process. We must not wait for the case to be closed in the old State of residence in order to open the Medicaid case here in Delaware (the new State of residence) provided the individual has been found eligible here. The fact that a case is open in another State is not sufficient reason to deny or delay an eligibility decision if the individual has established Delaware residency and is otherwise eligible. 14840 Confidentiality Section 1902(a)(7) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR Subpart F require Medicaid agencies to provide safeguards that restrict the use or disclosure of information about applicants and recipients to purposes directly connected with the administration of the Medicaid Program.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 27 Purposes directly related to administration of the Medicaid Program include establishing eligibility, providing services for recipients, determining the amount of medical assistance, and conducting or assisting an investigation, prosecution, or civil or criminal proceeding related to the administration of the program. At a minimum, the types of information about applicants and recipients that must be safeguarded and not released without consent include: a. Names and addresses; b. Medical services provided; c. Social and economic conditions or circumstances; d. Agency evaluation of personal information; e. Medical data, including diagnosis and past history of disease or disability; f. Information received for verifying income eligibility and amount of medical assistance payments; and g. Information about third party liability. See Administrative Notice: A-14-98 Subpoenas for Public Assistance Records 14840.1Release Of Information To Medicaid Providers Medicaid providers have a contractual obligation to safeguard information about Medicaid recipients. Providers may have access to certain eligibility information if they can provide: · a Medicaid identification number (MCI) or · two of the following identifying factors: individual's full name, date of birth, Social Security number; AND the date of service. Providers who supply the above identifying factors may be given the following information: a. correct spelling of the recipient's name; b. MCI number; c. date of birth; d. an indication whether the individual is eligible for the date of service given or for a range of dates given. Providers may not be given all periods of eligibility; e. third party liability information including policy number and type of coverage (for Medicare, only a yes/no indicator for Parts A and B may be provided); f. prior authorization requirements; g. restricted coverage. NOTE: Transportation providers may be given the address and phone number of the recipient because this information is necessary to provide the service. 14840.2 Release Of Information To Interagencies At the time of application, individuals are informed that all eligibility information is confidential and disclosure without written permission of the individual is limited. Medicaid has the authority to responsibly share information concerning applicants and recipients with: a. other DHSS employees; b. other Federal or federally assisted programs that provide assistance to individuals on the basis of need (SSI, HUD); c. contracted service providers (DCIS and HCBS contractors); d. consultants (Pre-Admission Screening Annual Resident Review or PASARR, physician consultant); e. members of multidisciplinary teams providing direct services to the clients (DDDS teams composed of nurse, social worker, and psychologist); and
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 28 f. persons officially charged with administrative audit or program evaluation (Independent Professional Review or IPR , Peer Review Organization or PRO). 14840.3 Release Of Information For Legal Requests And An Emergency Situation Information may be released to comply with a subpoena or other valid court order and in emergency situations when necessary to protect or warn others of imminent threats to their safety. In these circumstances, the case record will be documented with the reason for the disclosure and written notification of the disclosure will be sent to the client's last known address. 14840.4 Release Of Information To Others Medicaid must obtain specific written permission from the individual before releasing information to other persons or sources. 14850 Medical Assistance Cards The Medical Assistance Card is the instrument that verifies an individual’s eligibility for benefits. The card is renewed each month and is valid only for time period specified on the card. Refer to the Delaware Medical Assistance Provider Manual for more information about Medical Assistance Cards. 14900 Enrollment In Managed Care On May 17, 1995, Delaware received approval from the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) (on June 14, 2001, HCFA was renamed Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS]) for a Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver that is known as the Diamond State Health Plan. The basic idea behind this initiative is to use managed care principles and a strong quality assurance program to revamp the way health care is delivered to Delaware's most vulnerable populations. The Diamond State Health Plan is designed to provide a basic set of health care benefits to current Medicaid beneficiaries as well as uninsured individuals in Delaware who have income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The demonstration waiver will mainstream certain Medicaid recipients into managed care to increase and improve access to medical service while improving cost effectiveness and slowing the rate of growth in health care costs. Program Expansions Effective July 1, 2002, a State operated managed care organization, Diamond State Partners, was implemented. Individuals may enroll in either the Diamond State Health Plan or Diamond State Partners Effective April 1, 2012, the Diamond State Health Plan is expanded to include Long Term Care Medicaid and other full- benefit dual eligibles. This Long Term Care Managed Care Program is called Diamond State Health Plan Plus. Long Term Care Medicaid recipients and other full-benefit dual eligibles must enroll in Diamond State Health Plan Plus. Managed Care Eligibility The majority of the Medicaid population receiving Medicaid services will be enrolled into the Diamond State Health Plan, Diamond State Health Plan Plus, or Diamond State Partners. The following individuals cannot enroll in Diamond State Health Plan, Diamond State Health Plan Plus, or Diamond State Partners: a. Individuals entitled to or eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB); b. Individuals residing in an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled (ICF/MR); c. Individuals covered under the Developmentally Disabled waiver program; d. Individuals that choose to participate in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE); e. Non lawful and non qualified non citizens (aliens); f. Individuals eligible under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Group; g. Presumptively eligible pregnant women; h. Individuals in need of only the 30-Day Acute Care Hospital program. 12 DE Reg. 446 (10/01/08) 15 DE Reg. 1717 (06/01/12)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 29 14910 Restricted Recipients Certain recipients who are exempt from the Diamond State Health Plan are restricted or locked-in when it has been determined that they are engaged in abusive or fraudulent practices such as overutilization of emergency room services or prescription drugs, lending a Medical Assistance card to an unauthorized person, etc. In general, restriction means that fee for service payments are limited to one primary physician and one primary pharmacy. Women are also permitted one obstetrician/gynecologist. Upon referral from the primary physician, any recipient with a special medical condition is permitted to have a specialist as an additional caretaker. If the restricted recipient visits other doctors or has prescriptions filled at other pharmacies, the Delaware Medical Assistance Program will not pay for these unauthorized claims and the recipient can be held responsible for such claims. Refer to the Delaware Medical Assistance Provider Manual for more information about restricted recipients. 14920 Retroactive Coverage 42 CFR 435.915 The agency must make eligibility for Medicaid effective no later than the third month before the month of application if the individual: Received Medicaid services, at any time during that period, of a type covered under the plan; and Would have been eligible for Medicaid in one of the below retroactive eligibility groups at the time the individual received the services if the individual had applied (or someone had applied on their behalf) regardless of whether the individual is alive when application for Medicaid is made; and Individuals eligible under the Delaware Healthy Children's Program (DHCP) are not eligible for retroactive Medicaid. Effective April 1, 2012, those that may be found eligible for retroactive Medicaid coverage, if general financial and technical eligibility requirements are met, include: a. Individuals entitled to or eligible for 1 of the following Medicare Savings Programs (excludes QMB): i. Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) ii. Qualifying Individuals (QI) iii. Qualified and Disabled Working Individuals (QDWI) b. Individuals residing in a nursing facility c. Individuals residing in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) or for individuals with mental disease (ICF/IMD) d. Individuals in need of only the 30-day Acute Care Hospital Program (in no case should the effective date be earlier than the first day of hospitalization) e. Women eligible under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Group f. Individuals eligible under the Medicaid for Worker’s with Disabilities Group (provided premium requirements are met) Effective August 1, 2019, the groups that may be found eligible for retroactive Medicaid, if general financial and technical eligibility requirements are met, was expanded to coverage include: a. Pregnant and Postpartum Women b. Infants under age 1 c. Individuals under the age of 19 Effective January 1, 2025, the groups that may be found eligible for retroactive Medicaid coverage, if general financial and technical eligibility requirements are met, was expanded to all eligible DSHP and DSHP-Plus Medicaid participants, with some exceptions, as described in DSSM 14920.1 Retroactive Coverage Limitations. 15 DE Reg. 1717 (06/01/12) 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) 14920.1 Retroactive Coverage Limitations
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 30 Effective January 1, 2024, retroactive medical coverage is potentially available, if general financial and technical eligibility requirements are met, for all Medicaid individuals enrolled under the Diamond State Health Plan (DSHP) and Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus). Individuals eligible under the Delaware Healthy Children's Program (DHCP) are not eligible for retroactive Medicaid. Individuals in the following programs are excluded from DSHP and DSHP-Plus, but may be found eligible for retroactive Medicaid coverage, if general financial and technical eligibility requirements are met. a. Individuals entitled to the following Medicare Savings Programs i. Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) ii. Qualifying Individuals (QI) iii. Qualified and Disabled Working Individuals (QDWI) b. Individuals residing in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) or for individuals with mental disease (ICF/IMD) c. Individuals in need of only the 30-Day Acute Care Hospital Program d. Individuals eligible under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Group. e. Individuals eligible for emergency, labor, and delivery coverage only. f. Incarcerated Medicaid members. All other individuals in programs excluded from DSHP and DSHP-Plus are not eligible for retroactive Medicaid Coverage. These include, but may not be limited to, individuals enrolled in the following programs: a. The following Medicare Savings Program - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. b. The Chronic Renal Disease Program. c. The Delaware Prescription Assistance Program. d. The Delaware Cancer Treatment Program. e. The Part C Program. f. The VFC Immunization Program. 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) See 14920.1 Retroactive Coverage Limitations - History 14920.2 Retroactive Coverage Of Medical Bills Individuals or families who apply for Medicaid and who may be eligible for Diamond State Health Plan or the Diamond State Health Plan Plus may be eligible for retroactive Medicaid coverage of any unpaid medical bills incurred in any of the three months prior to the month in which they applied. However, certain requirements must be met in order for these bills to be paid under Medicaid. a. The client must have been eligible in all respects for Medicaid in one of the retroactive eligibility categories in the month(s) that the medical services were received (including Delaware residency). b. The medical bill must be for a service covered by Medicaid. c. The client did not have any third party coverage that would have been responsible for paying the bill. d. The medical service must have been given by a provider who was a participant in the Delaware Medicaid program at the time of service. If the provider was not enrolled at the time of the service, the provider may enroll retroactively (up to 12 months). 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 14920.3 Retroactive Coverage Time Limits There is no time limitation on requests for retroactive coverage. They may be processed at any time. 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 31 14920.4 Retroactive Application Process Requests for retroactive Medicaid are received in various ways as described below: a. Applicants indicate on the application that they have unpaid medical bills in the three months prior to the month of application. b. Many requests are received over the telephone from clients who have an unpaid bill. c. The Medicaid units receive lists from various medical providers such as Division of Public Health, and the school districts requesting assistance with the resolution of an unpaid bill for a Medicaid client. d. The SSI Medicaid Unit receives data from the Social Security Administration via the SDX regarding individuals who need retroactive coverage. 14920.5 Retroactive Eligibility Determination If the individual is determined to be eligible for retroactive coverage, the worker must confirm that the date of service of the individual's medical bill(s) falls within the 3 months prior to the month of application and that the individual meets the financial, technical, and medical (if applicable) eligibility requirements under Medicaid in 1 of the programs eligible for retroactive coverage during the retroactive period. Verify income and resources, as applicable in accordance with DSSM 14800. Obtain information about third party liability information and forward to the TPL Unit. A notice of Retroactive Medicaid Approval or Denial will be used to inform the client of the agency's disposition of the request for retroactive coverage. The client should be aware that even those bills submitted for payment may not be reimbursed by Medicaid (i.e., service not covered by Medicaid, non-participating provider, etc.). 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) 14920.6 Retroactive Eligibility For Newborns A baby born to a woman eligible for and receiving Medicaid on the date of the child's birth is deemed to have filed an application. Also, a mother can apply after a child is born and we will determine her eligibility for 3 month retroactive coverage. If the mother is determined retroactively eligible during her pregnancy or post-partum period, the infant is deemed eligible at birth and remains eligible for 1 year. 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 14930 Medigap Policies Section 4354 of OBRA 1990 amends Section 1882 of the Social Security Act and imposes statutory limitations on the sale of Medicare supplemental policies (known as Medigap) to Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid. The provisions apply to policies sold by insurers after 11/5/91 and to individuals who became entitled to Medicaid after that date. It is unlawful for an insurer to sell or issue any health insurance policy (other than an employer group policy) that duplicates Medicare, Medicaid or other health benefits to which the individual is entitled. 14940 Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Certificates The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is intended to guarantee the availability of health insurance coverage for employees and individuals and for limiting the use of preexisting condition restrictions. The law includes portability provisions intended to help ensure health care coverage for employees who move from one job to another. Before this law was passed, changing jobs could result in a temporary loss of comprehensive health coverage during the time it took to meet preexisting condition limitations. HIPAA requires group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage to reduce any preexisting condition limitation time period by the length of qualifying prior coverage an individual has for that condition.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 32 Qualifying prior coverage includes coverage under a group health plan, an individual health plan, Medicare, or Medicaid. The concept behind qualifying prior coverage is that individuals should be given credit for previous insurance when moving from one group plan to another. Medicaid must send certificates of coverage to individuals upon request. The certificate must be sent to individuals who request one regardless of the status of the case (open or closed). We must also issue certificates automatically when an individual loses Medicaid coverage. The certificate will show time periods of Medicaid eligibility back to 7/1/96. 14950 Guaranteed Eligibility All guaranteed eligibility will end effective 9/30/2002. Individuals who lose eligibility effective 4/30/2002 may receive up to five more months of guaranteed eligibility. Individuals who lose eligibility 5/31/2002 or after will not receive a period of guaranteed eligibility 14950.1 Coverage Under the DSHP Benefits Package The service package and wrap around services are described in the General Policy Section of the Delaware Medical Assistance Program Provider Services Manual. 14960 Cost Sharing Section 1902(a)(14) of the Social Security Act permits states to require certain recipients to share some of the costs of Medicaid by imposing upon them such payments as enrollment fees, premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, co-payments, or similar cost sharing charges. 14960.1 Co-Payment Requirement Effective January 10, 2005, clients have a nominal co-payment for generic and brand name prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter drugs prescribed by a practitioner. The co-payment is based upon the cost of the drug as follows: The co-payment is imposed for each drug that is prescribed and dispensed. 9 DE Reg. 569 (10/01/05) 149601.1 Cumulative Maximum Monthly Co-payment Effective July 1, 2005, there is a cumulative maximum monthly co-payment amount equal to $15.00 for each recipient. Any prescriptions dispensed after the cumulative maximum monthly co-payment amount is met are not subject to a co- payment. 9 DE Reg. 569 (10/01/05) 14960.2 Exclusions from Co-payment Requirement The following individuals and services are excluded from the co-payment requirement: a. individuals under age 21 b. pregnant women, including the postpartum period c. individuals eligible under the long term care nursing facility group or the acute care hospital group d. emergency services Medicaid Payment for the Drug Co-payment $10.00 or less $.50 $10.01 to $25.00 $1.00 $25.01 to $50.00 $2.00 $50.01 or more $3.00
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 33 e. family planning services and supplies f. hospice services 14960.3 Inability to Pay The pharmacy provider may not refuse to dispense the prescription(s) subject to the co-payment requirement because of the individual's inability to pay the co-payment amount. When a recipient indicates that he or she is unable to meet the co-payment requirement, the pharmacy provider must dispense the prescription(s) as written. Medicaid reimbursement for the prescription(s) will be the Medicaid fee minus the applicable co-payment amount. The recipient remains liable for the co-payment amount and is responsible for paying the pharmacy when financially able. The pharmacy provider is permitted to pursue reimbursement of the co-payment amount from the recipient. 8 DE Reg. 1017 (01/01/05) 14970 Medicare Prescription Drug Program The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 established the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, also known as Medicare Part D, making prescription drug coverage available to individuals who are entitled to receive Medicare benefits under Part A or Part B, beginning on January 1, 2006. Coverage for the prescription drug benefit will be provided through private prescription drug plans (PDPs), which will offer only prescription drug coverage, or through Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PDs), which will offer prescription drug coverage that is integrated with the health care coverage they provide to Medicare beneficiaries under Part C of Medicare. Effective January 1, 2006, Medicaid beneficiaries who are entitled to receive Medicare benefits under Part A or Part B will no longer receive their pharmacy benefits under the Medicaid Program, except for drugs that are excluded from Part D. Any prescribed drug covered by Medicaid remains subject to the Medicaid co-payment requirement. 9 DE Reg. 774 (11/01/05)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services 15000 Family and Community Medicaid Eligibility Groups 15100 Parent/Caretaker Relative Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group in accordance with Section 1931 of the Social Security Act. 15100.1 Definitions The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Caretaker relative” means a relative of a dependent child by blood, adoption, or marriage with whom the child is living, who assumes primary responsibility for the child’s care, and who is one of the following: (1) The child’s father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, or niece. (2) The spouse of such parent or relative, including same sex marriage or civil union, even after the marriage or civil union is terminated by death or divorce. (3) Another relative of the child based on blood (including those of half-blood), adoption, or marriage; the domestic partner of the parent or caretaker relative; or an adult with whom the child is living and who assumes primary responsibility for the dependent child’s care. “Dependent Child” means a child who is under age 18 or is age 18 and a full-time student in a secondary school (or equivalent vocational or technical training), and if before attaining age 19, the child may reasonably be expected to compete such school or training. 15100.2 Parent/Caretaker Relative General Eligibility Requirements An individual must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15100.3 Technical Eligibility A parent or caretaker relative may be eligible under this group when the parent or caretaker relative assumes primary responsibility for the care and control of a dependent child living in their household even if the child or parent or caretaker relative is temporarily absent. 15100.4 Financial Eligibility Financial eligibility is determined using the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodologies described in Section 16000. Household income must not exceed 87% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 15110 Transitional Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Transitional Group in accordance with Section 1925 of the Social Security Act. Transitional Group eligibility is an extended eligibility period of up to twelve months for a family who becomes ineligible due to an increase in earned income or hours of employment. Transitional Group eligibility is divided into two periods of six months each. The twelve-month extension period shall be rescinded when federal authorization or the allocation of federal funding is discontinued and shall include an extension period of four consecutive months described in Section 15110.10. 15110.1 Transitional Group General Eligibility Requirements An individual must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15110.2 Three out of Six Months Requirement An individual must have received Medicaid under Section 15100 Parent/Caretaker Relative Group in three of the six months immediately preceding the month of ineligibility under such section. A parent or caretaker relative is considered to have received Medicaid in any month Medicaid was correctly provided. This does not include Medicaid provided:
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 2 • in error; • pending a hearing if the agency’s action is upheld and the Medicaid provided is recoverable as an overpayment; or • for a month of ineligibility because of administrative notice requirements. Medicaid must have been received in Delaware for three out of the six months. 15110.3 Increase in Earned Income or Hours of Employment The family must become ineligible for Medicaid because of an increase in earned income or hours of employment of the parent or caretaker relative. This happens when: • an increase in earned income makes the family ineligible; or • an increase in other income when combined with an increase in earned income causes ineligibility. The parent or caretaker relative whose earnings cause ineligibility must meet the three out of six months requirement in Section 15110.2. The increase in earned income or hours of employment must have a causative effect on the loss of eligibility. The following steps are used to determine if an increase in earned income (or other factor) had a causative effect. 1. Determine if the increase in earned income or hours of employment would have resulted in the loss of eligibility if all other factors in the case remained the same (there was no other change in income, no change in family composition, etc.). If yes, the family is eligible for the Transitional Group. If no, go to step 2. 2. Determine if events other than the increase in earned income or hours of employment would have resulted in the loss of eligibility if the earned income or hours of employment had stayed the same. If yes, the family is not eligible for the Transitional Group. If no, go to step 3. 3. Determine if the family is ineligible when all changes are considered. If yes, the family is eligible for the Transitional Group. The increase in earned income or hours of employment was essential to the loss of eligibility. Without that increase, the family would not have lost eligibility. If no, eligibility continues under the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group. 15110.4 Child Living in the Home The parent or caretaker relative must continue to have a dependent child, as defined in Section 15100.1 living in the home. When the only child no longer meets the age requirement, the parent or caretaker relative is no longer eligible for the Transitional Group. When one child turns age 18 or 19, but there is another child in the family, the child who turns age 18 or 19 is no longer considered a member of the Transitional Group family unit. The rest of the family remains eligible for the Transitional Group. 15110.5 Composition of a Transitional Group Family Unit Transitional Group coverage is provided to all individuals who were included in the family at the time the family became ineligible. This includes a dependent child under the Children Group described in Section 15300. A recipient of SSI is not included in the family unit. Family members who enter the household or family members who were absent but return may be found eligible. An individual who enters the family unit (including a child born to the family during the transitional period) may be eligible for Transitional Group coverage if that individual would have been included in the parent or caretaker relative’s family unit if the household were applying in the current month. The earned income of an individual who has entered or returned to the family unit is included in the gross earnings test and that individual is counted when determining the family size. The earned income of a dependent child, regardless of student status, is not counted. 15110.6 First Month of Transitional Group Eligibility Transitional Group eligibility begins with the month of ineligibility under the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group due to an increase in earned income or hours of employment. A family who is not timely in reporting the start of employment or an increase in earned income or hours of employment could have the extension period reduced. The family must be notified they are eligible for the Transitional Group and the reasons why coverage under the Transitional Group could be terminated. 15110.7 Transitional Group Eligibility during First Six-Month Period
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 The family will receive Transitional Group coverage without any reapplication for the first six months. To continue to receive Transitional Group coverage throughout the first six-month period there must be a dependent child living in the home. Eligibility will be terminated if the family is found to have received Medicaid fraudulently in the preceding six months. A conviction for fraud must be made by a court of competent jurisdiction. 15110.8 Transitional Group Eligibility during Second Six-Month Period To continue to receive Medicaid during the second six-month period, the following eligibility conditions described in Section 15110.8.1, Section 15110.8.2, and Section 15110.8.3 must be met. 15110.8.1 Child Living in the Home There must be a dependent child living in the home. 15110.8.2 Employment of Caretaker Relative The parent or caretaker relative must be employed during each month unless good cause exists. Good cause includes the following: a. Circumstances beyond the individual's control such as but not limited to illness, illness of another family member requiring the wage earner’s presence, a household emergency, the unavailability of transportation, and the lack of adequate dependent care. b. Circumstances in which employment was unsuitable such as wages offered less than the Federal minimum wage; employment on a piece-rate basis and the average hourly yield the employee receives is less than the Federal minimum wage; unreasonable degree of risk to one's health and safety; the individual is physically or mentally unfit to perform the employment as documented by medical evidence or reliable information from other sources; the distance from the individual's house to place of employment is unreasonable considering the expected wage and the time and cost of commuting; or the working hours or nature of employment interferes with the members religious observance, convictions or beliefs. c. Discrimination by an employer based on age, race, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, religious belief, national origin, or political belief. d. Work demands or conditions that are unreasonable such as working without being paid on schedule. e. Acceptance of other employment or enrollment at least half-time in a school, training program, or college. f. Resignations by persons under the age of 60 that are recognized by the employer as retirement. g. Leaving a job in connection with patterns of employment in which workers move from one employer to another as in migrant farm labor or in construction work. 15110.8.3 Limit on Gross Monthly Earned Income The family's gross monthly earned income minus the monthly costs of necessary dependent care must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is effective each July for the Transitional Group. There are no limits on necessary dependent care costs. All unearned income and the earned income of a dependent child is excluded. 15110.9 Twelve-Month Period of Transitional Group Eligibility A family may receive twelve months of Transitional Group coverage even if eligibility is re-established under the Parent/ Caretaker Relative Group. The clock on the twelve-month period does not stop running when eligibility for Medicaid under this group is re-established. The twelve months of Transitional Group eligibility run concurrently with months of eligibility under the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group. If eligibility is lost under the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group for non-work reasons, the Transitional Group extension period is unaffected. If eligibility is lost again under the Parent/Caretaker Group for earned income, a new Transitional Group period may begin. 15110.10 Four-Month Period of Transitional Group Eligibility This section applies if the twelve-month extension period described above is not re-authorized. A family may receive up to four months of Transitional Group coverage provided the requirements described in Section 15110.2, Section 15110.3, and Section 15110.4 are met. There is no income test throughout the four-month period. 15120 Prospective Group This section describes the eligibility requirements under the Prospective Group. Prospective Group is an extended eligibility period of up to four consecutive calendar months for a family who becomes ineligible due to an increased collection of spousal support.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 4 15120.1 Prospective Group General Eligibility Requirements An individual must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15120.2 Three out of Six Months Requirement An individual must have received Delaware Medicaid under the Parent/Caretaker Relative group in three of the six month immediately preceding the month of ineligibility under that section. A parent or caretaker relative is considered to have received Medicaid in any month Medicaid was correctly provided. This does not include Medicaid provided: • in error; • pending a hearing if the agency’s action is upheld and the Medicaid provided is recoverable as an overpayment; or • for a month of ineligibility because of administrative notice requirements. 15120.3 Collection of Spousal Support The parent or caretaker relative must have lost eligibility wholly or partly as a result of new or increased spousal support collections. The collection of spousal support must cause or actively contribute to ineligibility. Regulations require that the collection of spousal support be paid directly to the IV-D agency – the Delaware Division of Child Support Enforcement. 15120.4 Child Living in the Home The parent or caretaker relative must continue to have a dependent child as defined in Section 15100.1 living in the home. When the only child no longer meets the age requirement, the parent or caretaker relative is no longer eligible for Prospective Group coverage. When one child turns age 18 or 19, but there is another child in the family, the child who turns age 18 or 19 is no longer considered a member of the Prospective Group family unit. The rest of the family remains eligible for Prospective Group coverage. 15120.5 First Month of Prospective Group Eligibility Prospective Group eligibility begins with the month of ineligibility under the Parent/Caretaker Relative Group due to new or increased spousal support collections. A family who is not timely in reporting the start of new or increased spousal support collections could have the extension period reduced. The family must be notified they are eligible for the Prospective Group and the reasons why Prospective Group coverage could be terminated. 15120.6 Composition of Prospective Group Family Unit Prospective is provided to all individuals who were included in the family at the time the family became ineligible. This includes a dependent child in the Children Group defined in Section 15300. In addition, family members who enter the household or family members who were absent but return may be found eligible. An individual who enters the family unit (including a child born to the family during the extended period) may be eligible for Prospective Group coverage if that individual would have been included in the parent or caretaker relative’s family unit if the household were applying in the current month. 15200 Pregnant Woman Group The section describes the eligibility requirements for the Pregnant Woman Group. 15200.1 Definitions Statutory Authority 42 CFR 435.116 42 CFR 435.170 The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Pregnant Woman” means a woman during pregnancy and the post partum period, which begins on the date the pregnancy ends, extends 12 months, and then ends on the last day of the month in which the 12 month period ends. See 15200.1 Definitions - History
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 5 26 DE Reg. 323 (10/01/22) 15200.2 Pregnant Woman Group General Eligibility Requirements A pregnant woman must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. Exception: A pregnant woman is not required to cooperate in establishing paternity and obtaining medical support. 15200.3 Technical Eligibility A woman may apply for Medicaid and be found eligible under the Pregnant Woman Group in the month the pregnancy ends or in a month prior to the month the pregnancy ends (while still pregnant), including during a period of retroactive eligibility. Self-attestation of pregnancy and the unborn fetus count is accepted unless the information provided is not reasonably compatible with other available information. Other available information may include medical claims that are not reasonably compatible with such attestation. 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) 15200.4 Financial Eligibility Financial eligibility is determined using the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodologies described in Section 16000. The pregnant woman counts as at least two family members for the financial eligibility determination. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with a multiple pregnancy, the unborn fetus count is increased accordingly. Household income must not exceed 212% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 17 DE Reg. 845 (02/01/14) 15200.5 Continuous Eligibility Once a pregnant woman is determined eligible, she remains eligible throughout the pregnancy and the postpartum period regardless of changes in household income. 15200.6 Postpartum Period Statutory Authority 42 CFR 435.116 42 CFR 435.170 The 12-month postpartum period is a mandatory extension of coverage for women who were determined eligible in the month the pregnancy ends, in a month prior to the month the pregnancy ends (while still pregnant), or who received services while pregnant during a period of retroactive eligibility. A woman cannot apply and be found eligible for the postpartum period alone. Coverage begins on the day the pregnancy ends and continues through the last day of the month in which the 12 months ends. Undocumented aliens are not eligible for the postpartum period. 26 DE Reg. 323 (10/01/22) 26 DE Reg. 952 (05/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 387 (11/01/24) 15210 Deemed Newborn Group The section describes the eligibility requirements for the Deemed Newborn Group. An infant born to a woman eligible for and receiving Delaware Medicaid (including emergency services and labor and delivery only coverage) on the date of the infant’s birth is deemed eligible at birth. 15210.1 Deemed Newborn Group General Eligibility Requirements An infant must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. Exceptions: An application for the newborn is not required. A newborn deemed eligible does not have to provide or apply for a Social Security number until age one. 15210.2 Financial Eligibility There is no income test. Eligibility begins on the date of birth and continues until the end of the month in which the
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 6 infant turns age one regardless of changes in income. The newborn’s eligibility is not dependent on the continuation of the mother’s eligibility for Medicaid. 15300 Children Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Children Group. 15300.1 Children Group General Eligibility Requirements A child must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15300.2 Technical Eligibility A child must be under age 19. 15300.3 Financial Eligibility Financial eligibility is determined using the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodologies described in Section 16000. Household income for children under age 1 must not exceed 212% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Household income for children age 1 through age 5 must not exceed 142% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Household income for children age 6 through age 18 must not exceed 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 17 DE Reg. 845 (02/01/14) 15300.4 Mandatory Continuation of Coverage for Children Receiving Inpatient Services A child receiving inpatient services in a hospital or long-term care facility at the end of the month in which the child turns age 19 remains eligible until the end of the inpatient stay. The child must continue to meet the general and financial eligibility requirements described in Section 15300.1 and Section 15300.3. 28 DE Reg. 45 (07/01/24) 15400 Adult Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Adult Group. 15400.1 Definitions The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Minimum essential coverage” means coverage defined in section 5000A(f) of subtitle D of the Internal Revenue Code, as added by section 1401 of the Affordable Care Act, and implementing regulations of such section issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. Minimum essential coverage includes any of the following: • Medicare Part A; • Medicaid; • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); • Medical coverage under chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code, including coverage under the TRICARE program; • a health care program under chapter 17 or 18 of Title 38, United States Code, as determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury; • a health plan under section 2504(e) of Title 22, United States Code (relating to Peace Corps volunteers); • The Nonappropriated Fund Health Benefits Program of the Department of Defense, established under section 349 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103-337; 10 United States Code 1587 note). 15400.2 Adult Group General Eligibility Requirements An adult must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15400.3 Technical Eligibility An adult must: a) be age 19 or older and under age 65; b) not be pregnant;
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 7 c) not be entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B; d) not be eligible under the following mandatory groups – Supplement Security Income (SSI) and related groups, Parent/Caretaker Relative, Transitional, Prospective, Pregnant Woman, Deemed Newborn, Children, Former Foster Child, or Title IV-E Foster Children. A parent or caretaker relative living with a dependent child as defined in Section 15100.1 shall not be eligible in the Adult Group unless the child is enrolled in minimum essential coverage. 15400.4 Financial Eligibility Financial eligibility is determined using the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodologies in Section 16000. Household income must not exceed 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 15500 Title IV-E Foster Children Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for Title IV-E Foster Children Group. 15500.1 Title IV-E Foster Children Group General Eligibility Requirements The child must meet the general eligibility requirements in Section 14000. Exception: The state of residence is the state where the child lives even if the foster care payment originates from another state. 15500.2 Technical Eligibility Age: The child must be under age 21. Payment by a Public Agency: The child must receive foster care maintenance payments under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. 15500.3 Eligibility Determination The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF) is responsible for the eligibility determination. 15510 Foster Children Group (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15510.1 Foster Children Group General Eligibility Requirements (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15510.2 Technical Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15510.3 Financial Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15510.4 Effective Date of Coverage (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15520 Adoption Assistance Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Adoption Assistance Group. 15520.1 Adoption Assistance Group General Eligibility Requirements The child must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. The state of residence is the state where the child lives even if the adoption agreement originates from another state.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 8 15520.2 Technical Eligibility Requirements Age: The child must be under age 21. Adoption Assistance: There must be an adoption assistance agreement in effect under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, whether or not an adoption assistance payment is being made or an interlocutory (the final order of adoption) or other judicial decree of adoption has been issued. 15520.3 Eligibility Determination Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) is responsible for the eligibility determination. 15530 Adoption Subsidy Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Adoption Subsidy Group. 15530.1 Adoption Subsidy Group General Eligibility Requirements The child must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15530.2 Technical Eligibility Age: The child must be under age 21. Adoption Agreement: There must be an adoption assistance agreement (other than an agreement under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act) in effect for a child with special needs for medical or rehabilitative care. Children moving into Delaware from another state must have a signed adoption assistance agreement with the former state. The child must have been Medicaid eligible prior to the adoption assistance agreement. Subsidy: The child must receive a medical/psychological subsidy from Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF). 15530.3 Financial Eligibility There is no income or resource test. 15540 Infants Awaiting Adoption Group (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15540.1 Infants Awaiting Adoption Group General Eligibility Requirements (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15540.2 Technical Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15540.3 Financial Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15540.4 Effective Date of Coverage (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15540.5 Termination of Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15550 Former Foster Children Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Former Foster Children Group. This group is established
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 9 through the enactment of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Coverage under this group is effective January 1, 2014. 15550.1 Former Foster Children Group General Eligibility Requirements An individual must meet the general eligibility requirements in Section 14000. 15550.2 Technical Eligibility An individual must: 15550.2.1 be age 18 or older and under age 26; and 15550.2.2 have been in foster care under the responsibility of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) and enrolled in Delaware Medicaid upon attaining age 18 or older (up to age 21); or 15550.2.3 Have been in foster care and on Medicaid in any state at the time they turned 18 or aged out of the foster care system; and 15550.2.4 not be eligible under the following mandatory groups – Parent/Caretaker Relative, Transitional, Prospective, Pregnant Women, Children, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 20 DE Reg. 908 (05/01/17) 15550.3 Financial Eligibility There is no income or resource test for this group. 15600 Breast and Cervical Cancer Group This section describes the eligibility requirements for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Group. This group includes uninsured women who are identified through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and are in need for treatment for breast or cervical cancer, including pre-cancerous conditions and early stage cancer. 15600.1 Definitions The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Comprehensive health insurance” means a benefit package comparable in scope to the "basic" benefit package required by the State of Delaware's Small Employer Health Insurance Act at Title 18, Chapter 72 of the Delaware Code. To be considered comprehensive health insurance, the benefits package must cover hospital and physician services, laboratory and radiology, and must include coverage for the treatment of breast and cervical cancer. Comprehensive health insurance does not include time periods when there is no coverage for the treatment of breast or cervical cancer. Examples include when coverage is effective only after a waiting period of uninsurance or after the lifetime limits are exhausted. Comprehensive health insurance does include insurance that has limits on benefits (such as limits on the number of outpatient visits per year) or high deductibles. 15600.2 Breast and Cervical Cancer Group General Eligibility Requirements A woman must meet the general eligibility requirements described in Section 14000. 15600.3 Technical Eligibility Age: The woman must be under age 65. If a woman turns age 65 during her period of coverage, her eligibility terminates. Exception: If the woman is an inpatient in a hospital when she turns 65, eligibility continues until discharge. Uninsured: The woman must be uninsured. The woman is not eligible if she has: a) Medicaid or may be found eligible under any of the following Medicaid mandatory groups - Parent/Caretaker Relative, Transitional, Prospective, Pregnant Woman, Children, Title IV-E Foster Care, Title IV-E Adoption Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); b) Medicare; c) Comprehensive health insurance; d) Military Health Insurance for Active Duty, Retired Military, and their dependents. Screening: The woman must have been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the CDC Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program established under Title XV of the Public Health Service Act and found to need treatment for either breast or cervical cancer (including a pre-cancerous condition).
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 10 A woman is considered to have met the screening requirement if she comes under any of the following categories: 1. CDC Title XV funds paid for all or part of the costs of her screening services. 2. The woman is screened under a state Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program which her particular clinical service has not be paid for by CDC Title XV funds, but the service was rendered by a provider and/or an entity funded at least in part by CDC Title XV funds; the service was within the scope of the grant, sub-grant or contract under that State program; and the State CDC Title XV grantee has elected to include such screening activities by that provider as screening activities pursuant to CDC Title XV. Treatment: The woman must need treatment for breast or cervical cancer. The woman meets this requirement when it is the opinion of the woman's treating health professional that the diagnostic test following a breast or cervical cancer screen indicates that the woman is in need of cancer treatment services. These services included diagnostic services that may be necessary to determine the extent and proper course of treatment, as well as treatment itself. Based on the physician's plan-of-care, a woman who is determined to require only routine monitoring services for a pre-cancerous breast or cervical condition (such as breast examination and mammograms), is not considered to need treatment. 15600.4 Financial Eligibility There is no income or resource test. 15600.5 Presumptive Eligibility Presumptive eligibility is a temporary eligibility determination that will provide expedited Medicaid coverage to women in this group during the application processing period. This special application processing procedure will facilitate the prompt enrollment and immediate access to services for women who are in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer. An applicant can be determined presumptively eligible when the agency receives verification that she has been screened for breast or cervical cancer under CDC and needs treatment. If the information on the application indicates that she may be eligible under one of the mandatory eligibility groups, the agency will first make a determination of presumptive eligibility under this group. Verifications of factors of eligibility for the mandatory group are postponed. Postponed verifications must be provided within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application. The verifications that were postponed are required to determine final eligibility for Medicaid. Presumptive eligibility continues until a final eligibility determination is completed. If the required verifications are not provided, eligibility is terminated. If the information on the application indicates that the woman is not eligible under one of the mandatory groups, the agency will make a final determination of eligibility under this group provided all verification requirements are met. 15600.6 Eligibility Period Eligibility may begin up to three months prior to the month of application provided the woman meets all eligibility requirements during those prior three months including having been screened and found to need treatment for breast or cervical cancer. A woman is not limited to one period of eligibility. A new period of eligibility and coverage can begin each time a woman is screened under the CDC program, has been found to need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, and meets the other eligibility requirements. 15600.7 Benefits A woman eligible under this group is entitled to full Medicaid coverage. Coverage is not limited to the treatment of breast and cervical cancer. 15600.8 Termination of Eligibility Eligibility under this group terminates when the woman: a) attains age 65; b) acquires comprehensive health insurance; c) is no longer receiving treatment for breast or cervical cancer d) no longer meets the general eligibility requirements in Section 14000. 15700 Family Planning Group (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 11 15700.1 Family Planning Group General Eligibility Requirements (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15700.2 Technical Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15700.3 Financial Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15700.4 Benefits (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 15700.5 Termination of Eligibility (Repealed) 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services 16000 Financial Methodologies - Application of Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Methodology This section implements section 1902(e)(14) of the Social Security Act and describes the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology used to determine household composition and family size and how income is counted for the financial eligibility determination of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-related eligibility groups in accordance with the Affordable Care Act of 2010. 16100 Definitions The following words and terms, when used in the context of these policies, will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Child" means a natural or biological, adopted, or step-child. "Family size" means the number of persons counted as members of an individual’s household. When determining the family size of a pregnant woman, the pregnant woman is counted as herself plus the number of children she is expected to deliver. When determining the family size of other individuals who have a pregnant woman in their household, the pregnant woman is counted as herself plus the number of children she is expected to deliver. "Federal Poverty Level" means the Federal poverty level updated periodically in the Federal Register by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that is in effect for the budget period used to determine an individual’s eligibility in accordance with this section. "Household income" means the sum of the MAGI-based income of every individual included in the individual’s household unless an exception applies. Exceptions: The MAGI-based income of an individual who is included in the household of his or her parent and who is not expected to be required to file a tax return for the taxable year in which eligibility is being determined, is not included in the household income whether or not the individual files a tax return. The MAGI-based income of a tax dependent, claimed by someone other than a parent, who is not expected to be required to file a tax return for the taxable year in which eligibility is being determined, is not included in the household income of the taxpayer whether or not such tax dependent files a tax return. "Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)" means the adjusted gross income reported on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040 with the addition of: (1) Foreign earned income excluded from taxes (2) Tax-exempt interest (3) Tax-exempt Social Security income "MAGI-based income" means income calculated using the same financial methodologies used to determine modified adjusted gross income as defined in section 36B(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, with the following exceptions: (1) An amount received as a lump sum is counted as income only in the month received. (2) Gambling winnings less than $80,000 are counted in the month received; Winnings of $80,000 but less than $90,000 are counted as income over two months, with an equal amount counted in each month. For every additional $10,000 one month is added to the period over which total winnings are divided, in equal installments, and counted as income. The maximum period of time over which winning may be counted is 120 months. Under section 53103(b)(2) of the BBA of 2018 the requirement to count qualified lottery and gambling winnings in household income over multiple months applies only to the individuals receiving the winnings. The determination of household income for other members of the individual’s household are not affected. For example: the total amount of qualified lottery or gambling winnings of a spouse or parent continues to count only in the month received in determining the eligibility of the other spouse and children. (3) Scholarships, awards, or fellowship grants used for education purposes and not for living expenses are excluded from income. (4) American Indian/Alaska Native income as defined in 42 CFR 435.603(e)(3) is excluded. "Parent" means a natural or biological, adopted, or step-parent. "Qualifying child" To be a dependent, a person must be either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative. Generally, a person is a qualifying child if that person:
Office of the Registrar of Regulations, Legislative Council, State of Delaware
2 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE • Is a child, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, step-sister, or a descendant of any of them, • Lived with claiming tax filer for more than half of the year, • Didn’t provide more than half of his or her own support for the year, • Was under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than the claiming tax filer (or spouse if filing jointly), or was under age 24 at the end of the year, a student, and younger than the tax filer (or spouse if filing jointly), or was any age and permanently and totally disabled, and didn’t file a joint return with his or her spouse. For more information, see Exemptions for Dependents in IRS Pub 501. "Qualifying relative" To be a dependent, a person must be either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative. Generally, a person is a qualifying relative if that person: • Lives with or is related to the taxpayer claiming him or her, • Has gross income at or below the Qualifying Relative income limit found in IRS Pub 501 (which may change annually), • Is supported (generally more than 50%) by the taxpayer claiming him or her, and • Is neither a qualifying child nor a qualifying child of anyone else For more information, see Exemptions for Dependents in IRS Pub. 501 "Sibling" means a natural or biological, adopted, half, or step-sibling. "Spouse" means a person who is legally married to another person regardless of their genders. "Tax dependent" means a person, other than the tax filer or the tax filer’s spouse, for whom an exemption can be claimed. To be a dependent, a person must be a qualifying child or qualifying relative of the tax filer. For more information, see Exemptions for Dependents in IRS Pub 501. 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 22 DE Reg. 668 (02/01/19) 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 29 DE Reg. 212 (09/01/25) 16200 Application of MAGI income and household size Eligibility for an applicant shall be based on MAGI methodology effective January 1, 2014. Ongoing eligibility for a beneficiary determined eligible for Medicaid coverage to begin on or before December 31, 2013, shall not have eligibility based on MAGI methodology until March 31, 2014, or at the next regularly scheduled renewal of eligibility, whichever is later. If the household income of an individual determined in accordance with this section results in financial ineligibility for Medicaid and the household income of the individual determined in accordance with 26 CFR 1.36B-1(e) is below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), Medicaid financial eligibility will be determined in accordance with 26 CFR 1.36B-1(e) as promulgated the IRS. This is the income-counting methodology used by the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) to determine eligibility for Advance Premium Tax Credits and Cost Sharing Reductions. 16300 MAGI-based Determination of Eligibility Each applicant or beneficiary who meets the non-financial eligibility requirements will have a determination of eligibility based on MAGI methodology. For an applicant or beneficiary found not eligible based on MAGI methodology and who has been identified on the application or renewal form as potentially eligible on a MAGI-excepted basis, an eligibility determination will be made on such basis. An individual may request a determination of eligibility on a basis other than MAGI. 16400 Household Composition Household composition is based on tax households, with certain exceptions. 16400.1 Basic rule for taxpayer not claimed as a tax dependent For an individual who expects to file a tax return for the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made, and who does not expect to be claimed as a tax dependent by another taxpayer, the household consists of: the taxpayer; a spouse living with the taxpayer; and all persons whom the taxpayer expects to claim as a tax dependent. If a taxpayer cannot reasonably establish that another individual is a tax dependent for the tax year in which Medicaid is sought, the inclusion of the dependent in the taxpayer’s household shall be determined according to the rules described at Section 16400.3, Rule for individuals who neither file a tax return nor are claimed as a tax dependent.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 16400.2 Basic rule for tax dependents For an individual who expects to be claimed as a tax dependent by another taxpayer for the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made, the household is the same as the taxpayer’s household unless the individual meets any of the following exceptions: the individual expects to be claimed as a tax dependent of someone other than a spouse or parent; the individual is a child under age 19 living with both parents, but the parents do not expect to file a joint tax return; or the individual is a child under age 19 who expects to be claimed by a non-custodial parent. A non-custodial parent is based on a court order or binding separation, divorce, or custody agreement. If there is no such order or agreement or if there is a shared custody agreement, the custodial parent is the parent with whom the child spends most nights. If the individual meets any of the exceptions, the household shall be determined according to the rules described at Section 16400.3, Rule for individuals who neither file a tax return nor are claimed as a tax dependent. 16400.3 Rule for individuals who neither file a tax return nor are claimed as a tax dependent For an individual who does not expect to file a tax return and does not expect to be claimed as a tax dependent for the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made, the household consists of the individual, and if living with the individual: the individual’s spouse; the individual’s children under age 19; and for individuals under age 19, the individual’s parents and any siblings who are also under age 19. 16400.4 Rule for married couples For married couples, each spouse will be included in the household of the other spouse if they are living together or if they expect to file a joint tax return. 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 16500 MAGI-based Income MAGI-based income is based on federal tax rules for determining adjusted gross income with some modifications. 16500.1 Counted Income - Below are the common but not exclusive list of included income items per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for calculating MAGI. Please visit https://www.irs.gov/publications/p525 to find the entire list of items on the list. • Wages, salaries, tips, etc. • Interest – both taxable and tax-exempt amounts. • Ordinary dividends. • Qualified dividends. • Taxable refunds, credits, or offsets of state and local income taxes. • Alimony - for individuals with alimony agreements finalized on or before December 31, 2018, alimony continues to be included in the income of the recipient for the duration of the agreement unless or until the agreement is modified. Alimony payments under separation or divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, or pre- existing agreements modified after December 31, 2018, are not included in the income of the recipient. • Self-Employment (Business income or loss). • Capital gain or (loss). • Other gains or (losses). • IRA distributions – taxable amount. • Pensions and annuities – taxable amount. • Rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, etc. • Farm income or (loss). • Unemployment compensation. • Social Security benefits – both taxable and tax-exempt amounts. • Lump sum payment - a non-recurring lump sum payment (such as back pay, a retroactive benefit payment, State tax refund, or an insurance settlement) is counted as taxable income only in the month received. • Gambling winnings less than $80,000 are counted in the month received; Winnings of $80,000 but less than $90,000 are counted as income over two months, with an equal amount counted in each month. For every additional $10,000 one month is added to the period over which total winnings are divided, in equal installments, and counted as income. The maximum period of time over which winning may be counted is 120 months.
4 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1. Under section 53103(b)(2) of the BBA of 2018 the requirement to count qualified lottery and gambling winnings in household income over multiple months applies only to the individuals receiving the winnings. The determination of household income for other members of the individual’s household are not affected. For example: the total amount of qualified lottery or gambling winnings of a spouse or parent continues to count only in the month received in determining the eligibility of the other spouse and children. 2. Affected individuals are notified of the date on which the lottery or gambling winnings no longer will be counted for the purpose of Medicaid or CHIP eligibility. DMMA will also notify affected individuals of the hardship exemption. • Other taxable income. 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 29 DE Reg. 212 (09/01/25) 16500.1.1 Lottery and Gambling Winnings Months over which Income is counted by Income Increment From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid 1 79,999 1 670,000 679,999 61 80,000 89,999 2 680,000 689,999 62 90,000 99,999 3 690,000 699,999 63 100,000 109,999 4 700,000 709,999 64 110,000 119,999 5 710,000 719,999 65 120,000 129,999 6 720,000 729,999 66 130,000 139,999 7 730,000 739,999 67 140,000 149,999 8 740,000 749,999 68 150,000 159,999 9 750,000 759,999 69 160,000 169,999 10 760,000 769,999 70 170,000 179,999 11 770,000 779,999 71 180,000 189,999 12 780,000 789,999 72 190,000 199,999 13 790,000 799,999 73 200,000 209,999 14 800,000 809,999 74 210,000 219,999 15 810,000 819,999 75 220,000 229,999 16 820,000 829,999 76 230,000 239,999 17 830,000 839,999 77
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 5 From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid 240,000 249,999 18 840,000 849,999 78 250,000 259,999 19 850,000 859,999 79 260,000 269,999 20 860,000 869,999 80 270,000 279,999 21 870,000 879,999 81 280,000 289,999 22 880,000 889,999 82 290,000 299,999 23 890,000 899,999 83 300,000 309,999 24 900,000 909,999 84 310,000 319,999 25 910,000 919,999 85 320,000 329,999 26 920,000 929,999 86 330,000 339,999 27 930,000 939,999 87 340,000 349,999 28 940,000 949,999 88 350,000 359,999 29 950,000 959,999 89 360,000 369,999 30 960,000 969,999 90 370,000 379,999 31 970,000 979,999 91 380,000 389,999 32 980,000 989,999 92 390,000 399,999 33 990,000 999,999 93 400,000 409,999 34 1,000,000 1,009,999 94 410,000 419,999 35 1,010,000 1,019,999 95 420,000 429,999 36 1,020,000 1,029,999 96 430,000 439,999 37 1,030,000 1,039,999 97 440,000 449,999 38 1,040,000 1,049,999 98 450,000 459,999 39 1,050,000 1,059,999 99 460,000 469,999 40 1,060,000 1,069,999 100 470,000 479,999 41 1,070,000 1,079,999 101
6 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid From $ Up To $ # Months Counted for Medicaid 480,000 489,999 42 1,080,000 1,089,999 102 490,000 499,999 43 1,090,000 1,099,999 103 500,000 509,999 44 1,100,000 1,109,999 104 510,000 519,999 45 1,110,000 1,119,999 105 520,000 529,999 46 1,120,000 1,129,999 106 530,000 539,999 47 1,130,000 1,139,999 107 540,000 549,999 48 1,140,000 1,149,999 108 550,000 559,999 49 1,150,000 1,159,999 109 560,000 569,999 50 1,160,000 1,169,999 110 570,000 579,999 51 1,170,000 1,179,999 111 580,000 589,999 52 1,180,000 1,189,999 112 590,000 599,999 53 1,190,000 1,199,999 113 600,000 609,999 54 1,200,000 1,209,999 114 610,000 619,999 55 1,210,000 1,219,999 115 620,000 629,999 56 1,220,000 1,229,999 116 630,000 639,999 57 1,230,000 1,239,999 117 640,000 649,999 58 1,240,000 1,249,999 118 650,000 659,999 59 1,250,000 1,259,999 119 660,000 669,999 60 1,260,000 or higher 120 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 16500.2 Excluded Income - Below are the common but not exclusive list of excluded income items per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for calculating MAGI. Please visit https://www.irs.gov/publications/p525 to find the entire list of items on the list. • Scholarships, awards, or fellowship grants used for education purposes and not for living expenses; • American Indian/Alaska Native income as defined in 42 CFR 435.603(e); • Child Support Received; • Gifts and loans; • Inheritance;
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 7 • Supplemental Security Income (SSI); • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and other government cash assistance; • Veteran’s benefits; • Worker’s Compensation payments; • Alimony payments under separation or divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, or pre-existing agreements modified after December 31, 2018, are not included in the income of the recipient. For individuals with alimony agreements finalized on or before December 31, 2018, alimony continues to be included in the income of the recipient for the duration of the agreement unless or until the agreement is modified. • Other Non-Taxable Income. 21 DE Reg. 572 (01/01/18) 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 16500.3 Deductions • Educator expenses; • Certain business expenses of reservists, performing artists, and fee-basis government officials; • Health savings account deduction; • Deductible part of self-employment tax; • Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans; • Self-employed health insurance deduction; • Penalty on early withdrawal of savings; • Alimony paid; • IRA deduction; • Student loan interest deduction; • Domestic production activities deduction. 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 16500.4 Special income counting rules for children claimed by a parent A child's MAGI based income is excluded from total household income if: • The child is either under age 19 or is an adult child claimed by a parent as a tax dependent; and • The child and parent are both included in the MAGI-based household; and • The child's income is below the tax filing threshold (i.e., the child is not expected to be required to file a tax return for the current tax year). This rule applies to a child or children living with a parent whether household composition is based on the rules for tax filers or the non-filer rules. It does not matter whether the child actually files a tax return. 22 DE Reg. 668 (02/01/19) 16500.5 Special income counting rules for children or dependents claimed by someone other than a parent The special income counting rule for tax dependents applies in the case of tax dependents who are claimed by someone other than a parent. When a dependent is claimed by someone other than a parent, the tax dependent's income is excluded from total household income if: • The tax dependent and the tax filer who expects to claim the individual are both included in the household; and • The tax dependent's income is below the tax filing threshold (i.e., the tax dependent is not expected to be required to file a tax return for the current tax year); it does not matter whether the dependent actually files a tax return. When determining the total household income of a dependent who is claimed by someone other than a parent, the MAGI-based income is always counted in determining the child or dependent's eligibility, even if the income is below the tax filing threshold. Such a tax dependent’s household would not include the claiming tax filer due to the exception at 42 CFR 435.603(f)(2)(i). This means that the tax dependent’s MAGI based income would not be excluded from his or her own household income. Exception: If a tax dependent’s household is established using the non-filer rules described at 435.603(f)(3) and includes the tax dependent’s parent, the tax dependent’s income should be excluded from his or her own household income. 22 DE Reg. 668 (02/01/19)
8 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 16500.6 Applying the tax filing threshold for tax dependents Whether a dependent has to file a return generally depends on the amount of the dependent's earned or unearned income. Single dependents (under age 65) are required to file a tax return if the dependent has earned or unearned income that is more than the limits, or tax thresholds, announced by the IRS annually. IRS Publication 929 Tax Rules for Children and Dependents describes how to determine if a dependent is required to file a return and the applicable tax thresholds. To determine the tax thresholds that apply, we use all of the dependent's MAGI based counted income with the exception of the dependent's Social Security Benefits (SSB). Only the taxable portion of the dependent's SSB may be applied toward the tax filing threshold. If no portion of the SSB is taxable, none of those benefits will be applied toward the tax filing threshold. Except in rare cases, such as receipt of a lump sum payment, a child or tax dependent's SSB will not be taxable unless the tax dependent has other income which itself exceeds the tax filing threshold. If a child or tax dependent's MAGI based income counts toward the total household income, then all of the dependent's SSB counts. 22 DE Reg. 668 (02/01/19) 16600 Income Disregard An amount equivalent to 5% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the applicable family size is deducted from household income. The income disregard only applies when determining eligibility for an individual under the MAGI-based group with the highest income standard available for the individual. 16700 Budget Period The budget period for applicants and beneficiaries is based on current monthly household income and family size. 16800 Eligibility Determination Household income must not exceed the income standard for the eligibility group applicable to the individual. 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13)
9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05) 9 DE Reg. 774 (11/01/05) 10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06) 12 DE Reg. 1320 (04/01/09) 13 DE Reg. 1540 (06/01/10) 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 17 DE Reg. 503 (11/01/13) 17 DE Reg. 731 (01/01/14) 21 DE Reg. 572 (01/01/18) 22 DE Reg. 668 (02/01/19) 24 DE Reg. 1072 (06/01/21) 29 DE Reg. 212 (09/01/25)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
17000 SSI Related Programs
17000 Family and Community Medical Assistance - SSI Related Programs (Repealed) [Repealed, effective August 11, 2019.] 23 DE Reg. 127 (08/01/19)
17100 SSI Beneficiaries
Any individual aged 65 years or over, blind, or permanently disabled (i.e. unable to engage in substantial gainful activity), receiving a benefit through the Supplemental Security Income program, is automatically eligible for Medicaid in Delaware. Because Delaware covers all SSI beneficiaries, it is known as a "1634" state. Other states, commonly referred to as "209-b" states, have more restrictive criteria for eligibility than the SSI program.
17110 Individuals Who Would Be SSI Beneficiaries Except for the July, 1972 Increase in OASDI Benefits
These are individuals who were receiving OASDI and would be a SSI recipient now if the July 1972 increase in OASDI were deducted from the individual’s income.
17120 Recipients of Mandatory State Supplementary Payments
When the Federal SSI program was implemented in 1974, states were mandated to provide supplemental payments to aged, blind, and disabled individuals who would get less money under SSI than they got under the Old Age Assistance (OAA), Aid to the Blind (AB), and Aid to the Disabled (AD) programs formerly administered by the states. Delaware still has a few individuals who get mandatory state payments and they are eligible for Medicaid.
17130 1619 (b) Eligibles
Individuals with Disabilities* who lose their financial eligibility for SSI due to obtaining employment may continue to be eligible for Medicaid if:
·the individual continues to be blind or continues to have the disabling physical or mental impairment on the basis of which he was found to be eligible for SSI, and
·the individual, except for his earnings, continues to meet all non- disability- related requirements for eligibility for SSI, and
·the loss of Medicaid benefits would seriously inhibit his ability to continue employment, and
·the individual's earnings are not sufficient to allow him to provide for himself a reasonable equivalent of the benefits available under Medicaid. *Effective May 1991, the age restriction was lifted. 1619(b)'s will not lose their Medicaid eligibility at age 65. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17130.1 Eligibility Determination
The SSI Medicaid Unit receives the names of these individuals via the State Data Exchange (SDX). They have a payment status code of "NO1" and code "C" in Medicaid eligibility field.
The "C" means - Federally administered Medicaid coverage should be continued regardless of payment status code.
SSA monitors 1619(b) clients to assure they still meet the eligibility criteria for the 1619(b) program. An annual Medicaid redetermination consists of obtaining verification from Social Security that the client is still 1619(b) eligible.
17140 "Pickle Amendment" - Loss of SSI Benefits Due to COLA Increases Medicaid benefits are continued for certain aged, blind or persons with disabilities who become ineligible for SSI benefits or State Supplementary Payments (SSP) due to cost of living adjustments (COLA) in RSDI benefits paid under Title II of the Act. For purposes of this provision, "supplementary payments" include any optional or mandatory State Supplementary Payments. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17140.1 Eligibility Determination Effective July 1, 1977, Medicaid coverage will be provided (under the same terms and conditions as for SSI/SSP recipients in the State) to an aged, blind or person with a disability who: ·is currently eligible for RSDI benefits under Title II of the Act, ·becomes ineligible for SSI benefits or State Supplementary Payments (SSP), ·received SSI and Title II (SSA) benefits concurrently, and ·would still be eligible for SSI/SSP benefits if the amount of his/her (or spouse's) COLA were deducted from income.
Office of the Registrar of Regulations, Legislative Council, State of Delaware
2 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Benefits under this regulation are limited to persons who received SSI/SSP and SSA concurrently and who would still be eligible for SSI/SSP but for their SSA COLAs received since they lost eligibility for SSI/SSP.
Only COLAs are disregarded; any other increase in RSDI benefits must not be disregarded.
Only those COLAs which occurred after April 1977, and which were received since loss of SSI/SSP eligibility will be disregarded in determining continuing Medicaid eligibility.
* Any COLA received by an ineligible spouse or responsible relative of the aged, blind or person with a disability, since that individual lost SSI eligibility must also be disregarded.* 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17140.2 Computation of COLA Disregard
Starting with the current Title II benefit amount, the aggregate Title II COLAs received by the applicant since he lost SSI/SSP can be calculated using the COLA chart. This chart provides the percentage of each Title II COLA from July 1977 (the first year in which the Pickle amendment was effective) to the present (17140.2.1).
To determine the applicant's aggregate Title II COLAs received by the applicant since he lost SSI/SSP (while continuing to receive Title II benefits), first divide the current Title II benefit amount by the percentage amount of the previous year's cost- of- living increase. This will provide the person's benefit level prior to the COLA. This computation is then repeated for each Title II COLA received after the applicant was last discontinued from SSI/SSP.
When the last computation is completed, the result in most cases will be the Title II benefit amount the applicant was receiving when he lost SSI/SSP. This amount is then subtracted from the current Title II benefit amount. The result of this subtraction is the aggregate Title II COLAs the applicant received after losing SSI/SSP. The same computation must be made to determine the amount of the COLAs received by an ineligible spouse or responsible relative since the "Pickle Amendment" applicant lost SSI eligibility. The aggregate COLAs are then subtracted from the applicant's countable income to determine whether his income would be below the SSI/SSP benefit rate. If it is, and if he meets all other requirements for eligibility for SSI/SSP, he is eligible for categorical Medicaid under the Pickle Amendment.
A redetermination is required at least every 12 months. 17140.2.1 Computation of COLA Disregard for Pickles Current Title II Benefit 1.014 = Benefit before 1/03 COLA Current Title II Benefit 1.026 = Benefit before 1/02 COLA Current Title II Benefit 1.035 = Benefit before 1/01 COLA Current Title II Benefit 1.024 = Benefit before 1/00 COLA Current Title II Benefit 1.030 = Benefit before 1/99 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.021 = Benefit before 1/98 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.029 = Benefit before 1/97 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.026 = Benefit before 1/96 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.028 = Benefit before 1/95 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.026 = Benefit before 1/94 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.030 = Benefit before 1/93 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.037 = Benefit before 1/92 COLA Current Title II benefit 1.054 = Benefit before 1/91 COLA Benefit before 1/91 COLA 1.047 = Benefit before 1/90 COLA Benefit before 1/90 COLA 1.041 = Benefit before 1/89 COLA Benefit before 1/89 COLA 1.042 = Benefit before 1/88 COLA
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 Benefit before 1/88 COLA 1.013 = Benefit before 1/87 COLA Benefit before 1/87 COLA 1.031 = Benefit before 1/86 COLA Benefit before 1/86 COLA 1.035 = Benefit before 1/85 COLA Benefit before 1/85 COLA 1.035 = Benefit before 1/84 COLA Benefit before 1/84 COLA 1.074 = Benefit before 7/82 COLA Benefit before 7/82 COLA 1.112 = Benefit before 7/81 COLA Benefit before 7/81 COLA 1.143 = Benefit before 7/80 COLA Benefit before 7/80 COLA 1.099 = Benefit before 7/79 COLA Benefit before 7/79 COLA 1.065 = Benefit before 7/78 COLA Benefit before 7/78 COLA 1.059 = Benefit before 7/77 COLA
17150 Widows/Widowers (Age 60-64) This group was created by Section 9116 of the Omnibus Budget SSI/SSP Reconciliation Act of 1987. These are widow(er)s receiving Title II Social Security aged 60 through 64 who are not yet entitled to Part A of Medicare and who became ineligible for payments because of a Title II entitlement or increase. Beginning July 1, 1988, the States must continue to consider these individuals to be SSI recipients for Medicaid purposes until their entitlement for Part A Medicare begins.
17150.1 Eligibility Determination Applicants may receive Medicaid if they meet the following criteria: ·are a widow or a widower, ·received SSI payments in the past (before age 60), ·on April 2, 1988 or after, they are at least 60 years old, but not yet 65 years old, ·no longer receive SSI/SSP because of Social Security payments, ·do not have (and are not yet entitled to) Part A Medicare, ·meet the other requirements of Medicaid. Medicaid continues as long as that individual would be eligible for SSI without the title II benefit or until that individual becomes entitled to Part A Medicare. Eligibility is determined using SSI income and resource standards. The title II benefit is excluded from income when determining eligibility. Redeterminations are completed annually. The resource test will be waived at annual renewal. If the case worker receives asset information after a renewal has been completed, the receipt of new information will be treated as a change in circumstances. See Section 14820 Changes in Circumstances. 29 DE Reg. 604 (01/01/26)
17155 Widows/Widowers with Disabilities (Age 50-59) Section 5103 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) 1990 created this group of Medicaid eligibles effective January 1, 1991. These are certain widow(er)s with disabilities who lose SSI/SSP because they began receiving Title II Social Security disabled widows benefits. They are deemed to be SSI recipients for Medicaid purposes until they are entitled to Medicare. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17155.1 Eligibility Determination Applicants may receive Medicaid if they meet the following criteria: ·are a widow or a widower; ·were eligible for a SSI/SSP payment in the month before the month the disabled widows benefit began; ·would continue to be eligible for an SSI/SSP payment if they were not receiving the disabled widows benefit; ·are not yet entitled to Medicare Part A; ·meet the other requirements of Medicaid (residency, assignment of rights, etc.)
Medicaid continues as long as that individual would be eligible for SSI without the Title II benefit or until that individual becomes entitled to Part A Medicare.
Eligibility is determined using SSI income and resource standards. The Title II benefit is excluded from income when determining eligibility. Redeterminations are completed annually. The resource test will be waived at annual renewal. If the
4 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
case worker receives asset information after a renewal has been completed, the receipt of new information will be treated as a change in circumstances. See Section 14820 Changes in Circumstances. 29 DE Reg. 604 (01/01/26)
17160 Adult Children with Disabilities Section 1634(c) of the Social Security Act states:
"(c) If any individual who has attained the age of 18 and is receiving benefits under this title on the basis of blindness or a disability which began before he or she attained the age of 22--
·becomes entitled, on or after the effective date of this subsection, to child's insurance benefits which are payable under section 202(d) on the basis of such disability or to an increase in the amount of the child's insurance benefits which are so payable, and
·ceases to be eligible for benefits under this title because of such child's insurance benefits or because of the increase in such child's insurance benefits,
·such individual shall be treated for purposes of title XIX as receiving benefits under this title so long as he or she would be eligible for benefits under this title in the absence of such child's insurance benefits or such increase."
The policy allows for certain former recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to continue to receive Medicaid after their SSI benefits have terminated. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17160.1 Eligibility Determination To be eligible the individual must meet all the following criteria: ·be age 18 or older, ·have been receiving SSI, ·lost their SSI benefit because they started to receive Child's Insurance Benefits after 7/1/87 or ·received an increase in Child's Insurance Benefit after 7/1/87. Child's Insurance Benefit is a type of Title II Social Security benefit as defined below: A child is entitled to Child's Insurance Benefits on the Social Security record of a parent if: 1. an application for Child's Insurance Benefit is filed, and 2. the child is (or was) dependent upon the parent, and 3. the child is unmarried, and 4. the child is: under age 18, or under age 19 and a full-time elementary or secondary school student, or age 18 or over and under a disability (which must have begun before age 22) and 5. the parent: is entitled to disability insurance benefits, or is entitled to retirement insurance benefits, or died and was either fully or currently insured at the time of death. Determine eligibility using SSI income and resource standards and methodologies. The Child’s Insurance Benefit is excluded from income. Redeterminations are completed annually. The resource test will be waived at annual renewal. If the case worker receives asset information after a renewal has been completed, the receipt of new information will be treated as a change in circumstances. See Section 14820 Changes in Circumstances. 22 DE Reg. 859 (04/01/19) 29 DE Reg. 604 (01/01/26)
17170 Section 4913 Children with Disabilities Section 4913 of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) provides that children who were receiving SSI payments on August 22, 1996, and who but for the enactment of the new disability definition under § 211(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA), would continue to be paid SSI, are mandatory categorically eligible for Medicaid. This provision is effective for those children who lose their SSI payment on or after July 1, 1997. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17170.1 Technical Eligibility The child must meet all of the following requirements: (a)The child was being paid SSI on August 22, 1996. This includes children who, as of August 22, 1996, were in current pay status, had received favorable or partially favorable administrative decisions, or had a Zebley appeal pending. (b)The child's SSI payment stopped on or after July 1, 1997. (c)The decision to stop SSI payments was due to a determination that the child does not met the definition of disability enacted on August 22, 1996, at § 211(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. (d)The child would, except for the disability determination described in (c), continue to be paid SSI.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 5 A child, who was not receiving SSI on August 22, 1996, is not protected by Section 4913. A child who loses SSI after August 22, 1996, for a nondisability reason is also not protected by Section 4913. If either of these two situations occur, a redetermination of Medicaid eligibility for the child under another eligibility group will be done.
17170.2 Disability Determination The redetermination of disability will follow the rules in 20 CFR 416.924-924e as in effect on April 1, 1996. A contractor who is competent to perform the redetermination of disability will be used.
17170.3 Continuing Disability Reviews The rules in 20 CFR 416.994a as published on April 1, 1996 will be used with the following modifications to the frequency of review:
(a)Review disability after, at most, 18 months if medical improvement is expected.
(b)Review disability after, at most, 3 years if disability is not permanent but medical improvement cannot be predicted.
(c)Review disability after, at most, 7 years if disability is permanent. A contractor who is competent to perform the continuing disability reviews will be used. 17170.4 Financial Eligibility
Follow the SSI income and resource standards and methodologies.
17170.5 Continued Eligibility Medicaid eligibility for children covered under this provision continues until the earlier of:
·the child reaches age 18
·the child no longer meets the criteria of the SSI program for payment of benefits (other than the post August 22, 1996, definition of disability for children). A child who ceases to meet the non-disability SSI eligibility criteria can recover coverage under Section 4913 if the child again meets the non-disability SSI criteria. However, a determination that the child is no longer disabled under the pre-PRWORA disability criteria will permanently bar the child from protected coverage under Section 4913.
·the child is not eligible under another Medicaid eligibility group.
17170.6 Redetermination of Eligibility
A redetermination of the non-disability criteria is required at least every 12 months.
17200 Disabled Children - Program Renamed (See 25000 Section) 17300 Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
A Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) is someone who is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A Medicare and whose income does not exceed the Federal Poverty Level. All resources of the applicant and spouse are excluded when determining eligibility.
QMB's qualify for Medicaid to pay their Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance expenses. They do not receive any Medicaid services.
This category of eligibles is mandated for coverage by the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 (MCCA). Delaware Medicaid implemented the program effective 1/1/90. The eligibility and benefits are not retroactive.
17300.1 Application Process
The individual and his spouse, if married, must complete an application and provide the necessary verifications before a determination of eligibility can be made.
17300.2 Medicare Entitlement
Applicants must be entitled to Medicare Part A.
17300.3 Financial Eligibility
A Qualified Medicare Beneficiary must have countable income that does not exceed 100% of the official poverty line. The revised poverty levels for QMB's with title II income (Social Security) will be effective April 1. If the QMB does not have title II income, the revised poverty levels will be effective February 1.
17300.3.1 COLA Disregard
Social Security COLA increases will be excluded in determining the eligibility of recipients during the first three months of a calendar year.
17300.3.2 Income
The definition of income is the same definition used by the SSI program. In determining countable income take into account those income exclusions and disregards used by the SSI program. Eligibility for SSI (and QMB Program) is dependent in part upon the amount of income available, and since the program is need- oriented, those who have substantial income cannot receive benefits. Income is considered in the period in which it becomes available to meet the needs of the individual. Income includes anything received by the individual, in cash or in kind, that can be used to meet needs for food, clothing, or shelter.
17300.3.2.1 Excluded Income
6 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Excluded income is an amount which is income by definition but does not count in determining eligibility because of Federal laws. The following list gives examples of items that are defined as income but are excluded for eligibility:
1. ACTION Programs/Domestic Volunteer Services: Payments to volunteers under chapter 66 of title 42 of the U.S. Code. Domestic Volunteer Services (ACTION programs) are excluded from income and resources. Examples are Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program. NOTE: Community Service employment paid as a wage or salary under chapter 35 of title 42 of the U.S. Code, Programs for Older Americans is earned income.
2. Low Income Energy Assistance.
3. Victims compensation payments from a State established fund.
4. German reparations payments.
5. Agent orange settlement payments. Impairment-related work expenses. Interest and dividend income. See Long Term Care Section for more examples of excluded income.
17300.3.2.2 What Is Not Income Some items that an individual receives are not income because they do not meet the definition of income. The following lists examples of items that are not income for SSI purposes (or QMB program):
1. Rebates and refunds of money an individual has already paid
2. Personal services
3. Certain assistance under medical or social service programs
4. Room and board received during a medical confinement
5. Income tax refunds and Earned Income Tax Credit
6. Payments by credit life or credit disability insurance
7. Proceeds of a loan
8. Bills paid by a third party
9. Receipts from the sale, exchange or replacement of a resource
10. Weatherization assistance (insulation, storm doors and windows, etc.)
11. Replacement of income already received. (If income is lost, stolen, or destroyed and the claimant receives a replacement (e.g., for a stolen Title II check), the replacement is not income.)
12. Return of erroneous payments In addition, Medicaid does not count AFDC/GA payments or payments made on behalf of foster children as income to the QMB's.
17300.3.2.3 Gross Income
Gross income is income from all sources before any disregards, exemptions, or deductions such as taxes, health insurance premiums such as Medicare, life insurance premiums, loan payments, garnishments, credit union, alimony, child support (including court ordered), union dues, etc. have been applied.
17300.3.2.4 Earned Income
Earned income is income that is received as a result of work activity. This includes wages, salaries, tips and commissions before taxes or other deductions such as pension fund, garnishment, or optional deductions such as insurance premiums or savings bonds or accounts.
A wage or salary paid under chapter 35 of title 42 of the U.S. Code, The Older Americans Act (for example, Senior Community Service Employment) is earned income. Anything provided under chapter 35 of title 42 other than a wage or salary (volunteer programs) is excluded from income. Also, payments for services performed in a sheltered workshop or work activities center program are earned income.
See the Long Term Care section for additional types of earned income.
17300.3.2.4.1 Self-Employment Income
A self-employment standard deduction is used to calculate self-employment income. The self-employment standard deduction is considered the cost to produce income. The self-employment standard deduction is a percentage that is determined annually and announced in the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Administrative Notice each October.
To calculate self-employment income, use the gross proceeds and subtract the self- employment standard deduction. The result is the amount included in the individual’s gross income. Standard earned income deductions are then applied to the individual’s gross income.
To receive the self-employment standard deduction, the individual must provide verification that costs are incurred to produce the self-employment income. Verification can include, but is not limited to, tax records, ledgers, business records, receipts, check receipts, and business statements. The individual does not have to verify all business costs to receive the standard deduction.
If the individual does not claim or verify any costs to produce the self-employment income, the self-employment standard deduction will not be applied.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 7
When the application of the standard deduction results in a finding of ineligibility, the applicant or recipient will be given an opportunity to show that actual self-employment expenses exceed the standard deduction. If the actual expenses exceed the standard deduction, they will be used to determine net income from self-employment. 9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05) 10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06)
17300.3.2.5 Unearned Income
Unearned income is income that is paid because of a legal or moral obligation rather than for work activity performed. It is all income that is not earned income. This includes Social Security, Railroad Retirement, pensions, benefits, alimony, child support and other types of payments. Interest and dividend income is excluded.
Rental income is unearned unless the rental proceeds are ordinary income of a trade or business being carried on by a self-employed individual, such as a real estate broker.
See the Long Term Care Section for more information on determining net rental income and more types of unearned income.
17300.3.2.6 Income Computation
Since different exclusions apply to earned income than to unearned income, it is important to recognize the difference between them. In determining a QMB's countable income, deduct $20.00 from the gross income. This $20 exclusion is first applied to unearned income with the balance, if any, applied to the earned income. From earned income deduct the $20 if not already used, deduct $65 and 1/2 of the remainder. After the application of the deductions compare what is now the countable income to the income limits. There is only one $20.00 disregard from total combined income for a married couple. There is only one $65 and 1/2 remainder disregard from total combined earned income of the couple.
Verify the gross income of the ineligible spouse (the spouse who is not Medicare eligible). If that income is equal to or less than half the income limit for one QMB, then do not count any of the ineligible spouse's income toward the eligible spouse for the eligibility determination.
If none of the ineligible spouse's income is counted toward the Medicare spouse, the income limit for an individual is used to determine eligibility. If we must deem income from the ineligible spouse to the Medicare spouse, the income limit for a couple is used.
When determining the countable income of an applicant with children under age 18 and in the home, you can give a child's disregard which is 1/2 of the QMB's income limit for one. The child's disregard can only be applied to the ineligible spouse's income not the QMB's income and cannot be applied if the child has income that exceeds 1/2 of the QMB limit for one. Apply child's disregard before applying the $65 and 1/2 remainder disregard.
Please remember that we do not deem children's income to parents. We use a child's disregard to reduce the income we have to deem from the ineligible spouse to the eligible QMB.
17300.4 Effective Date of Coverage
QMB's coverage cannot be retroactive prior to 1/1/90. By Federal mandate QMB's are to become eligible the first day of the month after you determine them eligible. An individual may have dual eligibility as a QMB and as a Medicaid recipient. When authorizing coverage for an individual who is being terminated from Medicaid, you may begin coverage the month following the Medicaid termination.
Benefits are effective with the beginning of the month after the month in which you make a determination that an individual is a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. For example, if you make a determination on August 15, benefits under this provision are effective beginning September 1. 17300.4.1 Retroactive Coverage Precluded Three month retroactive eligibility as provided for in 1902(a)(34) of the Social Security Act and in regulations at 42 CFR 435.914, is precluded under this provision. Thus, you may not make an individual eligible under this provision before the beginning of the month after the month in which the eligibility determination is made. 17300.5 Benefits Medicaid will pay the:
·Part A hospital premium if a QMB has to pay for the premium. Most Medicare beneficiaries receive this coverage for free.
·Part A or hospital deductible.
·Part B premium.
·The annual Part B deductible.
·Coinsurance requirement of 20%. Physicians, labs, etc., would bill Medicare for 80% of the service and then bill Medicaid for 20% coinsurance or the remainder.
We can only pay enrolled providers (those with a Medicaid contract). We cannot reimburse the recipients. 17300.6 Redetermination of Eligibility
A redetermination of eligibility must be completed at least every 12 months. We will promptly redetermine eligibility when information is received about changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility. 17300.7 Identification of Beneficiaries
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Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries must be identified through the Medicaid identification card system as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries. This is to alert providers that special coverage and reimbursement rules apply. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries are Medicaid eligible and are entitled to the same rights and subject to responsibilities applicable to Medicaid eligibles (e.g., fair hearings and reporting requirements). For individuals eligible only as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, benefits are limited to medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing expenses for services covered by Medicare. 17300.8 Payments to Providers
Subject to state law, a provider has the right to accept a patient either as private pay only or as a QMB only. The provider must advise the patient, for payment purposes, how he will be accepted. Medicaid payment of Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts may be made only to Medicaid participating providers. Medicaid may make a payment even though a Medicare service is not covered by Medicaid in the State plan. The claim may not be rejected on the basis that the Medicare service is not covered by Medicaid or that the provider accepts the patient as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary only. The actual payment made by Medicaid is payment in full for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. The provider is restricted from seeking to collect any amount from the QMB for Medicare deductibles or co-insurance even if Medicaid's payment is less than the Medicare deductible and co-insurance. 17400 Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries Section 4501(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 mandates coverage of specified low- income Medicare beneficiaries beginning January 1, 1993. Medicaid will pay the Medicare Part B premium for these individuals. They do not receive any Medicaid services. A Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) is an individual who meets all of the eligibility requirements for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) status except for income in excess of the QMB income limit Follow all technical and financial eligibility requirements (except for income limits) described in the QMB program.
17400.1 Income Limits
The income limit is 110% of the Federal Poverty Level for calendar years 1993 and 1994. Effective for calendar years beginning 1995, the income limit is 120% of the FPL. The new poverty levels are effective April 1 for SLMBs who have title II income. For SLMBs without title II income, the new poverty levels are effective February 1.
17400.1.1 COLA Disregard
Social Security COLA increases will be excluded in determining the eligibility of recipients during the first three months of a calendar year.
17400.2 Retroactive Coverage
Retroactive eligibility does apply to this group unlike the QMB program. Benefits may begin with the month of application. Retroactive coverage is available for the three months prior to the month of application.
17400.3 Redetermination of Eligibility
A redetermination of eligibility must be completed at least every 12 months. We will promptly redetermine eligibility when information is received about changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility. 29 DE Reg. 604 (01/01/26)
17500 Qualifying Individuals
Section 4732 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 establishes a capped allocation for each of five years beginning January 1998, to states for payment of Medicare Part B premiums for two new mandatory eligibility groups of low-income Medicare beneficiaries, called Qualifying Individuals or QIs. This provision amends section 1902(a)(10)(E) of the Social Security Act concerning Medicare cost-sharing for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs) and Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs). It also amends section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act concerning the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by incorporating reference to and establishing a new section 1933, for QIs.
QIs are individuals who would be QMBs but for the fact that their income exceeds the income levels established for QMBs and SLMBs. This means that QIs must meet all the technical and financial eligibility requirements of the QMB program except for the income limits.
Unlike QMBs or SLMBs, who may be determined eligible for Medicaid benefits in addition to their QMB/SLMB benefits, QIs cannot be otherwise eligible for Medicaid.
17510 Qualifying Individuals 1
Individuals in the first group of QIs, called QI-1s, must have income that exceeds 120% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but the income must be at or below 135% of the FPL. The benefit for QI-1s consists of payment of the full Medicare Part B premium. They do not receive any Medicaid services.
17520 Qualifying Individuals 2 QI-2 Eligibility Group - Expired: December 31, 2002
17530 COLA Disregard
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 9
Social Security COLA increases will be excluded in determining eligibility during the first three months of a calendar year.
17540 Retroactive Coverage
Retroactive eligibility does apply to this group unlike the QMB program. Benefits may begin with the month of application. Retroactive coverage is available for the three months prior to the month of application. Coverage cannot be effective prior to January 1 of the calendar year in which the application is filed.
17550 Capped Allocation
This provision is effective for premiums payable beginning with January 1998 and ending with December 2002. Each state will receive a specific capped allocation for QIs.
Because of the capped allocation, we must limit the number of QIs selected in a calendar year so that the amount of benefits provided to these individuals does not exceed our state allocation. QIs will be selected on a first-come, first- served basis. This means the QIs are selected in the order in which they apply for benefits.
Once a QI is approved, the QI is entitled to receive assistance for the remainder of the calendar year, provided the individual meets the eligibility requirements. However, the fact that an individual receives assistance at any time during the year does not necessarily entitle the individual to continued assistance for any succeeding year. We will give preference to individuals who were QIs, in the last month of the previous year.
17560 Redetermination of Eligibility
A redetermination of eligibility must be completed at least every 12 months. We will promptly redetermine eligibility when information is received about changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility.
17700 Qualified and Disabled Working Individuals
Effective July 1, 1990, Section 6408 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1989 mandates coverage of certain Medicare beneficiaries who are still disabled but lost premium-free Part A Medicare coverage because they returned to work. Medicaid will pay the Part A premium for Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWIs) who meet the income requirements.
A QDWI is an individual: ·who is entitled to enroll in Medicare Part A under §1818A of the Social Security Act; ·whose income does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level; and ·who is not otherwise eligible for Medicaid.
17700.1 Application Process
Social Security Administration will notify these individuals that they may be eligible to purchase Part A. If the individual is eligible for premium Part A, the SSA representative will determine potential QDWI status and refer the individual to the Medicaid office.
The individual and his spouse, if married, must complete a Medicaid application and provide the necessary verifications.
17700.2 Medicare Beneficiary
Applicants MUST apply for Medicare Part A. The individual must apply for Medicare Part A during their initial enrollment period which is identified in the notice they receive from SSA. If they do not apply during the specified time frame, they must wait until the general enrollment period - January, February and March.
17700.3 Financial Eligibility
The income methodologies of the SSI program will be used to determine eligibility for this program. See the QMB section for definitions of income. (DSSM 17300)
17700.3.1 Income
In order to be eligible, a QDWI's income cannot exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Follow the income deductions described in the QMB section.
17700.4 Effective Date of Coverage
Eligibility as a QDWI cannot be effective prior to July 1, 1990. The effective date of benefits is based on the date of application and the date on which all eligibility criteria are met, including enrollment in Part A.
17700.4.1 Retroactive Coverage
Retroactive coverage is available under this program.
For example, an individual applies for benefits on October 1 and is already enrolled in Part A. Eligibility could be effective back to July 1. If this individual's Part A enrollment was not effective until November 1, then eligibility as a QDWI cannot be effective until November 1.
17700.5 Redetermination of Eligibility
A redetermination of eligibility must be completed at least every 12 months. We will promptly redetermine eligibility when information is received about changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility.
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17800 Medical Assistance during Transition to Medicare
42 CFR 435.232
Medicaid may be provided to individuals who receive only an optional State supplement and who would be eligible for SSI except for the level of their income.
The rules in this section set forth the eligibility requirements for coverage under this state-administered Optional State Supplementation group - Medical Assistance during Transition to Medicare (MAT). The MAT group is implemented March 1, 2001. Effective January 1, 2025, this group is eligible for retroactive eligibility. 12 DE Reg. 788 (12/01/08) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24)
17801 Status Eligibility
In addition to the general Medicaid eligibility requirements listed in DSSM 14000 - 14960, the individual meets all the conditions listed below must meet the following conditions:
a) received SSI, and
b) lost eligibility for SSI due to the receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance, and
c) is not yet eligible for Medicare.
Effective September 1, 2008, coverage under the MAT group is extended to an individual who:
a) lost eligibility for Medicaid on or after January 1, 2008, due to the receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance, and
b) is not yet eligible for Medicare. 12 DE Reg. 788 (12/01/08)
17802 Financial Eligibility
All income and resources are excluded.
17803 Eligibility Determination
When an individual loses Medicaid eligibility, a redetermination will be completed to the extent possible based on information contained in the individual's file. An application form may be required if additional or updated information is needed for the redetermination. 12 DE Reg. 788 (12/01/08)
17804 Income Standard
The income standard is $5.00.
17805 Payment Level
Countable income is deducted from the income standard.
17900 Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 established an optional categorically needy eligibility group under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV) of the Social Security Act. This eligibility group provides Medicaid coverage to certain employed individuals with disabilities. The rules in this section set forth the eligibility requirements under this group entitled Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD). The effective date for MWD is October 1, 2009. 12 DE Reg. 446 (10/01/08) 13 DE Reg. 654 (11/01/09)
17901 General Eligibility Requirements The Medicaid rules at Section 14000 of the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) also apply to MWD except as provided in this section.
17902 Alien Status
Repealed 14 DE Reg. 1361 (06/01/11)
17903 Age Requirement
The individual must be at least 16 but less than 65 years old.
17904 Disability Requirement
The individual must be disabled as defined under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program except that being engaged in substantial gainful activity will not preclude a determination of disability.
17905 Employment Requirement
The individual must be engaged in paid employment and document Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) withholding from income.
17906 Resources All resources are excluded.
17907 Income
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 11 The definition of income is the same definition used by the SSI program. Refer to DSSM 20200-20200.9 and 20210- 20210.15 for a detailed description of income.
17908 Unearned Income Exclusion
Unearned income is excluded up to the standard established by Delaware Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA). The unearned income exclusion determined in 2009 was $956.00 per month. The unearned income exclusion is increased annually by the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the SSA in the Federal Register. There is no unearned income exclusion for a spouse who is not applying for MWD. 13 DE Reg. 654 (11/01/09) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24)
17909 Earned Income Exclusions
Monthly earned income exclusions are applied in the following order:
1. Earned income of children with disabilities that are also students (under age 18) up to the student earned income exclusion monthly limit, but not more than the student earned income exclusion yearly limit. These limits are updated annually by the Social Security Administration.
2. $20.00 general income exclusion
3. $65.00 of earned income
4. Earned income of individuals with disabilities used to pay impairment-related work expenses. Expenses must be directly related to the individual’s impairment. These are the costs paid by the individual for certain items and services that he or she needs in order to work even though such items and services are also needed for normal daily activities. Examples include but are not limited to the cost of certain attendant care services, dog guide, modified audio/visual equipment, specialized keyboards, and vehicle modification. The expense cannot be one that a similar worker without a disability would have, such as uniforms. The expenses are subject to reasonable limits. The amount paid will be considered reasonable if it does not exceed the standard or normal cost for the same item or service in the individual’s community.
5.One-half of remaining earned income 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11)
17910 Deeming of Income The term deeming identifies the process of considering another person's income for the eligibility determination. Deeming provisions recognize some measure of family responsibility as they apply from spouse-to-spouse or parent-to- child. The deeming provisions of the SSI program at 20 CFR Part 416, Subpart K, Deeming of Income, are used for the eligibility determination. The Federal Benefit Rate is used in the SSI program for the deeming calculation. The income standard of 275% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will be substituted for the Federal Benefit Rate in the MWD deeming calculation.
17911 Financial Eligibility Determination
There are 2 income tests used to determine financial eligibility:
1. If the monthly unearned income of the individual exceeds the standard established by Delaware Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA), the individual is ineligible. The unearned income limit was determined to be $956.00 per month in 2009. This unearned income limit is increased annually by the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the SSA in the Federal Register.
2. Countable income must be at or below 275% of the Federal Poverty Level for the appropriate family size (individual or couple). 13 DE Reg. 654 (11/01/09) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24)
17912 Retroactive Eligibility The individual may be found eligible for up to 3 months prior to the month of application as described at DSSM 14920-14920.6. Eligibility cannot be retroactive prior to October 1, 2009. 13 DE Reg. 652 (11/01/09) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24)
17913 Premium Requirements
Effective July 1, 2024, premiums are no longer required. 12 DE Reg. 446 (10/01/08) 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24) 17914 Managed Care Enrollment Requirements Individuals who are found eligible must enroll with a managed care organization. The Health Benefits Manager (enrollment broker) will be responsible for the enrollment process. 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12)
12 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05) 10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06) 12 DE Reg. 446 (10/01/08) 12 DE Reg. 788 (12/01/08) 13 DE Reg. 654 (11/01/09) 14 DE Reg. 1361 (06/01/11) 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 22 DE Reg. 859 (04/01/19) 23 DE Reg. 127 (08/01/19) 28 DE Reg. 48 (07/01/24) 29 DE Reg. 604 (01/01/26)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services Division of Social Services 20000 Medicaid Long Term Care 20100 Long Term Care Introduction Programs under Long Term Care (LTC) Medicaid include: • Diamond State Health Plan Plus • Nursing Facility Program • Long Term Care Community Services • Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) • Developmentally Disabled Waiver • Long Term Acute Care Program Common to all long term care programs is the requirement to be medically and financially eligible. 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 20100.1 Nursing Facility Program - General Information Persons who need nursing facility care, and who would be eligible for SSI if they were not institutionalized, are eligible for Medicaid. Nursing facility care may be needed if an individual is too disabled to be cared for in a home care situation but does not need acute care hospitalization. 20100.2 Categorically Eligible Groups 20100.2.1 SSI Recipients 20100.2.2 Individuals Whose Income is 250% of SSI 20100.2.3 Institutionalized Individuals Who Were Eligible in December 1973 20100.2.1 SSI Recipients Residents of skilled or intermediate nursing facilities who would be eligible for SSI if they were not institutionalized, are eligible for Medicaid. DSS does not make the SSI eligibility determination. If an individual has less than $50.00 income, she/he may be eligible for an SSI payment while in the institution. In this case, the client may be requested to make an application for eligibility determination. 20100.2.2 Individuals Whose Income is 250% of SSI Effective 1/1/96, two income limit standards will be applied to the LTC Acute Care Program. The 250% standard applies only to nursing facility residents. Individuals hospitalized for 30 consecutive days may be eligible only if their monthly income is 100% of the SSI standard or less. Effective October 1, 1994, the eligibility standard for individuals in nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver programs became 250% of the SSI standard. On October 1, 1993, the eligibility standard for individuals in nursing facilities was raised to 230% of the current SSI standard. The income standard had been at 210% of the SSI standard since January 1, 1991. All other SSI standards (resources, living arrangements, etc.) apply to this group of eligibles. For cases prior to 1/1/96, in accordance with Public Law 99-272, the 250% standard starts with the beginning of any consecutive 30-day period of institutionalization (nursing facility or hospital or combination of both) counting only the date of admission and not the date of discharge. For example, if a patient enters an institution on July 2nd and is continually institutionalized until August 2nd, eligibility is based on the 250% standard from July 2nd on. Workers may assume, when an applicant enters a nursing facility, that the applicant will remain institutionalized for 30 consecutive days and authorize vendor payment. This assumption can only be made for nursing facility placement and does not apply to hospitalization. Vendor payment cannot be authorized unless the individual's income is below the SSI standard or the individual has been or is assumed will remain institutionalized 30 consecutive days. 20100.2.3 Institutionalized Individuals Who Were Eligible in December 1973 Federal Regulation 42 CFR 435.132 The agency must provide Medicaid to individuals who were eligible for Medicaid in December 1973, or any part of that month, as inpatients of medical institutions or residents of intermediate care facilities that were participating in the Medicaid program and who: For each consecutive month after December 1973
Office of the Registrar of Regulations, Legislative Council, State of Delaware
2 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (a) Continue to meet the requirements for Medicaid eligibility that were in effect under the State's plan in December 1973 for institutionalized individuals; and (b) Remain institutionalized; and (c) Are determined by the State or a professional standards organization to continue to need institutional care. In accordance with this regulation, any nursing facility resident who has been continuously institutionalized since December, 1973, and who is ineligible by current SSI standards, must have his eligibility evaluated by 1973 standards. 29 DE Reg. 608 (01/01/26) 20101 Application Process - Long Term Care Services The application process is twofold. Applicants for Medicaid must be medically and financially eligible to receive coverage. Referrals for Medicaid may come from many sources: the applicant, the family of the applicant, persons in the community, hospital social workers, etc. The potential nursing facility or Home and Community Based Waiver patient may be in an adult foster care home, in his own home, in the hospital or in a nursing facility as a private pay patient. Rarely does the applicant himself initiate the referral. This means it is extremely important in the case of the mentally competent patient that the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) nurse determine initially if the patient is aware that a referral for nursing facility admission or Home and Community Based Waiver has been made. The person must be willing to enter a nursing facility or accept Waiver services, otherwise placement or referral cannot be made. The DMMA nurse and social worker may assist the family or others in helping the patient to accept the need for nursing facility or Waiver care, but the main responsibility belongs to the family or persons acting as family. If the patient is not competent, the family or someone acting responsibly as defined in 42 CFR 435.907(a) will act on behalf of the patient. It is not the responsibility of DMMA to find a nursing facility placement for a patient although they may give assistance when they have knowledge of available, Medicaid certified beds. 22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18) 20102 Medical Eligibility Determinations The first of two steps in the application process is to determine medical eligibility. This is usually determined by Pre- Admission Screening (PAS). Referrals to PAS may come from the family of the applicant as well as other sources. 20102.1 Four Levels of Nursing Facility Care There are four levels of nursing facility care for which Medicaid can make payment to qualified providers. 20102.1.1 Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care 20102.1.2 Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care 20102.1.3 Intermediate Care - Facility for the Mentally Retarded 20102.1.4 Intermediate Care - Facility for Mental Disease 20102.1.1 Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care Skilled Nursing Facility Level of Care - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) is an institutional setting which provides skilled nursing or rehabilitation services for mental or physical conditions. Such a setting includes availability of around the clock professional nursing observations, assessment or intervention. Super Skilled indicates a payment methodology to accommodate respirator and some other skilled level patients as recommended by the DSS Medical Operations Administrator. 20102.1.2 Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care Intermediate Nursing Facility Level of Care Intermediate care nursing facility (ICF) is an institutional setting in which nursing and allied health care and support services are provided on a daily basis. Such services are supervised by but not necessarily given by a licensed nurse. 20102.1.3 Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded Level of Care Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) An intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive habilitative and support services to persons with mental retardation or related conditions. To qualify for an ICF/MR level of care, individuals exhibit significant deficits in age-appropriate functioning in multiple domains. As a consequence, they require frequent assistance or supervision to competently or safely engage in activities of daily living (ADLs). 20102.1.4 Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Disease Level of Care
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 Intermediate Care Mental Disease Level of Care (ICF/MD) results from a primary psychiatric diagnosis and indicates a need for services in an institution licensed to care for psychiatric patients. Medicaid vendor payments can only be made for persons who are 65 years of age and older. An intermediate care facility for mental disease (ICF/MD) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive clinical and support services to persons with significant behavioral health disorders. Such disorder must compromise functioning in multiple areas and require frequent or intensive medical or behavioral interventions (e.g., drug therapy; professional counseling; behavior management techniques). 20102.2 Medical Necessity Procedures There are two ways to determine the medical necessity of nursing facility care. These are: 20102.2.1 Pre-Admission Screening 20102.2.2 Medical Review Team 20102.2.1 Pre-Admission Screening The Medicaid Long Term Care Unit's Pre-Admission Screening team performs a level of care determination for individuals in hospitals or in the community who will be entering a privately funded or public skilled or intermediate care facility. This includes individuals currently residing out-of-state who are seeking nursing facility placement in Delaware. The determination is made in accordance with guidelines established by the Medicaid program. The initial determination for applicants requiring a super skilled level of care is made by PAS. The Medical Review Team then confirms the determination of the necessity of super skilled care. 20102.2.2 Medical Review Team The Medical Review Team determines the level of care for the following groups: individuals seeking out of state inpatient rehabilitation hospital care, superskilled Reimbursement level of care, Children Community Alternative Disability Program. A MAP-25 (Comprehensive Medical Report) is completed by the attending physician and is submitted to the State Office Medical Review Team along with any supporting documentation for approval. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) PAS POL 20102.3 PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEWS (PASRR) OVERVIEW By Federal mandate, all individuals applying for placement in a Medicaid certified nursing facility, regardless of pay source, must have a Level I Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for Mental Illness (MI) or Mental Retardation (MR)/Related Condition (RC). Based on results of a Level I PASRR Screening, the PAS RN may determine that further screening, a Level II PASRR, is warranted. A Level II PASRR evaluates clients with MI and MR/RC and determines if nursing home placement, either with or without specialized services, is appropriate. In addition to the PAS RN, an Independent Contracted Psychiatrist also makes placement recommendations. However, the final decision on appropriate placement for individuals with MI or MR/RC is made by the State Mental Health Authority for MI or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for MR/RC. PAS POL 20102.3.1 PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEWS (PASRR) This applies to all nursing home applicants or residents of a Medicaid certified nursing facility (NF) regardless of payment source or diagnoses. 1. DMMA is Responsible for PASRR Oversight DMMA will assure PASRR program operates in accordance with federal regulations. 2. A Level I PASRR Screening is completed on all residents or potential residents of a Medicaid certified Nursing home. A Level I screening is the process of identifying individuals who are suspected of having a mental illness or mental retardation or if categorical determinations are met. The Nursing Facility is responsible for completing the Level I screening for non-Medicaid individuals. The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance is responsible for completing the Level I screening for Medicaid and potential Medicaid individuals when notified. 3. Determination is made regarding the need for a Level II PASRR screening. Based on the Level I screening, the individual will meet one of three categories: ·No indication of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition – nursing home admission/continued stay is appropriate - No further evaluation is needed. ·There are indicators of mental illness/mental retardation/related condition however individual meets any of the following Physician’s Exemption Criteria: ·Primary Diagnosis of Dementia or related disorder.
4 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ·Convalescent Care not to exceed 30 days - PAS nurses will track this exemption and initiate Level II PASRR evaluation prior to expiration if continued NF stay is warranted. ·Terminal Illness – a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course. ·Medical dependency with a severe physical illness. No further evaluation is needed at this time. ·There are indicators of mental illness, mental retardation/related conditions – Needs complete PASRR Assessment (Level II). 4. DMMA will coordinate the Level II screening for all Medicaid and non-Medicaid individuals. DMMA PAS nurse will gather data for Level II PASRR screening. Data is reviewed with DMMA Nurse Supervisor for approval to continue with the Level II screening. 5. The individual and/or legal representatives must receive written notice that further evaluation is needed. The notice must inform them that the individual is being referred for Level II Evaluation to DSAMH due to mental illness indicators or to DDDS due to mental retardation/related condition. 6. An Independent Psychiatric Consultant (IPC) will complete the Level II Evaluation for those with mental illness/indicators. The IPC will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not there is a serious MI. DDDS will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not diagnostic criteria of mental retardation or related conditions are met. The Level II evaluation may be terminated at any time if the evaluator determines that no Mental Illness is present. 7. DDDS will complete the Level II Evaluation for those with mental retardation/indicators. DDDS will assess individual and review documentation to verify whether or not diagnostic criteria of mental retardation or related conditions are met. The Level II evaluation may be terminated at any time if the evaluator determines that no Mental Retardation [or related conditions] is present. 8. DSAMH or DDDS Determines Need For Specialized Services and /or NF Services. DSAMH will review IPC’s recommendations and determine need for Specialized Services and/or NF services. 9. DMMA is notified by DSAMH/DDDS of final determination. 10. DMMA will send final determination letter to: ·Individual/applicant; ·Legal Representative; ·Admitting or retaining NF; ·Attending Physician; ·Discharging hospital – if exemption is not applicable. Final PASRR determinations will be issued by DMMA. 14 DE Reg. 895 (03/01/11) 20103 Financial Eligibility Determination In accordance with section 1413(b)(1)(A) of the Affordable Care Act, the agency must accept an application from the applicant, an adult who is in the applicant's household, as defined in 42 CFR §435.603(f), or family, as defined in section 36B(d)(1) of the United States Code (U.S.C.), an authorized representative, or if the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly for the applicant, and any documentation required to establish eligibility - (1) Through commonly available electronic means; (2) By telephone; (3) Via mail; (4) In person The Application, Affidavit of Citizenship and Responsibility Statement must be signed by the individual or a representative of their choice. For individuals who are minors or incapacitated a signature is required by someone acting responsibly on the applicant's behalf. The date of application is the date the application is received by LTC Medicaid Office. 42 CFR 435.906; 42 CFR 435.907(a) and Social Security Act 1943(b) 9 DE Reg. 997 (12/01/05) 22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 5 20103.1 Agency Responsibilities 20103.1.1 Time Standard 20103.1.2 Timely Documentation 20103.1.3 Time Standard Extension 20103.1.1 Time Standard The Federal regulation at 42 CFR 435.911 requires that Medicaid determine eligibility within 90 days for applicants who apply for Medicaid on the basis of disability. This time standard covers the period from the date of application to the date Medicaid mails notice of its decision to the applicant. 20103.1.2 Timely Documentation The DMMA Medicaid worker must explain this 90-day time standard to the applicant or representative. It must be emphasized to the applicant or their representative, that all documentation needed for the worker to determine Medicaid eligibility must be received by the date indicated on the "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415) or the application will be denied. In cases where verification is incomplete, the worker will give the applicant 15 days to return the information on the initial "Request for Verification" letter (Form 415). The date by which all documentation must be received must be clearly noted on this form. 22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18) 20103.1.3 Time Standard Extension The Medicaid worker will automatically give all applicants an extension of 15 days, if needed, using a second "We Need" letter (Form 415) to note the required documentation and the deadline date. At the request of the applicant, a second extension of 15 days may be granted using a third Form 415. With supervisory approval, a further extension may be granted in cases with unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances include, but are not limited to, awaiting placement in a Medicaid nursing facility bed or difficulty obtaining an out-of-state deed. Medicaid is held to the 90 day timeliness standard except in unusual circumstances. If the information is not received by the given deadline date, the application will be denied. 20103.2 Applicant's Responsibilities It is the applicant or representative's responsibility to obtain the documentation needed to determine the applicant’s eligibility for Medicaid. The applicant should provide the required documentation by the deadline date. The applicant will be given an extension of 15 days via a second Form 415. An additional 15 day extension will be granted upon the applicant/representative’s verbal or written request. A further extension is not granted except in cases of unusual circumstances. 20110 Managed Care Enrollment Requirements Individuals who are found eligible must enroll with a managed care organization. The Health Benefits Manager (enrollment broker) will be responsible for the enrollment process. 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 20200 Income 20200.1 Available Income Available income Is the total amount of money authorized (designated by the payor) for the recipient's benefit, whether received by the recipient directly or received by a representative payee. Income includes anything received by the individual, in cash or in kind, that can be used to meet needs for food, clothing or shelter. 20200.2 Excluded Income Excluded income is money which is income by definition but does not count in determining eligibility. Some income is excluded when determining eligibility, but may be included when calculating patient pay amount. The following items are excluded income: (a) Victims compensation payments from a State established fund. (b) German reparations payments. These payments are not counted in the eligibility nor post eligibility process. (c) Effective 9/1/91 Austrian social insurance payments specifically based on wage credits granted under Paragraphs 500-506 of the Austrian General Social Insurance Act. (d) Japanese-American, Japanese-Canadian and Aleutian restitution payments. (e) Agent orange settlement payments. (f) Impairment-related work expenses. (g) Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund payments.
6 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (h) Cash or other assistance received under a Federal statute because the President has declared a major disaster. (i) Payments made under the Netherlands' Act on Benefits for Victims of Persecution 1940-1945 (acronym WUV). (j) Income of Native Americans derived from tribal trust lands; and effective 1/1/94, up to $2,000 per year in payments derived from individual interests in Indian trust or restricted land. 9 DE Reg. 239 (8/1/05) 20200.3 What is Not Income Some items that an individual receives are not income because they do not meet the definition of income. An item received is not income if it is neither food, clothing, or shelter nor can be used to obtain food, clothing, or shelter. The following items are not income: (a) Certain assistance under medical or social service programs (b) Personal services (c) Room and board received during a medical confinement (d) Conversion or sale of a resource (e) Rebates and refunds of money an individual has already paid (f) Income tax refunds and Earned Income Tax Credit payments (g) Payments by credit life or credit disability insurance (h) Proceeds of a loan (i) Bills paid by a third party (j) Return of erroneous payments (k) Weatherization assistance (insulation, storm doors and windows, etc.) Replacement of income already received and counted as income in determining eligibility. (If income is lost, stolen, or destroyed and the claimant receives a replacement, e.g., for a stolen Title II check, the replacement is not income.) 20200.4 Gross Income Income from all sources after business expenses, where applicable, have been deducted and before any disregards, exemptions or deductions such as taxes, health insurance premiums such as Medicare, life insurance premiums, loan payments, garnishments, credit union, alimony, child support (including court ordered), union dues etc. have been applied. 20200.5 When Income is Counted Income is counted at the earliest of the following points: when it is received; or, when it is credited to an individual's account; or when it is set aside for his or her use. Income is determined monthly and counted in the month it is received. (20 CFR 416.1111 and 416.1123) Occasionally, a regular periodic payment is received in a month other than the month of normal receipt. As long as there is no intent to interrupt the regular payment schedule, consider the funds to be income in the normal month of receipt. For example, a check may be advance dated because the regular payment date falls on a weekend or holiday. 20200.6 Unearned Income Income which is paid because of a legal or moral obligation rather than for work activity performed. It is all income that is not earned income. This includes Social Security, Railroad Retirement, pensions, benefits, interest and other types of payments. Since different exclusions apply to earned income than to unearned income, it is important to recognize the difference between them. 20200.7 Earned Income Income which is received as a result of work activity. This includes gross wages, salaries, tips and commissions before taxes or other deductions such as pension fund, garnishment, or optional deductions such as insurance premiums or savings bonds or accounts. 20200.8 Infrequent or Irregular Income We can apply an exclusion to income which is received either infrequently or irregularly provided the total of such income does not exceed: $10 per month of earned income; and/or $20 per month of unearned income. Infrequent income is received no more than once in a calendar quarter from a single source. A single source of earned income is an employer, a trade, or a business. A single source of unearned income is an organization, an investment (a single financial account) or an individual. Irregular income is income that an individual could not reasonably expect to receive. This exclusion can apply to both earned and unearned income in the same month provided the total of each does not exceed the limits. This means it is possible to exclude as much as $30 per month under this provision. This exclusion is separate from the $20 general income exclusion described in Section 20240.1 "Budgeting Income for Eligibility
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 7 This exclusion does not apply to any income received on an infrequent or irregular basis if the total of such income exceeds the amounts described above ($10 and $20). We exclude all of the infrequent or irregular income (when it meets the definition of infrequent or irregular income) or none of it (when it exceeds the limits). 20200.9 Relationship of Income to Resources Generally, anything received in a month, from any source, is income to an individual if it meets the definition of available income - Section 20200.1 Anything the individual owned prior to the month under evaluation, is subject to the resource rules. An item received in the current month is income for the current month only. It becomes a resource the following month. 20210 Types of Income 20210.1 Interest Income Interest income may be excluded if it meets the definition and limits of infrequent or irregular income. It is included in patient pay amount calculation. 20210.2 Rental Income Rental income is paid as compensation for the use of real or personal property. Rental deposits used to pay rental expenses become income at the point of use. Rental income is unearned income unless it is earned income from self employment (a real estate broker, or anyone in the business of renting properties). Therefore, rental payments received by those individuals would be considered earned income. 20210.3 Net Rental income Gross rental receipts less allowable expenses paid in the same taxable year. The net amount is unearned income. Allowable expenses include but are not limited to: property taxes interest payments on mortgage incidental repairs advertising for tenants landscaping/lawn maintenance/snow removal utilities 20210.3.1 Nondeductible Expenses These include the principal portion of a mortgage payment and capital expenditures. A capital expenditure is an expense for an addition or increase in the value of property which is subject to depreciation. For allowable income expenses (e.g., whether it is an incidental repair or a capital expenditure) refer to IRS Publication 527 or call the IRS. 20210.3.2 Net Rental Computation Subtract deductible expenses paid in a month from gross rent received in the same month. If deductible expenses exceed gross rent in a month, subtract the excess expenses from the next month's gross rent and continue doing this as necessary until the end of the tax year in which the expenses are paid. Do not carry excess expenses over to other tax years nor use them to offset other income. The individual's most recent Federal tax return including schedules will help identify past expenses and estimate future rental income. Estimate net rental income for the next 12 months deducting only predictable expenses (utilities, interest, payments, taxes, etc). Divide net rental income equally among joint owners. If the gross rent is split between two joint owners before expenses are paid, deduct expenses paid by the applicant/recipient from their portion of the gross rent. 20210.3.3 Room Rentals For rooms rented out in an individual's single residence, prorate allowable expenses based on the number of rooms designated for rent compared to the number of rooms in the house. Do not count bathrooms as rooms in the house. Count basements and attics in the number of rooms only if they have been converted to living spaces (i.e., recreation rooms). For example, a Waiver client rents out a room in his house to his cousin. The house has 6 rooms excluding the bathroom. The allowable expenses (mortgage interest, utilities, etc.) are for the whole house. Only 1/6 of the allowable expenses is deducted from the gross rent. 20210.4 Royalties
8 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Royalties are payments to the holder of a copyright or patent. Royalties earned by an individual in connection with any publication of his or her work (for example, a manuscript, magazine article, artwork, etc.) are earned income. Royalties may also be paid to the owner of a mine, oil well, timber tract, or other resource, for extraction of a product, including proceeds from the direct sale of the product. Royalty compensation may be expressed as a percentage of receipts from using the property or as an amount per unit produced. Some documents verifying royalty payments will provide both a gross and a net payment amount. When the difference between the gross and the net figures is due to income taxes withheld or windfall profit tax deductions, use the gross figure when determining income. When the difference between the gross and net figures represents a production or severance tax (most oil royalties will be reduced by this tax), use the net figure when determining income. 20210.5 Payments in Foreign Currency The U.S. dollar value of a payment made in foreign currency, less expenses, is income. 20210.6 Black Lung Benefits Black Lung benefits are paid to miners and their survivors under the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (FMSHA). They are unearned income. Benefits under Part B of the FMSHA are paid by the Social Security Administration and benefits under Part C of the FMSHA are paid by the Department of Labor. In general, Part B benefits are paid on the third of the month while Part C benefits are paid on the fifteenth of the month. Both Part B and C benefits may be reduced by offsets and liens. Countable income will be the amount paid after application of an offset (such as workers compensation or work deductions) but before the collection of any garnishments or overpayments. 20210.7 Veterans Affairs Payments The Department of Veteran Affairs has numerous programs which make payments to veterans and their families. 20210.7.1 VA Pensions Pension payments are unearned income based on a combination of service and a nonservice-connected disability or death. All VA pension payments (except those resulting from Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance, paid on the basis of a Medal of Honor or paid under a special act of Congress) are based on need and do not receive the $20 general income exclusion. The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 (Public Law 101-508) enacted October 1, 1992, limits VA Improved Pensions for a veteran and a surviving spouse (with no children) residing in Medicaid nursing facilities. The VA Improved Pension is limited to $90 a month and is not counted as income in the eligibility or post-eligibility process. There is not interaction between the reduced pension and the personal needs allowance. If the veteran has income from other sources that is considered countable for the purposes of post-eligibility, perform the post-eligibility calculations to determine the amount of the veteran's liability to his or her cost of care. 20210.7.2 VA Compensation Benefits Compensation payments are unearned income based on service-connected disability or death. Compensation payments made to a veteran, spouse, child or widow(er) are non-needs based and do receive the $20 general income exclusion. Compensation payments to a surviving parent of a veteran are based on need and as such do not receive the $20 general income exclusion. 20210.7.3 VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance VA pays an allowance to veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses who are in regular need of the aid and attendance of another person or who are housebound. These allowances do not meet the definition of income because they are assistance for medical and social services. The payments are not included in the post eligibility calculation. Aid and Attendance payments may be used for whatever purpose the veteran wishes without penalty. The veteran is free to make this income available to the community spouse. 20210.7.4 VA Clothing Allowance A clothing allowance is not income and is not included in the post eligibility calculation. 20210.7.5 VA Payment Adjustment for Unusual Medical Expenses Unreimbursed expenses which exceed 5% of the maximum annual VA payment rate are considered unusual. Effective 7/1/94, payments for unusual medical expenses do not meet the definition of income and are not included in the post eligibility calculation. The veteran is required to use these payments for medical expenses. 20210.8 Child Support Support payments are considered unearned income to the child. One-third of the support payment is excluded as income in the eligibility determination. The entire support payment is included in the post eligibility calculation. 20210.9 Alimony Alimony is an allowance made by a court from the funds of one spouse to the other spouse in connection with a suit for separation or divorce. Alimony is unearned income. 20210.10 Prizes
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 9 A prize is generally something won in a contest, lottery or game of chance. A prize is unearned income. Do not subtract gambling losses from gambling winnings in determining countable income. 20210.11 Workers' Compensation The workers' compensation payment less any expenses incurred in getting the payment is unearned income. Any portion of an award or payment that the authorizing or paying agency designates for medical expenses or legal or other expenses attributable to obtaining the award is not income. The expenses may be past, current, or future. The payments designated for such expenses may be received in a lump sum or as a continuing payment. 20210.12 Vacation Pay Vacation pay is considered earned income even if donated to the individual by co-workers. 20210.13 Sick Pay Sick pay is either wages or unearned income. Sick pay is earned income if received within 6 months after stopping work. To determine the 6-month period after stopping work: begin with the first day of nonwork, include the remainder of the calendar month in which work stops, and include the next 6 full calendar months. For example, if an individual stops work on May 5, the 6-month period begins on May 6 and runs through November 30. Any sick payments made more than 6 months after work stops are unearned income. 20210.14 Inheritances An inheritance is cash, a right or a noncash item received as the result of someone's death. An item is not income until it has a value that can be used for food, clothing, or shelter. An inheritance is unearned income in the first month it has value and can be used. 20210.15 Indemnity Benefit Payments Indemnity Benefit Payments are a fixed amount of money payable to the insured individual when he or she becomes an inpatient of a hospital or a nursing facility. If the benefit payments are made directly to a facility, they are not income since they are not received by the individual. Amounts paid to a facility for purposes other than medical care are considered income if the money is available to the individual to use for food, clothing or shelter. An insurance payment made directly to an individual is considered income unless it is restricted to the purchase or reimbursement of medical services. Indemnity plans which are restricted to the purchase or reimbursement of medical services are a potential third party liability resource. Insurance payments which are countable income must be included in the posteligibility patient pay calculation. If the policy limits the benefits to medical care, the premium for the indemnity insurance plan may be deducted or "protected" from income in the patient pay calculation. 20210.16 Self Employment Repealed 07/01/06) 9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05) 10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06) 20240 Budgeting Income for Eligibility 20240.1 Gross Income Gross income is counted in the month it is actually received. Each applicant will have $20.00 of his available income disregarded in order to determine his/her eligibility. There is only one $20.00 disregard from total combined income for a couple. An exception is that "need" based payments (such as veteran's pensions) does not get a $20.00 disregard. 20240.2 Needs or Non-Needs Based Income It is important to distinguish between "need" based and "non-need" based income. This becomes a consideration with applicants/recipients of Veterans benefits. Disability compensation is a non-need based benefit paid to veterans injured in the Service. VA pensions are generally need based. A veteran receives a need based pension on the basis of other income and/or disability. Need based benefits are not age related. They are strictly a means of bringing a veterans income up to the minimum level set by the Veterans Administration if the veteran has a financial and/or medical need. 20240.3 Earned Income For applicants who have earned income the following disregards apply to the monthly gross earned income: deduct $20.00 deduct $65.00 then 1/2 of remainder
10 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Note: The $20.00/month exclusion is applied in the manner that is most advantageous to the individual. If the individual has both earned and unearned income, it is most advantageous to apply the exclusion to the unearned income. 20300 Resources Effective 1/1/89 the SSI resource limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a couple is $3,000. An additional $1500 is allowed as a burial exclusion for burial expenses per individual. Resources that are in effect on the first moment of the first day of a calendar month are considered as available for the entire month. The only exception to this occurs during the time of application at the beginning of a continuous period of institutionalization. In that period only, applicants will be determined eligible as of the date the resources are within the resource limit. 20300.1 Liquid Resources Funds or other property that can be converted to cash within 20 working days. The following items are examples of liquid resources: bank accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs, money market funds, promissory notes and mortgages. 20300.2 Non-Liquid Resources Assets that require more than 20 working days to convert to cash are considered non-liquid. The following types of resources are non-liquid, including but not limited to: annuities and their streams of income, household goods and personal effects, automobiles, trucks, tractors, and other vehicles, machinery and livestock, buildings and land, non-cash business property. 8 DE Reg. 1312 (3/1/05) 20300.3 Resource Ownership If the individual has the right, authority or power to liquidate the property or his or her share of property, it is considered a resource. In order to be considered a resource, the individual must have: -some form of ownership interest in the property; -a legal right to access the property; -the legal ability to use the property for his/her own support and maintenance. 20300.3.1 Resource Access An individual is considered to have free access to, and unrestricted use of property even when he can take those actions only through an agent. An agent is anyone acting in a fiduciary capacity, whether formal or informal, and regardless of the title (representative payee, conservator, guardian, etc.). It is not required that an individual undertake litigation in order to gain access. Acquiring guardianship in order to access a bank account is a petition to the court as opposed to litigation. An account will be considered a countable resource while access to the account is pending guardianship. 20300.3.2 When Income Becomes a Resource When an individual receives something in cash or in kind during a month, we evaluate it under the income rules in the month of receipt. If the individual retains the item into the month following the month of receipt, it is evaluated under the resource rules. The same asset is not evaluated under two sets of counting rules for the same month. If an individual sells, exchanges, or replaces a resource, what he or she receives in return is not income. It is a different form of resource. 20300.3.3 Increase or Decrease of Resource Any increase or decrease in the value of an individual's resources affects eligibility as of the first moment of the month following the month in which: the value of an existing resource increases (the value of a share of stock goes up); an individual acquires an additional resource (inherits property); an individual replaces an excluded resource with one that is not excluded (sells an excluded car for nonexcluded cash); the value of an existing resource decreases (the value of a share of stock goes down); an individual spends a resource (withdraws $150 from a savings account to pay a bill); an individual replaces a countable resource with one that is not countable (trades a countable piece of real property for an excluded car). EXCEPTION: Application period is an exception to the above. See Section 20300. 20310 Resource Exclusions 20310.1 Place of Residence/Real Property An applicant/recipient's principal place of residence and any land that adjoins is excluded if certain conditions are met. 20310.1.1 Intent to Return
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 11 The principal place of residence, if located in Delaware, may be excluded if the individual intends to return home after any length of time. Temporary Institutionalization - If the attending physician has certified that a recipient is likely to return to his own home within a definite period (not to exceed 2 months) up to $75.00 per month may be protected for maintenance of the home. 15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11) 20310.1.2 Spouse and/or Dependent Relative If the applicant/recipient's home is used by a spouse and/or dependent relative during the individual's absence it may be excluded. 20310.2 Jointly Owned Real Property Jointly owned real property may be excluded if the sale would cause undue hardship, due to loss of housing, to a co-owner. 20310.3 Attempts to Sell Real property may be excluded when an individual has made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to sell throughout a 9- month period of conditional benefits, as long as the individual continues to make reasonable efforts to sell it. (See DSSM 20360) 20310.4 Indian Lands Any lands that are restricted allotted Indian lands are excluded. 20310.5 Automobiles 20 CFR 416.1218 SI 01130.200 An automobile is any registered or non-registered vehicle that is used for transportation. One automobile, per household, is excluded if: ·Used for transportation of the eligible individual or ·Used for transportation of a member of the eligible individual’s household. If there is more than one vehicle used for transportation, the automobile with the greatest equity value will be excluded. The equity value of all additional automobiles will be evaluated as a non-liquid resource. 11 DE Reg. 1479 (05/01/08) 20310.7 Life Insurance 20310.7.1 Face Value 20310.7.2 Death Benefits 20310.7.1 Face Value Life insurance is excluded if the total face value of the policies is $1500 or less and the individual has no revocable designated burial funds. (See Section 20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance for the relationship between life insurance and the burial allowance) 20310.7.2 Death Benefits The face value of term or death benefit only policies that do not generate a cash surrender value and burial insurance policies are excluded for eligibility. Term, death benefit policies or burial insurance with a face value equal to or greater than $10,000.00 must designate the State of Delaware as the beneficiary in the first position. The State will retain the amount no greater than the Medicaid expenditures. In situations where there are other burial funds available to cover the burial expenses, there will be no $10,000.00 allowance. Naming the State of Delaware as the Beneficiary is a condition of eligibility. Applicants/recipients may request a hardship consideration. 10 DE Reg. 533 (09/01/06) 20310.8 Burial Exclusions 20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds 20310.8.2 Burial Spaces for Relatives 20310.8.3 Burial Space Items 20310.8.4 Burial Site Services 20310.8.5 Prepaid Burial Contract 20310.8.1 Designated Burial Funds
12 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Burial funds in the amount of $1500 that are separately identifiable and are clearly designated for burial expenses will be excluded. 20310.8.2 Burial Spaces for Relatives A burial space or burial space item is excluded if held for the burial of the applicant/recipient, his/her spouse, or any other member of his/her immediate family. Immediate family includes parents, adoptive parents, minor or adult children (including adoptive and stepchildren) siblings (including adoptive and step) and the spouses of these relatives. If the relative's relationship to the recipient is by marriage only, the marriage must be in effect in order for the burial space exclusion to continue to apply. For example, a burial space held for a sister-in-law is no longer excludable if she and the recipient's brother divorce. 20310.8.3 Burial Space Items A burial plot, gravesite, crypt, mausoleum, urn, niche, or other repository customarily and traditionally used for the deceased's bodily remains, vaults, headstones, markers, or plaques if pre-paid are excluded. 20310.8.4 Burial Site Services The opening and closing of the gravesite and the care and maintenance of the gravesite if prepaid are excluded. 20310.8.5 Prepaid Burial Contract A prepaid burial contract (sometimes funded by a life insurance policy) that cannot be revoked and cannot be sold without significant hardship is excluded. 20310.9 Retroactive Social Security Administration Lump Sum Payments The unspent portion of retroactive SSI and Title II Retirement, Survivors, and Disability insurance (RSDI) benefits is excluded from resources for the nine calendar months following the month of receipt. (See Social Security Administration’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS) SI 01130.600 for exclusion of retroactive RSDI benefits.) 14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11) 20310.10 Reparations German Reparation payments must not be considered available in the eligibility or post eligibility treatment of income and resources. They can no longer be applied toward the personal needs allowance, community spouse income allowance, family member allowance nor cost of care. If German reparations payments are retained beyond the month of receipt, they must be considered exempt resources whether received while the person was in the community or after becoming institutionalized. These funds should be kept separate from other income and resources. Interest earned on these resources must be considered available income. 9 DE Reg. 239 (8/1/05) 20310.11 Disaster Assistance Funds Any unspent Federal disaster assistance funds are excluded for 9 to 18 months. 20310.12 Agent Orange Payments Any unspent Agent Orange settlement payments are excluded. 20310.13 Victims Compensation Payments Victims compensation payments from a State established fund are excluded from resources for a period of 9 months after the month of receipt. 20310.14 Radiation Exposure Compensation Any unspent Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund Payments are excluded. 20310.15 Unspent Cash for Medical or Social Services The unspent cash paid to an individual to help the individual pay for a medical or social service is not a resource for 1 full calendar month following the month of receipt. 20310.16 Netherlands' Act for Victims of Persecution Any unspent payments from the Netherlands' Act on Benefits for Victims of Persecution 1940-1945 (WUV) are excluded. 20310.17 Earned Income Tax Credit EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) payments are excluded from resources in the month following the month of receipt. 20310.18 Tax Refunds and Advance Payments The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (P. L. 111-312), which was signed into law on December 17, 2010, includes a provision that requires all programs funded in whole or in part with Federal funds, to disregard Federal tax refunds for a period of twelve months from the month of receipt.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 13 Tax refunds and advance payments with respect to a refundable tax credit received after December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2012 are excluded from resources for the twelve calendar months following the month of receipt. Any portion of the refund or payment that is still retained after that twelve- month period will be a countable resource. Any retained portion of a tax refund and/or advance payment that was received on or after January 1, 2013 will be a countable resource the month following receipt. 14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11) 16 DE Reg. 1077 (04/01/13) 20320 Ownership of Real Property by Institutionalized Individuals Real property is land, including houses or immovable objects attached permanently to the land. The terms real estate, realty, and real property are used synonymously with one another and designate real property in which an individual has ownership rights and interests. When an applicant/recipient of Medicaid institutional services is the owner of real property, the following procedure and eligibility rules apply. 20320.1 Types of Ownership 20320.1.1 Fee Simple 20320.1.2 Tenancy in Common 20320.1.3 Tenancy in the Entirety 20320.1.4 Joint Tenancy 20320.1.5 Life Estate 12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09) 20320.1.1 Fee Simple In fee simple ownership, the owner is completely free of conditions imposed by others. 20320.1.2 Tenancy in Common In tenancy in common ownership, each owner has a part interest in the property and each portion can be sold separately. 20320.1.3 Tenancy in the Entirety Tenancy by the entirety only applies to married couples. If a husband and wife are sole owners of a property and the deed does not specify type of ownership, there is a precedent in Delaware law that allows the presumption that ownership is "tenancy by the entirety". These terms refer to property owned by a husband and wife where each member has ownership interest in the whole property which is indivisible. Ownership by the entirety can only be dissolved by death or divorce. 20320.1.4 Joint Tenancy In the case of joint tenancy each owner has an equal interest in the whole property and each equal part can be sold with the agreement of the co-owners. 20320.1.5 Life Estate In the case of lifetime rights the individual may live in or use the property during their lifetime, but has no ownership rights. The individual merely has the right to live in the property. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09) 20320.2 Eligibility Factors of Types of Ownership 20320.2.1 Joint Owners 20320.2.2 Life Estate 12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09) 20320.2.1 Joint Owners 20320.2.1.1 Tenancy by the Entirety 20320.2.1.2 Joint Tenancy 20320.2.1.3 Principal Place of Residence 20320.2.1.1 Tenancy by the Entirety If ownership is a tenancy by the entirety and both spouses are still living the property will not be considered a resource. If the ownership is in fee simple or tenancy by the entirety with one spouse deceased, the entire equity value of the property is considered a resource according to sections 20320.3, 20320.4, and 20320.5. 20320.2.1.2 Joint Tenancy
14 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE In the case of joint tenancy where the co-owners do not agree to sell, the property will not be considered a resource. A statement from the co-owner(s) indicating refusal to sell must be placed in the case record. The refusal to sell creates a legal bar so the property is excluded as a resource. DSS/Medicaid does not require the individual to sue the co-owner to accomplish sale or access. If ownership is joint tenancy (where the co-owners agree to sell) or tenancy in common, the applicant/recipient’s share in the equity must be treated as a resource according to sections 20320.3, 20320.4, and 20320.5. 20320.2.1.3 Principal Place of Residence If the property is the principal place of residence for the joint owner(s) and it would cause undue hardship (loss of housing) to sell the jointly owned property it can be disregarded. 20320.2.2 Life Estates Life Estate is an ownership interest in real property. The right of ownership exists for the lifetime of an individual(s). Upon the death of the individual(s) the ownership passes to the "remainderman." A life estate may be sold or otherwise transferred. As per the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), effective 4/1/06, a life estate in a home property may be an excluded resource provided the purchaser resides in the home for a period of at least 1 year after the date of purchase and continues to live in the property. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 20320.2.2.1 Non-Home Property A life estate in nonhome property must be counted as a resource. See section 20320.3 - Principal Place of Residence Section. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 20320.2.2.2 Transfer of Assets In a life estate transaction, a transfer of assets is involved when the applicant or spouse, as owner of the property, transfers ownership of that property to another individual while retaining lifetime rights. This transfer is for less than fair market value whenever the value of the transferred asset (i.e. ownership of the property) is greater than the value of the life estate. See Section 20350 - Transfer of Assets to determine whether a penalty is assessed because of a life estate transaction. In addition, effective 4/1/06, a transfer of assets has occurred when an individual purchases a life estate in another individual’s home when the purchaser has not lived there for at least 1 year. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 20320.2.2.3 Calculations of Life Estate Value To calculate the value of the life estate, use the life estate table. Determine the value of the life estate by multiplying the current market value of the property by the life estate decimal that corresponds to the life estate owner's age. See Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table 20350 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 20320.2.2.4 Life Estate with Powers Under a life estate with powers, the owner of the property creates a life estate for himself or herself, retaining the power to sell the property, with a remainder interest to someone else such as a child. Since the life estate holder retains the power to sell the property, its value as a resource is the property's full equity value (unless it is an otherwise excludable resource). 20320.2.2.5 Remainder Interest When the owner of property gives it to one party in the form of a life estate, and designates a second party to inherit it upon the death of the life estate holder, the second party has a remainder interest in the property. Determine the value of a remainder interest by multiplying the current market value of the property by the remainder interest decimal that corresponds to the individual's age. See Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table 20350 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 20320.2.2.6 Rebuttal The applicant may be given an opportunity to rebut the value placed on the life estate. The rebuttal must include an estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determination or that the property has no marketable value.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 15 20320.3 Principal Place of Residence An individual's home is property in which he or she has an ownership interest and that serves as his or her principal place of residence. An individual's principal place of residence is the dwelling the individual considers his or her established or principal home and to which, if absent, he or she intends to return. A dwelling cannot be considered as an individual's principal place of residence until the individual has actually lived in it and used it as such. The principal place of residence includes the plot of land on which the home is located and any land that adjoins it. The land adjoins the home if it is not completely separated by land in which the individual has no ownership interest. Easements and public rights of way (utility lines, roads, etc.) do not separate the other land from the home. The home includes all related buildings on the adjoining land. 20320.4 Principal Place of Residence Exclusions 20320.4.1 Intent to Return 20320.4.1.1 Sale of House or Mental Condition Change 20320.4.1.2 Purchase of House After Nursing Facility Admission 20320.4.1.3 Use of Residence by Relative 20320.4.1 Intent to Return The applicant must be able to express the desire to return to their principal place of residence located in Delaware. The record must include a written statement of intent to return to the home. The case record must indicate if the applicant gives intent verbally to DMMA social worker. If someone other than applicant writes the statement, there must be an indication that this is in fact the intent of the applicant (i.e. signature or mark of applicant). If an institutionalized applicant/recipient is mentally capable of indicating that he intends to return to his principal place of residence in Delaware (even if medical evidence indicates that he will never recover sufficiently to return home), then the home may be excluded as a resource. In no case can the family declare this intent for the applicant/recipient. 15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11) 20320.4.1.1 Sale of House or Mental Condition Change Statements of intent to remain valid until the home is sold. If the home is sold, the proceeds then become a countable resource. If the applicant becomes incompetent after a valid statement of intent is signed, it does not invalidate the statement. The home remains excluded as long as the applicant owns it regardless of changes in mental conditions. 20320.4.1.2 Purchase of House After Nursing Facility Admission For an individual with no spouse or other dependents, the value of a home purchased after admission to a medical institution cannot be excluded with an intent to return home statement. This is because the individual has not actually lived in the home. 20320.4.1.3 Use of Residence by Relative The applicant/recipient's home is used by a spouse and/or dependent relative during the absence. Relatives are: child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, cousin or an in-law of any of these. The record must show contact with the spouse or dependent relative indicating that she/he continues to reside in the house, the relationships between the individuals, and the basis of dependency (financial, medical, etc.). In addition, the applicant/recipient's statement of what he considers his principal place of residence to be should be obtained and placed in the case record. 20320.5 Property Essential to Self-Support The Social Security Act provides for the exclusion from resources property that is essential to an individual's means of self- support. Property excluded under this provision generally falls into 3 categories. 20320.5.1 Property Excluded Regardless of Value or Rate or Return The following conditions need to be met to exclude the essential to self-support property regardless of value of rate or return. a. the property (including liquid resources used in the operation) is used in a trade or business b. the property requires a government permit to engage in an income producing activity (i.e. commercial fishing permit granted by the State Commerce Commission) c. the personal property is used by an individual to perform his/her work such as tools, uniforms, etc. d. the property is required by an employer for work 20320.5.2 Property Excluded Up To $6,000 Equity, Regardless Of Rate Of Return
16 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Property can be excluded up to $6,000 equity regardless of rate of return if it is a nonbusiness property used to produce goods or services essential to daily activities. For example, land used to produce vegetables or livestock solely for consumption by the individual's household. 20320.5.3 Property Excluded Up To $6000 Equity If It Produces a 6% Rate of Return The property essential to self-support may be excluded up to $6,000 if it produces a 6% rate of return and meets the following two conditions. a. The property is used in a trade or business in the period before 5/1/90 b. The property is nonbusiness income-producing property, for example rental property. Up to $6,000 of the equity value can be excluded from resources if the property produces a net annual return equal to at least 6% of the excluded equity. Any portion of the property's equity value in excess of $6,000 is not excluded. If the property produces less than a 6% return, the exclusion can apply only if the lower return is for reasons beyond the individual's control and there is a reasonable expectation that the property will again produce a 6% return. 20320.5.3.1 Equity Determination Equity is the current market value less legal debts such as mortgages, liens, etc. Document the file with a copy of the appraisal of the fair market value. Determine rate of return based on income and value figures shown on the individual's Schedule E of Form 1040 for the prior year. If no tax return is available, obtain other appropriate evidence, for example a copy of the lease agreement. In addition obtain the estimated net and gross income from the property for the current tax year. 20320.5.4 Current Use of Property The property excluded under the above categories (20320.5.1, 20320.5.2, 20320.5.3) must be in current use in the type of activity described. If not in current use, there must be a reasonable expectation that the required use will resume within 12 months of last use. The 12-month period can be extended for an additional 12 months if nonuse is due to a disabling condition. 20320.6 Non-Home Real Property Non-home real property consists of land and buildings or immovable objects that are attached permanently to the land and that do not meet the definition of home or principal place of residence. 20320.6.1 Non-Home Real Property Current Market Value (CMV) Documentation Obtain the current market value (CMV) of the real property. The (CMV) may be determined by an estimate of the property's CMV from a knowledgeable source. The estimate must show: a. the name of the person providing the estimate; b. the name, address and telephone number of the business or agency for whom the person providing the estimate works; c. the basis for the estimate, including a description of the property and its condition and the value of similar property in the same area; and d. the period for which the estimate applies. Knowledgeable sources include but are not limited to real estate brokers, mortgage companies, banks, savings and loan associations, or similar lending institutions, or an official of the local property tax jurisdiction. The value of the property as a resource is its CMV minus the outstanding principal balance on any loan or mortgage unless there is a legal bar to the sale of the property. (See Section 20300.3 Resource Ownership ) 20320.7 Substantial Home Equity The policy in this section applies to nursing facility and HCBS recipients who are receiving Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid on or after January 1, 2006. It does not apply to recipients who were receiving LTC Medicaid prior to January 1, 2006, and who maintain continuous Medicaid eligibility as per the Deficit Reduction Act section 6014. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.A Receiving LTC Before 01-01-2006 If a Medicaid recipient started receiving LTC Medicaid before January 1, 2006, do not evaluate home equity at the next redetermination. As long as he remains continuously eligible for Medicaid, do not evaluate home equity. If the recipient is found ineligible for Medicaid, and he subsequently re-applies for LTC Medicaid, home equity must be evaluated when he reapplies. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.B Receiving LTC On/After 01-01-2006
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 17 If a Medicaid recipient started receiving LTC Medicaid on or after January 1, 2006, evaluate home equity at the next redetermination. Verification of the equity value of the home is required. Equity value is determined by using the current market value of the home minus any encumbrance (e.g. mortgage; loan; lien on the home. Individuals with equity value in home property that exceeds the home equity cap as set by federal regulations are NOT eligible for Medicaid payment of long-term care services unless the home is lawfully occupied by: • a spouse, • a dependent child under age 21 years, or • a blind or disabled child of any age. *Note: This is not a change in the general rule that excludes a home of any value for purposes of determining eligibility for Medicaid. It applies only to medical assistance payment for nursing facility services, or other long-term care services referred to in 1917(c)(i)(C)(i). Individuals with substantial home equity may be eligible for Medicaid payment of other covered services if they meet all the other Medicaid eligibility requirements. See DSSM 20320.7.E for current home equity cap. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 16 DE Reg. 639 (12/01/12) 20320.7.B.1 Reverse Mortgages Reverse mortgages do not reduce equity value until payments are being received from the reverse mortgage. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.B.2 Home Equity Credit Lines/Loans A home equity line of credit or home equity loan does not reduce the equity value until credit line or loan has been used or payments from the credit line or loan have been received. DMMA shall verify that the home equity credit line or loan was not transferred for less than Fair Market Value. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.C Co Owners When there are co owners to the property, divide the total equity interest by the number of shared owners proportional to their interest in the property. Husband and wife are considered as one owner. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.D Definition of Home The home is defined as any residential property in which the applicant and/or spouse possess an ownership interest that also serves as the principal place of residence of the applicant and /or, spouse, or dependent child. An applicant and spouse may have an ownership interest in several residential properties, but only one shall be considered a home for the purposes of this section. See DSSM 20320.3. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20320.7.E Substantial Home Equity Cap Beginning in the year 2011, the limit on the substantial home equity will be increased yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Effective Date Home Equity Cap January 1, 2006 $ 500,000 January 1, 2011 $ 506,000 January 1, 2012 $ 525,000 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 16 DE Reg. 639 (12/01/12) 20320.7.F Hardship
18 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Applicants/recipients may request a hardship waiver. See DSSM 20400.12.1 for definition of hardship. 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 20330 Countable Resources Computation 20330.1 Automobiles For the purpose of Medicaid, automobile is defined as any registered or unregistered vehicle used for transportation. One vehicle may be excluded under Section 20310.5. Only one vehicle may be excluded per married couple/household. If one vehicle cannot be excluded under Section 20310.5, or there is more than one vehicle, the equity value is a non- liquid resource if it: Is owned by an eligible individual/spouse; or Cannot be excluded under another provision (e.g. property essential to self support - DSSM 20320.5; co-owner refuses to sell) or conditional benefits do not apply (DSSM 20360). The equity value is the price it can reasonably sell for on the open market in Delaware minus any encumbrances. 11 DE Reg. 1479 (05/01/08) 20330.2 Financial Institutions Accounts Financial institution accounts which include savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, etc., are an individual's resource if the individual owns the account and can use the funds for his or her support and maintenance. We determine whether an individual owns the account and can access the funds by looking at how the account is titled. An exception to this policy would be for Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Accounts. These accounts are not included in the countable resources computation. Please review 20330.2.1 for policy applicable to ABLE Savings Accounts. If an individual is designated as sole owner by the account title, all of the funds are that individual's resource unless legal restrictions preclude the owner from using the funds for his or her support and maintenance. We do not provide an opportunity for the owner of an individually-held account to rebut the presumption of 100% ownership. If the account is in the name of a Medicaid applicant/recipient and another Medicaid applicant/recipient, assume all account funds belong to each individual in equal shares. If the account is in the name of a Medicaid applicant/recipient and another individual who is not applying for Medicaid or who is not a Medicaid recipient, then assume all of the funds belong to the Medicaid applicant/recipient. If the applicant or recipient disagrees with the ownership presumption on jointly-held accounts, we give the individual the opportunity to rebut the presumption. Rebuttal is a procedure which permits an individual to furnish evidence and establish that some or all of the funds in a jointly-held account do not belong to him or her. Obtain the individual's statement on a form containing the penalty clause regarding who owns the funds, why there is a joint account, who has made deposits to and withdrawals from the account, and how withdrawals have been spent. Inform the individual that he or she must submit the following evidence within 30 days: A corroborating statement from the other account holder(s). If the other account holder is incompetent or a minor, have the individual submit a corroborating statement from anyone aware of the circumstances surrounding establishment of the account; account records showing deposits, withdrawals and interest paid for the months that ownership is an issue; if the individual owns none of the funds, evidence showing that he or she can no longer withdraw funds from the account; if the individual owns only a portion of the funds, evidence showing removal from the account of the individual's funds or removal of the funds owned by the other account holder(s) and redesignation of the account. Any funds that the evidence establishes were owned by the other account holder(s) are not and were not the individual's resources. The effect of a successful rebuttal is retroactive as well as prospective. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1 Delaware Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Accounts Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, Pub. L. 113-295, 128 Stat. 4010 The Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) of 2014 established a tax-advantaged account that can be used to save funds for the disability-related expenses of the account’s designated beneficiary. The designated beneficiary must be blind or disabled by a condition that began prior to the individual’s twenty-sixth (26th) birthday. Eligible individuals can be the designated beneficiary of only one ABLE account. The Delaware Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program is administered by the Plans Management Board as per 16 Delaware Code Ch. 96A. Funds in qualifying ABLE accounts, and qualified disability expenses withdrawn from these accounts, are not to be counted towards the determination of eligibility for state or local assistance programs.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 19 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.1 Definitions The following terms, when used in this regulation, have the following meaning unless the context indicates otherwise: "ABLE Program" means a program established and maintained by a State or consortium of states (or agency or instrumentality thereof) through which interested individuals can open ABLE accounts. "Contributions" means the deposit of funds into an ABLE account. Any person can contribute to an ABLE account. (Note that "person," as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, includes an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation.) However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits the total annual contributions any ABLE account can receive from all sources to the amount of the per-donee gift-tax exclusion in effect for a given calendar year. "Designated beneficiary" means the eligible individual who established and is the owner of the ABLE account. "Distributions" means the withdrawal or issuance of funds from an ABLE account. The designated beneficiary or the person with signature authority determines when distributions are made. Distributions may be made only to or for the benefit of the designated beneficiary. "Eligible Individual" means a resident of this State or any state in which an ABLE program is established, who is: • Entitled to benefits based on disability or blindness under Title II or XVI of the Social Security Act, and such blindness or disability began before the age of twenty-six (26); or • An individual with respect to whom a disability certification, meeting the requirements of the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014, is filed. "Person with signature authority" means a person who can establish and control an ABLE account for a designated beneficiary. If the designated beneficiary is not able to exercise signature authority over his or her ABLE account, or chooses to establish an ABLE account but not exercise signature authority, references to the designated beneficiary with respect to his or her actions include actions by the designated beneficiary’s agent under a power of attorney or, if none, a parent or legal guardian of the designated beneficiary. "Qualified disability expense" or "QDE" means an expense related to the blindness or disability of the designated beneficiary and that are for the benefit of the designated beneficiary. In general, a QDE includes, but is not limited to, the following types of expenses: • Education; • Housing; • Transportation; • Employment training and support; • Assistive technology and related services; • Health; • Prevention and wellness; • Financial management and administrative services; • Legal fees; • Expenses for professional ABLE account oversight and monitoring; • Funeral and burial; and, • Basic living expenses. "Qualified disability expense for housing" means expenses for purposes of an ABLE account are the same as they are for in-kind support and maintenance purposes, except that they do not include food. QDEs for housing are payments for: • Mortgage (including property insurance required by the mortgage holder); • Real property taxes; • Rent; • Heating fuel; • Gas; • Electricity; • Water; • Sewer; and • Garbage removal. "Rollover" means the distribution of all or some of the funds from one ABLE account to the ABLE account of a member of the original, designated beneficiary’s family. For the purposes of a rollover, a member of the designated beneficiary’s family means a sibling, which includes step-siblings and half-siblings, whether by blood or by adoption. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16)
20 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20330.2.1.2 ABLE Account Verification When documenting whether an applicant is the designated beneficiary of an ABLE account, obtain evidence that contains the following information: 20330.2.1.2.1 The name of the designated beneficiary; 20330.2.1.2.2 The State or consortium ABLE program that is administering the account; 20330.2.1.2.3 The name of the person who has signature authority (if different from the designated beneficiary); 20330.2.1.2.4 The unique account number assigned by the State to the ABLE account; 20330.2.1.2.5 The account opened date; and 20330.2.1.2.6 The first-of-the-month account balance or information sufficient to derive a first-of-the-month balance. If the available evidence does not provide this information, contact the appropriate ABLE program to obtain it. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.3 ABLE Account Contributions ABLE account funds must be excluded from the countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility. This includes rollovers from a family member’s ABLE account to a recipient’s ABLE account. Contributions made to an ABLE account by persons other than the designated beneficiary shall not be excluded from the countable income of the person who makes the contribution. The fact that a person uses the person’s own income to contribute to an ABLE account does not mean that income is not countable for Medicaid purposes. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.4 ABLE Account Earnings The funds in an ABLE account are invested and can accrue interest, earn dividends, and otherwise appreciate in value. Such earnings increase the account’s balance. Exclude any earnings an ABLE account receives from the countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility. 20330.2.1.5 ABLE Account Balance Exclude the balance of a designated beneficiary’s ABLE account from the beneficiary’s countable resource computation when determining the designated beneficiary’s eligibility. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.6 ABLE Account Distributions A distribution from an ABLE account is not considered income but rather a conversion of a resource from one form to another. Distributions are evaluated based on the criteria below, to determine if they are to be excluded from the designated beneficiary’s countable resources. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.6.1 Exclusion of Retained Distributions for Non-Housing Qualified Disability Expenses (QDE) Distributions for QDEs not related to housing should be excluded as a resource if retained beyond the month received. This exclusion applies for as long as: 20330.2.1.6.1.1 The designated beneficiary maintains, makes contributions to, or receives distributions from the ABLE account. 20330.2.1.6.1.2 The distribution is unspent; and 20330.2.1.6.1.3 The distribution is identifiable. (NOTE: Excludable funds commingled with non-excludable funds must be identifiable in order to be excluded.) 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.2.1.6.2 Retained Distributions for Housing-Related Qualified Disability Expenses (QDE) or Expenses That Are Not QDEs Distributions from a designated beneficiary’s ABLE account for housing-related QDEs or for expenses that are not QDEs that are retained into the month following the month of receipt are countable as a resource. If the distribution is spent within the month of receipt it has no effect on eligibility. 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20330.3 Promissory Notes, Loans and Property Agreements A loan is an advance from a lender to a borrower that the borrower must repay, with or without interest. DMMA does not count loan proceeds as income to a borrower because of the borrower's obligation to repay. Any portion of the borrowed funds that the borrower does not spend is a countable resource if it is retained into the month following the month of receipt.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 21 If a Medicaid applicant is the owner of a promissory note, loan, or property agreement (mortgage), DMMA will assume that the value of the agreement is its outstanding principal balance. If the outstanding principal balance plus other countable resources exceeds the resource limit, we will inform the individual that DMMA will use the outstanding principal balance to determine the value of resources unless the individual successfully rebuts the value. See 20330.3.1. DMMA will consider the value of a promissory note, loan, or mortgage as a transfer for less than fair market value unless: ·The repayment term is actuarially sound; ·Payments are made in equal amounts during the term of the loan with no deferral of payments and no balloon payments; and ·The promissory note, loan or mortgage prohibits the cancellation of the balance upon the death of the lender. In determining the amount of the asset transferred, DMMA looks at the value of the outstanding balance of the note, loan or mortgage at the date of the individual's application for Medicaid coverage of services listed in section 1917(c)(1)(C)of the Act. Payments received against the principal balance are not income. They are conversion of a resource. The portion of the payment which represents interest is unearned income. The SSA Life Expectancy Table can be found at www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4c6.html. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 11 DE Reg. 314 (09/01/07) 20330.3.1 Rebutting the Value DMMA will give the applicant an opportunity to rebut the value placed on the promissory note, loan or mortgage. The rebuttal must include a written estimate from a disinterested, knowledgeable source (such as a broker or appraiser) showing that the value is less than our determined value. An applicant may also assert that there is a legal bar to the sale of the instrument by offering documentary or other evidence of a bar or impediment to the sale of the instrument. 10 DE Reg. 1596 (04/01/07) 11 DE Reg. 314 (09/01/07) 20330.4 Retirement Funds Retirement funds are annuities or work-related plans for providing income when employment ends, such as pensions, individual retirement accounts (IRA), disability, Keogh plans and some profit sharing plans. The value of a retirement fund is the amount of money that an individual can currently withdraw. Pension plans that allow withdrawals are known as Defined Contribution Plans. If there is a penalty for early withdrawal, the fund's value is the amount available after the penalty deduction. Any taxes due are not deductible in determining the fund's value. A retirement fund is not a resource if an individual must terminate employment in order to obtain any payment. If an individual is eligible for periodic retirement benefits, the individual must apply and accept the periodic benefit. If the individual has a choice between periodic benefits and a lump sum, the individual must choose the periodic benefits. Defined Benefit Plans are retirement funds that are not accessible until the recipient meets eligibility criteria outlined in the retirement plan contract (e.g. actual retirement and reaching a predetermined age). These plans are not considered a countable resource until the individual is eligible to begin receiving benefits as outlined in the retirement plan. Defined Contribution Plans and Defined Benefit Plans are not considered countable resources when owned by an ineligible spouse. An ineligible spouse is a legally married husband or wife who is not eligible for Medicaid benefits. 10 DE Reg. 1436 (03/01/07) 20330.5 Stocks Shares of stock represent ownership in a business corporation. Their value shifts with demand and may fluctuate widely. If the stock has co-owners, assume that each owner owns an equal share of the value of the stock and that the owner can sell them at current value. Broker fees do not reduce the value that stocks have as resources. Obtain a copy of the stock certificate or most recent statement of account from the firm that issued or is holding the stock. The value of a stock as a resource is its current market value. The current market value of a stock is its closing price on any given day and can usually be found in a regular or financial newspaper. A closing price of 22 3/4 equals $22.75. The values of over-the-counter stocks are shown on a "bid" and "asked" basis. For example, "18, bid, 19 asked." Use the bid price as the current market value. The "par value" or "stated value" shown on some stock certificates is not the market value.
22 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE The stock of some corporations is held within close groups and traded very infrequently. The sale of such stock is often handled privately and is subject to restrictions. The evidence for this kind of stock can be a written statement from the firm's accountants giving their best estimate of the stock's value and the basis for the estimate, such as most recent sale, most recent offer from outsiders, current market value of assets less any debts on them, etc. A stock option is the right to sell or buy stock at a specified price by a specified date. A stock option controls 100 shares of stock, but options are quoted on the price per share. Options come due and are quoted for each January, April, July and October. A closing price of 1/4 equals $25.00. 20330.6 Mutual Fund Shares "Mutual Fund" is a term that encompasses a wide range of investments. It is a pool of assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by an investment company. A mutual fund share represents ownership interest in this pool as opposed to a particular stock or bond. The documentation guidelines for stocks also apply to mutual funds. Many newspapers contain a separate table showing the values of funds not traded on an exchange. 20330.7 U.S. Savings Bonds U.S. Savings Bonds are obligations of the Federal Government. They are not transferable and can only be sold back to the Federal Government. Normally, they cannot be redeemed for six months after the issue date specified on the face of the bond. For Series EE, and I Savings Bonds, the redemption period has been extended to 12 months. They become resources (not income) as of the 7th or 13th month. A bond may not roll over or renew in order to prolong the minimum retention period. Actual redemption (converting to cash) of one bond is required before purchasing a new bond. However, the U.S. Treasury regulation authorizes the Commission of Public Debt to waive the regulatory provisions pertaining to U.S. Savings bonds including the redemption period in order to "relieve any person or persons of unnecessary hardship". A request for a refund because the person now requires Nursing Home care and so needs the funds used to purchase the bonds may constitute hardship. A written request to the Commissioner of Public Debt requesting a waiver to the redemption period is all that is required. The bondholder may simultaneously tender the bond(s) for redemption. If the Treasury receives the bond(s) and grants the waiver, it will issue the individual a check. Since bonds are redeemable due to hardship, the redemption value is treated as an available resource. The individual in whose name a U.S. Savings Bond is registered owns it. The Social Security Number shown on a bond is not proof of ownership. The co-owners of a bond (bond titled AND/OR) own equal (50%) shares of the redemption value of the bond. The bond may show an owner followed by POD (proof of death) and another name. This is a survivorship type of bond. The name of the first individual owns 100% of the bond. The second individual will own 100% of the bond upon the death of the first individual. Physical possession of a U.S. Savings Bond is a requirement for redeeming it. This is true for sole or joint ownership. If an individual alleges that he or she cannot submit a bond because a co-owner or other individual will not relinquish physical possession of the bond, obtain a signed statement from the co-owner or the other individual that he or she: has physical possession of the bond; will not allow the applicant to cash the bond; and if co-owner, will not cash the bond and give the applicant his or her share. The Table of Redemption Values for U.S. Savings Bonds is used to determine the value of a bond. These are available from a local bank. The bank will need the series, denomination, date of purchase or issue date. The value of a series H or HH bond is its face value. Treasury Retail Securities Services P.O. Box 9150 Minneapolis, MN 55480-9150 (844) 284-2676 www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/cashing-a-bond/affected-by-a-disaster See 20330.7 U.S. Savings Bonds – History 8 DE Reg. 1313 (03/01/05) 10 DE Reg. 1601 (04/01/07) 27 DE Reg. 46 (07/01/23) 20330.8 Municipal, Corporate and Government Bonds A bond is a written obligation to pay a sum of money at a specified future date. A municipal bond is the obligation of a State or a locality (county, city, town, village, or special purpose authority such as a school district). A corporate bond is the obligation of a private corporation. Corporations sell corporate bonds to raise capital. Corporate bonds are issued in two forms: registered, which pay interest to their registered owner; and bearer or coupon bonds, which
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 23 pay interest to whomever holds the bond. Zero coupon bonds do not pay current interest. The accrued interest is paid at maturity. A government bond, distinct from a U.S. Savings Bond, is a transferable obligation issued or backed by the Federal Government. They include Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and Federal agency securities, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FREDDIE MAC) and Government National Mortgage Association (GINNIE MAC). Bonds are negotiable and transferable. Their value as a resource is their current market value. The redemption value, which is available only at maturity, is immaterial. The documentation for these bonds is similar to stocks. 20330.9 Uniform Gifts to Minors Act Delaware has adopted the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) which permits making gifts to minors that are free of tax burdens. The UGMA is sometimes called the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Under Delaware UGMA law: ·An individual may make an irrevocable gift of money or other property to a minor. If such a gift is made, then; ·The gift, plus any earnings it generates, is under the control of a custodian until the child reaches the age of majority established by State law; ·The custodian has discretion to provide to the minor or spend for the minor’s support, maintenance, benefit or education as much of the assets as he/she deems equitable; and ·The child automatically receives control of the assets upon reaching the age of majority (his/her 18th birthday). At this time, the UGMA property becomes a countable asset for the purpose of program eligibility. UGMA property including any additions or earnings is not income to the minor. However, any disbursements from the UGMA account to the minor will be considered income to the minor. Verification DSS will verify all allegations of existence of a UGMA gift by obtaining a copy of the document of ownership (e.g., deed, certificate of deposit, savings account, etc.) or other written document from the issuing source. If there is no document designating a UGMA gift, then the asset will be considered a countable resource. 8 DE Reg. 1712 (06/01/05) 20330.10 Annuities 20330.10.A Defining Annuity For Medicaid purposes, an annuity is a financial device between an individual and a commercial company that conveys a right to receive periodic payments for life or a fixed number of months or years. 20330.10.B Disclosure of Interest in an Annuity 1. Any interest an applicant or community spouse has in a revocable or irrevocable annuity must be disclosed at the time of application. 2. Failure to disclose interest in an annuity may result in denial of payment for long term care services or denial of Medicaid eligibility. 20330.10.C Determining If Annuity is Income and or a Resource 1. The equity value of a revocable annuity is a countable resource. 2. An assignable annuity (the owner or payee may be changed) is a countable resource. The resource value is the amount the assignable annuity can be sold for on the secondary market. 3. An annuity purchased by a third party, e.g. applicant’s employer, as a retirement benefit to the applicant will not be counted as an available resource. (DSSM 20330.4) 4. The stream of income generated by an annuity, whether a countable resource or not, is countable income. 20330.10.D State’s Rights as a Preferred Remainder Beneficiary 1. The DMMA will notify, in writing, the issuer of an annuity owned by an applicant that the State is the preferred remainder beneficiary. This notice will require the issuer to notify the State of any changes in the amount of income, principal or beneficiary to the annuity. This notice will require the issuer to notify the State of any changes in the amount of income, principal or beneficiary to the annuity. 2. Certain transactions that occur on or after February 8, 2006 will subject an annuity purchased prior to this date to the DRA provisions. (DSSM 20330.10.E, DSSM 20330.10.F) These transactions include such things as an addition to the principal, elective withdrawal, requests to change beneficiary, or elections to annuitize the contract.
24 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20330.10.E State Named Remainder Beneficiary in All Annuities Purchased on or after February 8, 2006 1. The State of Delaware must be named as a beneficiary in the correct position. The State must be named beneficiary in the first position for the total amount of medical assistance paid on behalf or the institutionalized spouse, unless there is a community spouse, minor child, or disabled child who resides in the applicant’s home. In such a case, the State must be named in a secondary or remainder position. 2. If the State is not named as a remainder beneficiary the purchase of the annuity will be considered a transfer for less than fair market value. 3. The full purchase value of the annuity will be considered the amount transferred. 20330.10.F Purchase of an Annuity is Considered a Transfer of Assets 1. The transfer of assets provisions should be applied to all annuities purchased on or after February 8, 2006 unless: A. The annuity is considered either: An individual retirement annuity (according to Sec. 408 (b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); or A deemed Individual Retirement Account under a qualified employer plan (according to Sec. 408 (q) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). OR B. The annuity is purchased with proceeds from one of the following: A traditional IRA (IRC Sec. 408a); or Certain accounts or trusts which are treated as traditional IRAs (IRC Sec. 408 §(c)); or A simplified retirement account (IRC Sec. 408 §(p)); or A simplified employee pension (IRC Sec. 408 §(k)); or A Roth IRA (IRC Sec. 408A). OR C. The annuity meets all of the following requirements: The annuity is irrevocable and non-assignable; and The annuity is actuarially sound; and The annuity provides payments in approximately equal amounts, with no deferred or balloon payments. 11 DE Reg. 676 (11/01/07) 20340 Life Insurance and Burial Resource Computation 20340.1 Life Insurance 20340.1.1 Life Insurance Terminology 20340.1.2 Life Insurance as a Resource 20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance 20340.1.1 Life Insurance Terminology Insured is the individual whose life is covered by the policy. Beneficiary is the individual who receives the proceeds upon the insured's death. Owner is the individual who is designated as the owner on the policy or by the insurance company. Face Value (FV) is the amount of basic death benefit contracted for at the time the policy is purchased. Cash Surrender Value (CSV) is a form of equity value that is acquired over time. The owner of a policy can obtain its CSV only by turning the policy in for cancellation before it matures or the insured dies. A loan against a policy reduces its CSV. Dividends are shares of company earnings paid to the policy owner. The dividends are not income but the interest on dividends is income. Dividend Additions are amounts of insurance purchased with dividends and added to the policy, increasing its death benefit and CSV. The table of CSV's that comes with a policy does not reflect the added CSV of any dividend additions. Dividend Accumulations are dividends that the policy owner has constructively received but left in the hands of the insurance company to accumulate at interest, like money in a bank account. They are not a value of the policy; the owner can obtain them at any time without affecting the policy's FV or CSV. Dividend accumulations cannot be excluded from resources under the life insurance exclusion, even if the policy that pays the accumulations is excluded from resources. Dividend accumulations are a separate resource (they are not considered as an increase in CSV) and must be designated as burial funds separate from the life insurance policy itself. Unless they can be designated and excluded as burial funds, they are a countable resource.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 25 20340.1.2 Life Insurance as a Resource Life insurance is only considered a resource if the applicant is the owner of policy. A life insurance policy is an excluded resource if its FV and the FV of any other life insurance policies the individual owns total $1500 or less. The policy/policies original face value(s) is considered when determining if the cash surrender value of a policy is countable. Do not include the FV of dividend additions. If the original face value of the policy/policies exceeds $1500, the cash surrender value, including the CSV of dividend additions, is counted toward the applicant's total resources. Applicants have the option to designate life insurance for burial or to retain it as a liquid resource. The individual can also designate any dividend accumulations on the life insurance policy. Some life insurance companies offer to pay the owner of a life insurance policy money that would normally go to the beneficiary of the policy after the death of the insured. These payments are referred to as "accelerated life insurance payments". Some payments are made as a lump sum, others are paid out monthly. The plans vary from company to company but they all involve early payout of some or most of the proceeds of the policy to the insured. Since these accelerated life insurance payments can be used to meet food, clothing, or shelter needs, the payments are income in the month received and a resource if retained into the following month. The receipt of an accelerated payment is not treated as a conversion of a resource. This is because the individual receives proceeds from the policy and not the policy's resource value-which is its cash surrender value. Accelerated payments are not "benefits" for purposes of the requirement to file for other benefits. We do not require a policyholder to apply for accelerated payments as a condition of eligibility. 20340.1.3 Relation to Burial Allowance The $1500 burial funds allowance is reduced by the FV of any life insurance policy or policies excluded under the life insurance exclusion. A total of $1500 FV life insurance is excluded as a resource but must be considered if the individual wants to designate other revocable burial funds. If the individual has burial funds in an irrevocable arrangement, then the maximum $1500 burial allowance is reduced by the face value of any life insurance that has been excluded as a resource AND any amount held in an irrevocable arrangement. SEE: Section 20340.2 - Burial Allowance Section 20340.4 - Life Insurance Funded Burial Contracts Section 20340.5 - Irrevocable Funeral Arrangements If a Medicaid applicant is the beneficiary of another's life insurance, upon death of the insured, the proceeds that are not used to pay for last medical or burial expenses of the deceased would be considered as income for the applicant in the month of receipt. If an expense has been incurred but not yet paid, assume the individual will pay the expense and do not count the death benefit as a resource until the second calendar month following the month of receipt. 20340.2 Burial Allowance We can exclude up to $1500 each in funds set aside for the burial expenses of the individual and the individual's spouse. This exclusion is separate from and in addition to the burial space exclusion. The $1500 burial allowance may consist of revocable burial contracts, burial trusts, other burial arrangements, cash, accounts, or other financial instruments (documents which have a definite cash value). 20340.2.1 Burial Allowance Reductions The $1500 burial allowance is reduced by: a. the face value of any life insurance policy that has been excluded as a resource and b. amounts held in an irrevocable arrangement for the individual's (or spouse's) burial. 20340.2.2 Burial Allowance Combinations An individual can have BOTH an irrevocable burial trust or a funeral funded by an irrevocable assignment of ownership AND separate life insurance with a face value of $1500 or less. If the funeral arrangement is revocable or the individual has designated burial funds, the life insurance of $1500 or less must also be counted toward the $1500 burial allowance. If the face value of life insurance exceeds $1500, the CSV is a countable resource. 20340.2.3 Burial Funds Kept Separate The $1500 burial exclusion applies only to funds set aside for burial expenses that are kept separate from all other resources not intended for burial of the individual (or spouse) and that are clearly designated as set aside for the individual's (or spouse's) burial expenses. If excluded burial funds are mixed with resources not intended for burial, the exclusions will not apply to any portion of the funds. Remember that a burial fund, such as a certificate of deposit, can include both designated, excludable burial funds (up to $1500) and non-excluded burial funds. For example, an applicant has a $2500 CD which is designated for burial. All of the CD's value is burial-related; however, the maximum burial allowance is $1500. This means that $1500 are excludable burial funds and $1000 are non-excluded burial funds. The $1000 is countable toward the liquid resource limit.
26 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Current recipients who have been eligible since 7/11/90 who have had burial funds excluded which do not meet all the new requirements must convert or separate such funds to meet these requirements unless there is an impediment to such conversion or separation; i.e., a circumstance beyond the individual's control which makes the conversion/separation impossible or impracticable. For as long as such impediment exists, the burial funds will continue to be excluded if the individual remains otherwise eligible for the exclusion. 20340.2.4 Declarative Designation Statement A declarative designation statement must be signed by the applicant/representative in order for funds to be excluded. In cases where funds are not designated for burial, the funds may be excluded as of the first day of the month in which the applicant/representative signs the Burial Designation Statement. Within 30 days from the date the statement is signed, documentary evidence must be submitted that funds have been set aside. A copy of the documentary evidence must be made a permanent part of the case record. If an individual has a burial fund that was established prior to application, the value of the burial fund as of the date of application rather than the original amount will be countable toward the resource limit. 20340.3 Prepaid Burial Contracts 20340.3.1 Prepaid Burial Contract Definition 20340.3.2 Burial Funds/Funeral Services 20340.3.3 Burial Space Exclusion 20340.3.1 Prepaid Burial Contract Definition A prepaid burial contract is an agreement entered into in which an individual prepays burial expenses and the seller agrees to furnish the burial. A contract must identify and distinguish between funeral services (burial funds) and burial space items. 20340.3.2 Burial Funds/Funeral Services Funeral services include items and services relative to preparing the body. Such preparation includes, for example, transportation of the body, embalming, cremation, funeral/memorial services, flowers, clothing, etc. 20340.3.3 Burial Space Exclusion Purchased burial space items are excluded. An item is considered purchased even if the specific model number of the item is not mentioned or is not in existence, since the burial space exclusion applies to any burial space item. As long as the contract/agreement results in the individual's right to the items listed, value at the amount indicated, the requirement for exclusion as a burial space is met - a burial space item is being held for the individual (i.e. there was a purchase). A burial space is "held for" an individual when someone currently has: title to and/or possesses a burial space or a contract with a funeral home for specified burial spaces for the individual's burial. Until the purchase price is paid in full, a burial space is not "held for" an individual under an installment contract if: the individual does not currently own the space; the individual does not currently have the right to use the space; the seller is not currently obligated to provide the space. If the burial space is not being currently held for an individual under an installment contract, the amounts paid may be considered burial funds rather than burial space items. 20340.4 Life Insurance Funded Burial Contracts A life insurance funded burial contract involves an individual purchasing a life insurance policy on his life and then assigning, revocably or irrevocably, either the proceeds or ownership of the policy to a funeral provider. The purpose of the assignment is to fund a burial contract. The burial contract itself has no resource value. The value of the burial arrangement is the value of the life insurance policy. 20340.4.1 Revocable Assignment of Ownership The burial space exclusion does not apply if the assignment of ownership is revocable. This is because the funeral provider has not received any payment and no purchase of burial spaces has been made. The burial funds exclusion applies. The resource value is equal to the CSV of the life insurance policy subject to the $1500 burial funds exclusion. 20340.4.2 Irrevocable Assignment of Ownership To determine irrevocability a copy of the "irrevocable assignment of ownership" is required along with a complete copy of the policy and burial contract. Any portion of the contract that represents the purchase of a burial space is excluded. The life insurance policy and the burial contract are not resources because the individual no longer owns them. The face value of the burial funds portion of the contract offsets the $1500 burial funds exclusion because the contract represents an irrevocable arrangement available to meet the individual's burial. 20340.5 Irrevocable Funeral Arrangements Effective January 30, 1992, Delaware law allows the establishment of irrevocable trust accounts for prepaid funerals. The irrevocable trust may represent all funds or any portion of payments made under the burial agreement, contract or plan. The principal sum (excluding accrued interest) may not exceed $5,000. Effective January 1,
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 27 2008 the principal sum may not exceed $15,000. Irrevocable trusts established under Title 5, Chapter 34 of the Delaware Code must contain the following mandatory provisions. 11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08) 20340.5.1 Irrevocable The trust must include a provision which expressly identifies the trust as irrevocable for the lifetime of the beneficiary. 20340.5.2 Alternative Disposition The trust must include a provision for the alternative disposition of trust funds upon discontinuation of business or inability to provide goods or services in accordance with the terms of the trust. 20340.5.3 Inadequate Funds The trust must include a provision which sets forth that in the event funds paid into the trust are inadequate, at the time of the death of the beneficiary, to cover anticipated funeral expenses, the trustee shall contribute all trust funds toward payment of the actual funeral expenses for the funeral of the beneficiary. 20340.5.4 Excess Funds The trust must include a provision which sets forth that in the event the sum held by the trust exceeds the total actual costs of the goods and services for the funeral of the beneficiary, the excess funds shall be paid to the estate of the beneficiary. 20340.5.5 Contributions to Trust The trust must include a provision which sets forth that the trustee may, from time to time, accept periodic monetary contributions to the trust, provided that the principal sum contributed, exclusive of interest earned, shall not exceed $15,000.00. 11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08) 20340.5.6 Maximum Amount The trust must include a provision which shall state "In no event shall the principal amount of the trust exceed $15,000.00 plus interest". Once an irrevocable trust is executed in conjunction with a burial contract, the funds are not available to the buyer. Any written request for a refund of money is no longer an option. The irrevocable trust arrangement will offset the $1500 burial allowance. This is effective for irrevocable trust arrangements executed on or after January 30, 1992. 11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08) 20340.6 Burial Funds in Excess of $1500 Upon application, any burial funds which exceed $1500 must be counted toward the recipient's $2000 resource limit. Mrs. Jones has a prepaid burial contract of which $2000 is countable and no life insurance. $2000 countable prepaid burial contract -$1500 burial exclusion = 500 countable resource The excess $500 must be counted toward her resources. As long as her total resources (including the excess $500) do not exceed the current applicable SSI resource limit, the recipient would remain eligible. 20340.7 Use of Burial Funds After Designation Any designated burial funds used for another purpose will be counted as income in the month withdrawn. The penalty for using excluded burial funds for some other purpose applies only to those whose resources would have been over the limit without benefit of this exclusion. The budgeting of this additional income could result in the recipient exceeding the monthly income limit. As a result, Medicaid benefits would be terminated. 20340.8 Interest on Burial Funds and Burial Spaces Interest and other accruals on the $1500 burial funds and spaces is excluded from countable income and resources. Interest on and appreciation in value of an excluded burial fund are excluded if left to accumulate and become part of the excluded fund. In the event the recipient loses Medicaid eligibility, the appreciated value (accrued interest) will be counted toward the resource limit upon reapplication. 20340.9 Funds Added to Existing Burial Accounts
28 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE If someone has a burial fund that is less than the $1,500 limit, the recipient can add funds to it to bring it up to the $1,500 limit. The money added would have to be from the recipient's personal needs money or other liquid resources. The recipient couldn't divert patient pay or accept money from friends/relatives to place in the account. Contributions from friends/relatives would be considered income. 20345 Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program This policy applies to Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policies purchased on or after November 1, 2011. 1. Defining a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership. The Delaware Qualified State Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Partnership is a partnership between States that implement a Partnership program, private insurance companies that offer long term care insurance policies and State insurance departments. The term "Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership" means an approved State plan amendment (SPA) that provides for the disregard of any assets or resources from Medicaid estate recovery in an amount equal to the insurance benefits paid by certain LTC insurance policies, where those benefits were disregarded in determining an individual’s Medicaid eligibility. The term "long-term care insurance policy" includes a certificate issued under a group insurance contract. Purchasing or owning a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy does not guarantee Medicaid eligibility. All other financial, non-financial and medical eligibility requirements must be met. Policies must meet specific conditions and the State Insurance Commissioner must certify that a policy meets those conditions, in order for the State to apply the disregard from estate recovery. The long-term care partnership policy is designed to do all of the following: a. Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs. b. Provide a mechanism for individuals to qualify for coverage of the cost of their long-term care needs under Medicaid without first being required to substantially exhaust their resources. c. Reduce Medicaid expenditures by delaying or eliminating the need for Long-Term Care Medicaid. 2. Long-term care insurance policies purchased prior to November 1, 2011 are not Partnership policies. 3. Long-term care insurance policies purchased on or after November 1, 2011 may or may not be Partnership policies. A long-term care partnership program policy means a policy that must meet all of the following requirements: a. The policy must have been issued on or after November 1, 2011. b. The covered individual must be a resident of a Qualified Partnership State when coverage first becomes effective. If a policy is exchanged for another policy, the residency rule applies to the issuance date of the original policy. c. The policy must meet the definition of a "qualified long-term care insurance policy" as stated in section 7702B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. d. The policy must meet specific requirement of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Long Term Care Insurance Model Regulations Act and Model Act. e. The policy must include inflation protection. i. For purchasers under 61 years of age, compound annual inflation protection. ii. For purchasers 61 to 76 years of age, some level of inflation protection; or iii. For purchasers 76 years of age or older, inflation protection may be offered, but is not required. 4. A Partnership policy allows for assets to be disregarded from eligibility. The amount of the disregard is equal to the dollar amount of insurance benefits that have been paid to or on behalf of the individual. This amount is limited to the amount paid as of the month of application, even if additional benefits are available under the terms of the policy. 5. Assets are also protected from the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. The amount of the assets disregarded in the eligibility process is not recoverable under the Medicaid estate recovery program. 6. Disregarded assets are counted in the Spousal Resource Assessment. The disregarded assets are included in determining the amount of the community spouse resource allowance in a Spousal Impoverishment case. However, the disregarded asset is not counted in determining the individual’s eligibility. 7. Disregarded assets may be transferred without penalty. If an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid through the application of a QLTCP disregard, then transfers all or part of the disregarded resources that would otherwise be considered an improper transfer, no restricted Medicaid coverage period applies. The disregarded value of the transferred resource continues to be considered part of the individual's QLTCP disregard. If an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid through the application of a QLTCP disregard after making a transfer that would otherwise be considered an improper transfer:
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 29 a. If the individual's QLTCP disregard plus resource limit equals or exceeds the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource, no penalty period applies. The disregarded value of the transferred resource is considered part of the individual's QLTCP disregard. b. If the individual's QLTCP disregard plus resource limit is less than the individual's countable resources plus the value of the transferred resource: i. Determine the individual’s available QLTCP disregard by adding the individual's QLTCP disregard to the individual's resource limit, then subtracting the individual's current countable resources and any amounts that have previously been transferred without a restricted Medicaid coverage period as a result of a QLTCP disregard. ii. Subtract the individual’ available QLTCP disregard from the amount that would otherwise have been considered improperly transferred. The remainder is the amount improperly transferred; a restricted Medicaid coverage period is calculated for the remainder. 8. Reciprocity with other states. DMMA will accept partnership policies issued in other States with qualified long-term care insurance partnership programs. 9. Exhaustion of Benefits. An individual who owns a Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy can apply for Medicaid before exhausting policy benefits. The partnership policy is treated as a third party liability and Medicaid will pay for services not covered. Medicaid will be payor of last resort. 10. Verification of the Partnership policy. A Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership policy must meet all relevant requirements of federal and state law. Qualified partnership policies are certified by the Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI). 15 DE Reg. 1014 (01/01/12) 20350 Transfer of Assets Transfer of assets occurs when an institutionalized individual, or the individual's spouse, has sold, given away (including establishment of a trust or contribution to a charity) or otherwise transferred any asset. Assets transferred by a parent, guardian, court or administrative body, or anyone acting in place of or on behalf of or at the request or direction of the individual or spouse, are considered to be transferred by the individual or spouse. Medicaid law provides for a period of ineligibility when an institutionalized individual or the individual's spouse disposes of assets for less than fair market value (FMV) on or after a specified look-back date. Section 13611 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (P. L. 103-66) enacted 8/10/93, revised the rules on Transfer of Assets. The new rules are effective for long term care applications filed on or after 10/1/93 and assets transferred on or after 8/11/93. The new rules do not apply to assets transferred on or before 8/10/93. 20350.1 Definitions 20350.1.1 Institutionalized Individual 20350.1.2 Spouse 20350.1.3 Assets 20350.1.1 Institutionalized Individual An institutionalized individual is an individual who is: - an inpatient in a nursing facility, or - an inpatient in a medical institution with respect to whose eligibility is based on an appropriate level of care for that medical institution, or - a home and community-based services recipient described in section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(VI). 20350.1.2 Spouse This is a person who is considered legally married to an individual under the laws of the State in which the individual is applying for or receiving Medicaid. 20350.1.3 Assets Assets include all income and resources of the individual or the individual's spouse. NOTE: PRIOR TO OBRA 93 THE DEFINITION OF ASSETS DID NOT INCLUDE INCOME. Assets would also include assets that the individual or spouse is entitled to receive but does not because of an action taken by: - the individual, or - the individual's spouse, or a person, including a court or administrative body, with legal authority to act in place of or on behalf of the individual or spouse, or - any person, including a court or administrative body, acting at the direction of or upon the request of the individual or such individual's spouse.
30 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20350.1.3.1Actions Which Result in Non-Receipt of Assets Examples of actions which would cause income or resources not to be received are: irrevocably waiving pension income; - waiving an inheritance; - not accepting or accessing injury settlements; - tort settlements which are diverted by the defendant into a trust or similar device to be held for the benefit of the plaintiff; - refusal to take legal action to obtain a court ordered payment that is not being paid, such as alimony. 20350.1.3.2Failure to Receive However, failure to cause assets to be received does not constitute a transfer of assets in all cases. For example, the individual may not be able to afford to take the necessary action to obtain the assets or the cost of obtaining the assets may be greater than the assets are worth. The specific circumstances of each case must be examined before making a decision whether an uncompensated asset transfer has occurred. 20350.1.3.4Joint Assets In the case of jointly owned assets (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or similar arrangement) any action taken by the individual or by any other person that reduces or eliminates the individual's ownership or control of the asset will be penalized as an uncompensated transfer. See Section 20350.8 Treatment of jointly owned assets 20350.1.4 Resource Transfer The definition of a resource is the same definition as used by the SSI program, except that the home is NOT excluded for institutionalized individuals. In determining if a transfer of assets involves a SSI-countable resource, take into account those resource disregards used by the SSI program. 20350.1.5 Income Transfer The definition of income is the same definition as used by the SSI program. In determining whether a transfer of assets involves SSI-countable income, take into account those income disregards used by the SSI program. 20350.1.6 For the Sole Benefit of Requirement A transfer is considered to be for the sole benefit of a spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability if the transfer is arranged in such a way that no individual or entity except that spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability can benefit from the assets transferred in any way, whether at the time of the transfer or at any time in the future. A transfer, transfer instrument, or trust that provides for funds or property to pass to a beneficiary who is not the spouse, child who is blind or disabled, or an individual with a disability is not considered to be established for the sole benefit of one of these individuals. In order for a transfer to be considered to be for the sole benefit of one of these individuals, the instrument document must provide for the spending of the funds involved for the benefit of the individual on a basis that is actuarially sound based on the life expectancy of the individual involved. An exception to the "for the sole benefit of" requirement exists for certain trusts. Under these exceptions, the trust instrument must provide that any funds remaining in the trust upon the death of the individual must go to the State, up to the amount of Medicaid benefits paid on the individual's behalf. In these instances, it is a requirement that the State is also a beneficiary of the trust. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20350.1.7 Fair Market Value (FMV) Fair market value is an estimate of the value of an asset, if sold at the prevailing price at the time it was actually transferred. In order to appraise the value of an asset, use the same criteria and methods that are used when determining Medicaid eligibility. For an asset to be considered transferred for fair market value, or to be considered to be transferred for valuable consideration, the compensation received for the asset must be in a tangible form. A transfer for "love and consideration", for example, is not considered a transfer for fair market value. While relatives and family members legitimately can be paid for care they provide to the individual, it is presumed that services provided for free at the time were intended to be provided without compensation. Thus, a transfer to a relative for care provided for free in the past is considered a transfer of assets. However, an individual can rebut this presumption with tangible evidence that is acceptable to Medicaid. 20350.1.8 Valuable Consideration Valuable consideration means that an individual receives in exchange for his or her right or interest in an asset some act, object, service, or other benefit which has a tangible value to the individual that is roughly equivalent to or greater than the value of the transferred asset. 20350.1.9 Uncompensated Value (UV) The uncompensated value is the difference between the fair market value at the time of transfer (less any outstanding loans, mortgages or other encumbrances on the asset) and the compensation received for the asset.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 31 20350.1.10 Average Monthly Cost Average monthly cost is the average cost to a private patient for a month of nursing facility services in Delaware at the time of application. The monthly rate is determined based on 365 days divided by 12 months or 30.42 days per month. This is not the average Medicaid per diem rate. 20350.2 Look-Back Date and Look-Back Period 20350.2.1 Look-Back Date 20350.2.2 Look-Back Period 20350.2.3 Look-Back Period for Transfers of Assets Involving Trusts 20350.2.1 Look-Back Date The look-back date is the earliest date on which a penalty for transferring assets for less than fair market value can be assessed. Penalties can be assessed for transfers which take place on or after the look-back date. Penalties cannot be assessed for transfers which take place prior to the look-back date. See Section 20350.2.3 Look- back period for transfer of assets involving trusts For long term care applications filed on or after 2/8/06 and assets transferred on or after 2/8/06, the look-back date is 60 months prior to the baseline date. The baseline date is the first date as of which the individual was: institutionalized; AND has applied for medical assistance under the state plan. When an individual applies for Medicaid more than once (for example, he or she applies for Medicaid, is denied eligibility because of excess resources, and applies again 6 months later), the look-back date is 36 months prior to the baseline date. The baseline date is the first date (first time) the individual has applied for long term care Medicaid. Each individual has only one look-back date, regardless of the number of periods of institutionalization, applications for Medicaid, periods of eligibility, or transfers of assets. All transfers of assets after that date fall within the look-back period. 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07) 20350.2.2 Look-Back Period The look-back period is the period that begins with the look-back date and ends with the baseline date. It is the period of time prior to the baseline date (see above) during which a previous transfer of assets for less than fair market value can be penalized. It is important to remember that transfers which occur after the baseline date are also subject to penalty if they are made for less than fair market value. Effective 2/8/06, the date of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) enactment, the look-back period was extended from 36 months to 60 months. Any transfers that occur on or after 2/8/06 will be subject to a 60 month look-back period. 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07) 20350.2.3 Look-Back Period for Transfers of Assets Involving Trusts When an individual establishes a revocable trust and a portion is disbursed to someone else and not for the benefit of the grantor, that portion is treated as a transfer of assets. For a revocable trust, the transfer is considered to take place on the date upon which the payment to someone other than the grantor was made. When an individual establishes an irrevocable trust in which all or a portion of the trust cannot be disbursed to or on behalf of the individual, that portion (the portion that is unavailable) is treated as a transfer of assets. For an irrevocable trust, the transfer is considered to have been made as of the date the trust was established or, if later, the date upon which payment to the grantor was foreclosed. Whenever a portion of a trust is treated as a transfer (as described above), the look-back period is 60 months. When a trust is irrevocable but some or all of the trust can be disbursed to or for the benefit of the individual (the portion that could be made available to the individual), the look-back period applying to disbursements made from this portion to another person is 60 months. Effective 2/8/06, the date of the DRA enactment, all trusts will be subject to a 60 month look- back period. When an individual places assets into an irrevocable trust and can still benefit from those assets, the amount transferred is equal to any of those assets which are paid out for a purpose other than to or for the benefit of the individual. When an individual places assets in an irrevocable trust and can no longer benefit from some or all of those assets, that unavailable portion is considered as a transfer. The value of these assets is not reduced by any payments from the trust which may be made from these unavailable assets as a later date. 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07)
32 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20350.3 Penalty Period and Penalty Date The penalty period is a period of ineligibility for long term care Medicaid services that is imposed when an individual makes a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. Under OBRA 93 there is no maximum limit on the penalty period for assets transferred after 8/10/93. The length of the penalty period is based on the value of the assets transferred and the cost of nursing facility care. The penalty period cannot exceed 30 months for assets transferred on or before 8/10/93. The penalty date is the beginning date of each penalty period that is imposed for an uncompensated transfer. The penalty date for all individuals who transfer assets is the first day of the month in which the asset was transferred, provided that date does not occur during an existing penalty period. When a transfer takes place during an existing penalty period, whether imposed under the pre-OBRA 93 or post-OBRA 93 rules, a new penalty period cannot begin until the existing penalty period has expired. The penalty period for an institutionalized individual is equal to: - the total, cumulative uncompensated value of all assets transferred by the individual or spouse on or after the look- back date divided by - the average monthly cost to a private patient for nursing facility services at the time of application. The resulting figure is the number of months the applicant will be ineligible for Medicaid. In figuring periods of ineligibility, count full months only, regardless of the date in a month a transfer actually occurs. A full month is counted at the beginning of a period of ineligibility. That is, a period of ineligibility begins with the first day of the month in which a transfer has occurred. For example, if an individual has made a transfer on September 28, the period of ineligibility begins on September 1. If a calculation of the penalty period results in a partial month, round the days down to the end of the preceding month. For example, from a September 28 transfer, round down to make August the last month in the period. However, do not round a month up to the end of the month in which the transfer occurred. For example, do not round September 28 up to include the whole month of September. 20350.3.1 Penalty Period for assets transferred on or after 2/8/06 Section 6011(b) for the Deficit Reduction Act amends section 1917(c)(1)(D) of the Act to change the start date of the penalty period, which is the period during which an individual is ineligible for Medicaid payment for long term care services because of a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. The ineligibility period will begin with the LATER of: The month during which assets have been transferred for less than fair market value; or The date on which the individual is eligible for medical assistance under the State plan and is receiving institutional level of care services (based on an approved application for such services) that, were it not for the imposition of the penalty period, would be covered by Medicaid. The penalty period cannot begin until the expiration of any existing period of ineligibility. The penalty period will continue to run for the number of days determined by dividing the total value of assets transferred within the look back period by the State’s average daily cost to a private patient of a nursing facility services in the State. Once the penalty period is imposed, it will not be interrupted, but will continue to run even if the individual stops receiving institutional level of care. For non-institutionalized individuals, the penalty date will not begin until the individual is receiving an institutional level of care. Upon imposition of a period of ineligibility for long-term care level services because of an asset transfer, applicants/ recipients will be notified of the right to request an undue hardship waiver. In addition, long-term care providers may file an undue hardship waiver on behalf of the individual with the consent of the individual or the personal representative of the individual. See DSSM 20400.1.12.1. 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07) 20350.4 Multiple Transfers OBRA 93 provides that the penalty period will be based on the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the assets transferred. When a single asset is transferred, or a number of assets are transferred, the penalty period is calculated using the total value of the asset(s). When assets are transferred at different times, use the following methods for calculating the penalty periods. This policy applies to assets that were transferred on or after 2/8/06 and applications that were filed on or after 4/1/06. 10 DE Reg. 1439 (03/01/07) 20350.4.1 Transfers Made So That Penalty Periods Overlap
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 33 When assets have been transferred in amounts and/or frequency that would make the calculated penalty periods overlap, add together the value of all assets transferred to calculate a single penalty period. Fractional periods of ineligibility shall not be rounded down or otherwise disregarded when determining the penalty for a transfer of assets. 10 DE Reg. 1439 (03/01/07) 20350.4.2 Transfers Made So That Penalty Periods Would Not Overlap Repealed 10 DE Reg. 1439 (03/01/07) 20350.5 Return of Assets The penalty period can be shortened to account for assets that are returned. If all assets transferred are returned to the individual, no penalty for transferring assets is assessed. Where a penalty has been imposed and eligibility has been denied, a return of the assets requires a retroactive adjustment back to the beginning of the penalty period. However, the assets that are returned must be counted in determining eligibility and may result in the individual being ineligible for Medicaid because of excess income/resources. In order to void the penalty, all of the asset or its fair market equivalent must be returned. If, for example, the asset was sold by the individual who received it, the full market value of the asset must be returned to the transferor, either in cash or another equivalent value. If only part of an asset or its equivalent value is returned, the penalty period can be modified, but not eliminated. 20350.6 Transfers by a Spouse When a spouse transfers an asset that results in a penalty for the individual (applicant) and then the spouse also applies for Medicaid and is otherwise eligible, the penalty period is apportioned between the spouses. The total penalty imposed on both spouses must not exceed the length of the penalty originally imposed on the individual. 20350.7 Penalty Period When Individual Leaves Institution A penalty period imposed for a transfer of assets runs continuously from the first date of the penalty period (the penalty date), regardless of whether the individual remains in or leaves the institution (or waiver program). If the individual leaves the institution, the penalty period continues to run until the end of the calculated period. If the individual is readmitted, the remaining penalty period (if any) must be imposed. 20350.8 Treatment of Jointly Owned Assets Where an asset is held by an individual in common with another person, or persons, via joint tenancy, tenancy in common, joint ownership, or similar arrangement, the asset is considered transferred by the individual when any action is taken, either by the individual or any other person, that reduces or eliminates the individual's ownership or control of the asset. Under this provision, merely placing another person's name on an account or asset as a joint owner might not constitute a transfer of assets depending upon the specific circumstances of the situation. The individual may still possess ownership rights to the account or asset and therefore have the right to withdraw all of the funds in the account or possess the asset at any time. The account or asset is still be considered to belong to the individual. However, actual withdrawal of funds from the account, or removal of the asset, by the other person removes the funds or property from the control of the individual and this constitutes a transfer of assets. Although the withdrawal of funds is subject to the transfer of assets provision, the individual is provided an opportunity to rebut the presumption. Also, if placing another person's name on the account or asset actually limits the individual's right to sell or dispose of the asset, this would constitute a transfer of assets. In other words, by adding another person's name the individual cannot sell or dispose of the asset without the other person's consent. For example, an individual has sole ownership of real property and adds another person's name as joint tenancy. He can no longer dispose of the property by himself. He has to have the other person’s consent to do so. 20350.9 Treatment of Income as an Asset Under OBRA 93, income, in addition to resources, is defined as an asset for transfer (and trust) purposes. Where an individual's income is given or assigned in some manner to another person, this is considered a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. In determining whether income has been transferred, do not scrutinize an individual's spending habits during the 60 month look-back period. Absent evidence to the contrary, assume that ordinary household income was legitimately spent on the normal costs of daily living. Attempt to determine whether the individual has transferred lump sum payments actually received in a month. Such payments, while counted as income in the month received for eligibility purposes, are counted as resources in the following month if they are retained. Therefore, disposal of such lump sum payments before they can be counted as resources could constitute an uncompensated transfer of assets.
34 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Also, attempt to determine whether amounts of regularly scheduled income have been transferred. Normally, such a transfer takes the form of a transfer of the right to receive income. For example, a private pension may be diverted to a trust, and no longer be paid to the individual. An exception to the transfer of assets penalty for diverted income is a transfer into a Miller trust. Explore the possibility of a transfer of income based on information given on the Medicaid application and through active questioning of the individual concerning sources of income, income levels in the past versus present, direct questions about giving income to others, etc. When an individual has transferred income, or the right to income, a penalty for that transfer must be imposed. If a single lump sum is transferred (for example, a stock dividend check is given to another person in the month in which it is received by the individual), the penalty period is calculated on the basis of the value of the lump sum payment. When a stream of income, or the right to a stream of income (such as a pension) is transferred, calculate the penalty period based on a determination of the total amount of income expected to be transferred during the individual's life based on an actuarial projection of the individual's life expectancy. Calculate the penalty period on the basis of the projected total income. To make this determination, use the life expectancy tables, compiled from information published by the Office of the Actuary of the Social Security Administration. See 20350.9 Life Expectancy Tables. Tables 20350.9 Life Expectancy Table - Females Age Life Expectancy 1 78.42 2 77.48 3 76.51 4 75.54 5 74.56 6 73.57 7 72.59 8 71.60 9 70.61 10 69.62 11 68.63 12 67.64 13 66.65 14 65.67 15 64.68 16 63.71 17 62.74 18 61.77 19 60.80
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 35 20 59.83 21 58.86 22 57.89 23 56.92 24 55.95 25 54.98 26 54.02 27 53.05 28 52.08 29 51.12 30 50.15 31 49.19 32 48.23 33 47.27 34 46.31 35 45.35 36 44.40 37 43.45 38 42.50 39 41.55 40 40.61 41 39.66 42 38.72 43 37.72 44 36.85 45 35.92 46 35.00 47 34.08 48 33.17 49 32.27
36 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 50 31.37 51 30.48 52 29.60 53 28.72 54 27.86 55 27.00 56 26.15 57 25.31 58 24.48 59 23.67 60 22.86 61 22.06 62 21.27 63 20.49 64 19.72 65 18.96 66 18.21 67 17.48 68 16.76 69 16.04 70 15.35 71 14.66 72 13.99 73 13.33 74 12.68 75 12.05 76 11.43 77 10.83 78 10.24 79 9.67
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 37 80 9.11 81 8.58 82 8.06 83 7.56 84 7.08 85 6.63 86 6.20 87 5.79 88 5.41 89 5.05 90 4.71 91 4.40 92 4.11 93 3.84 94 3.59 95 3.36 96 3.16 97 2.97 98 2.80 99 2.64 100 2.48 101 2.34 102 2.20 103 2.06 104 1.93 105 1.81 106 1.69 107 1.58 108 1.48 109 1.38
38 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 110 1.28 111 1.19 112 1.10 113 1.02 114 0.96 115 0.89 116 0.83 117 0.77 118 0.71 119 0.66 20350.9 Life Expectancy Table - Males Age Life Expectancy 1 71.53 2 70.58 3 69.62 4 68.65 5 67.67 6 66.69 7 65.71 8 64.73 9 63.74 10 62.75 11 61.76 12 60.78 13 59.79 14 58.82 15 57.85 16 56.91 17 55.97
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 39 18 55.05 19 54.13 20 53.21 21 52.29 22 51.38 23 50.46 24 49.55 25 48.63 26 47.72 27 46.80 28 45.88 29 44.97 30 44.06 31 43.15 32 42.24 33 41.33 34 40.23 35 39.52 36 38.62 37 37.73 38 36.83 39 35.94 40 35.05 41 34.15 42 33.26 43 32.37 44 31.49 45 30.61 46 29.74 47 28.88
40 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 48 28.02 49 27.17 50 26.32 51 25.48 52 24.65 53 23.82 54 23.01 55 22.21 56 21.43 57 20.66 58 19.90 59 19.15 60 18.42 61 17.70 62 16.99 63 16.30 64 15.62 65 14.96 66 14.32 67 13.70 68 13.09 69 12.50 70 11.92 71 11.35 72 10.80 73 10.27 74 9.27 75 9.24 76 8.76 77 8.29
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 41 78 7.83 79 7.40 80 6.98 81 6.59 82 6.21 83 5.58 84 5.51 85 5.19 86 4.89 87 4.61 88 4.34 89 4.09 90 3.86 91 3.64 92 3.43 93 3.24 94 3.06 95 2.90 96 2.74 97 2.60 98 2.47 99 2.34 100 2.22 101 2.11 102 1.99 103 1.89 104 1.78 105 1.68 106 1.59 107 1.50
42 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 108 1.41 109 1.33 110 1.25 111 1.17 112 1.10 113 1.02 114 0.96 115 0.89 116 0.83 117 0.77 118 0.71 119 0.66 Life Estate And Remainder Interest Table Age Life Estate Remainder 0 .97188 .02812 1 .98988 .01012 2 .99017 .00983 3 .99008 .00992 4 .98981 .01019 5 .98938 .01062 6 .98884 .01116 7 .98822 .01178 8 .98748 .01252 9 .98663 .01337 10 .98565 .01435 11 .98453 .01547 12 .98329 .01671 13 .98198 .01802 14 .98066 .01934 15 .97937 .02063 16 .97815 .02185
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 43 17 .97700 .02300 18 .97590 .02410 19 .97480 .02520 20 .97365 .02635 21 .97245 .02755 22 .97120 .02880 23 .96986 .03014 24 .96841 .03014 25 .96678 .03322 26 .96495 .03505 27 .96290 .03710 28 .96062 .03938 29 .95813 .04187 30 .95543 .04457 31 .95254 .04746 32 .94942 .05058 33 .94608 .05392 34 .94250 .05750 35 .93868 .06132 36 .93460 .06540 37 .93026 .06974 38 .92567 .07433 39 .92083 .07917 40 .91571 .08429 41 .91030 .08970 42 .90457 .09543 43 .89855 .10145 44 .89221 .10779 45 .88558 .11442 46 .87863 .12137
44 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 47 .87137 .12863 48 .86374 .13626 49 .85578 .14422 50 .84743 .15257 51 .83674 .16126 52 .82969 .17031 53 .82028 .17972 54 .81054 .18946 55 .80046 .19954 56 .79006 .20994 57 .77931 .22069 58 .76822 .23178 59 .75675 .24325 60 .74491 .25509 61 .73267 .26733 62 .72002 .27998 63 .70696 .29304 64 .69352 .30648 65 .67970 .32030 66 .66551 .33449 67 .65098 .34902 68 .63610 .36390 69 .62086 .37914 70 .60522 .39478 71 .58914 .41086 72 .57261 .42739 73 .55571 .44429 74 .53862 .46138 75 .52149 .47851 76 .50441 .49559
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 45 77 .48742 .51258 78 .47049 .52951 79 .45357 .54643 80 .43659 .56341 81 .41967 .58033 82 .40295 .59705 83 .38642 .61358 84 .36998 .63002 85 .35359 .64641 86 .33764 .66236 87 .32262 .67738 88 .30859 .69141 89 .29526 .70474 90 .28221 .71779 91 .26955 .73045 92 .25771 .74229 93 .24692 .75308 94 .23728 .76272 95 .22887 .77113 96 .22181 .77819 97 .21550 .78450 98 .21000 .79000 99 .20486 .79514 100 .19975 .80025 101 .19532 .80468 102 .19054 .80946 103 .18437 .81563 104 .17856 .82144 105 .16962 .83038 106 .15488 .84512
46 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 107 .13409 .86591 108 .10068 .89932 109 .04545 .95455 20350.10 Exceptions to the Transfer of Assets 20350.10.1 Exceptions To Transfer Of Residence 20350.10.2 Exceptions To Transfer Of An Asset 20350.10.1 Exceptions To Transfer Of Residence The transfer provision does not apply to the HOME and title to the home transferred to: a. a spouse (as long as spouse does not then transfer property for less than fair market value); b. a child under 21 years of age; c. a child who is blind or disabled, as defined by the SSI program; d. a sibling who has an equity interest in the home and who has resided in the home for at least one year immediately before the date the individual becomes institutionalized; or e. a son or daughter of the individual (other than a child described above) who was residing in the home for at least 2 years immediately before the date the individual became institutionalized, and who provided care to that individual which permitted the individual to reside at home rather than in an institution. In items d. and e. above the property cannot be excluded unless and until the assets are actually transferred. Also verification for this would consist of a written statement from the parent indicating that this situation existed. If the parent is not capable, a statement from an adult child or sibling and statements from two other adults indicating that the situation existed would suffice. Statements must specify the number of years spent in the home and the exact nature of the care provided. 20350.10.2 Exceptions To Transfer Of An Asset The transfer provision does not apply to ANY asset transferred: a. to the individual's spouse, or to another for the sole benefit of the individual's spouse; b. from the individual's spouse to another for the sole benefit of the individual's spouse (OBRA 93); c. to the individual's child that is blind or totally and permanently disabled; d. to a trust containing the assets of an individual under age 65 who is disabled as defined by the SSI program and which is established for the benefit of the individual by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian of the individual or a court if the trust contains a provision that upon the death of the individual the State will receive all amounts remaining in the trust up to an amount equal to the total medical assistance paid on behalf of the individual (OBRA 93); e. to a pooled trust containing the assets of an individual who is disabled as defined by the SSI program and that is established and managed by a non-profit association if the trust contains a provision that upon the death of the individual the State will receive all amounts remaining in the trust up to an amount equal to the total medical assistance paid on behalf of the individual (OBRA 93). A transfer of assets or an establishment of a trust is considered to be for the sole benefit of a spouse, child with a disability, or individual under age 65, if the transfer is arranged in such a way that no individual except the spouse, child or individual can benefit from the assets in any way, either at the time of the transfer, or at any time in the future. If a beneficiary is named to receive the asset at the time of the individual's death, the transfer or trust will nevertheless be considered to have been made for the sole benefit of the individual if Medicaid is named as the primary beneficiary of the asset, up to the amount paid for services provided to the individual. To determine whether an asset was transferred for the sole benefit of a spouse, child, or individual with a disability, obtain a legally binding, written document (such as a trust document). The document must clearly define the conditions under which the transfer was made, as well as who can benefit from the transfer. A transfer without such a document cannot be said to have been made for the sole benefit of the spouse, child, or individual with a disability, since there is no way to establish, without a document, that only the individual will benefit from the transfer. Where it is alleged that an asset was transferred to or for the benefit of an individual who is blind or totally and permanently disabled, a determination must be made that the individual in fact meets the definition of blindness or disability used by the SSI program. If the individual is receiving either SSI or Title II benefits, accept the disability determination made for those programs. If the individual is not receiving those benefits, a separate disability determination must be made. The individual who is claiming the disability must submit acceptable medical evidence he has been determined disabled according to the
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 47 standards used by the SSI program (Title XVI). The individual will be given a reasonable amount of time to provide the medical evidence. 10 DE Reg. 558 (09/01/06) 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20350.11 Undue Hardship A transfer of assets is exempt from consideration if the penalty would cause undue hardship. Undue hardship exists when application of the transfer of assets provisions would deprive the individual of medical care such that his/her health or his/her life would be endangered. Undue hardship also exists when application of the transfer of assets provisions would deprive the individual of food, clothing, shelter or other necessities of life. 20 DE Reg. 117 (08/01/16) 20350.12 Transfer of Assets Procedures If an individual and/or couple alleges selling, giving away or otherwise transferring any non-excluded assets within the 60 months preceding the date of application, take the following steps: 1. Ascertain and document the FMV of the asset. 2. Ascertain and document the amount of compensation received by the individual and/or couple for the transfer. 3. Calculate the uncompensated value, if any. If the asset was transferred at FMV, process the application as usual. If the asset was transferred at less than FMV, explain to the applicant that an amendment to the Social Security Act requires that DSS presume, when assets are sold or given away at less than FMV, that the transaction was made for the purpose of establishing Medicaid eligibility. The difference between the amount received for the transfer and the FMV is counted as being available to meet the needs of the individual for a period after the date of disposal. Explain that the law requires that DSS presume the transfer to be for the purpose of establishing Medicaid eligibility unless the individual can demonstrate that: 1) the individual intended to dispose of the assets either at fair market value or for other valuable consideration; or 2) the assets were transferred exclusively for a purpose other than to qualify for Medicaid. If the applicant does not wish to rebut the presumption, she/he will be ineligible for Medicaid for a specified period. 20350.13 Rebutting the Presumption In all cases where any amount of uncompensated value is established, the applicant must be advised of the fact before the application is allowed or denied. The applicant should be given written notice that it was determined that she/he transferred an asset for less than fair market value and that this amount must be counted for eligibility purposes unless the individual wishes to rebut the presumption. If an applicant wishes to rebut the presumption, the burden of proof rests with the applicant. The intent to rebut the presumption must be received in the DSS/Medicaid office within 15 days of the date of the notice. The following information should be obtained from the applicant and placed in the file: 1. the applicant's purpose for transferring the asset 2. the applicant's attempts to dispose of the asset at FMV 3. the applicant's reasons for accepting less than FMV 4. the applicant's means of, or plans for, supporting himself/herself after the transfer 5. the applicant's relationship, if any, to the person(s) to whom the asset was transferred 6. the file should also include any pertinent documentary evidence (e.g., legal documents, realtor agreements, relevant correspondence, etc.). Statements from other individuals may also be obtained if material to the decision to transfer. Verbal statements that the individual intended to dispose of the asset at fair market value or that the individual transferred the asset for a purpose other than to qualify for Medicaid are not sufficient evidence. Convincing evidence must be presented as to the specific purpose for which the asset was transferred, as well as to the reason why the individual chose to transfer the asset. The validity of the individual's rebuttal must be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the individual's specific circumstances. The presence of one or more of the following factors, while not conclusive, may indicate that assets were transferred exclusively for some purpose other than establishing Medicaid eligibility. This list is not all-inclusive. 1. After transfer of assets, the occurrence of traumatic onset of disability. 2. After the transfer of assets, the occurrence of unexpected loss of other resources which would have precluded Medicaid eligibility.
48 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3. After transfer of assets, the occurrence of unexpected loss of income which would have precluded Medicaid eligibility. The presumption that an asset was transferred to establish Medicaid eligibility is successfully rebutted only if the applicant demonstrates that the asset was transferred exclusively for some other purpose. If the claimant had some other purpose for transferring the asset, and establishing Medicaid eligibility seems to have also been a factor in the decision to transfer, the presumption is not rebutted. The decision should be documented in the case record. It should be signed by the social worker and countersigned by the supervisor. If the transfer has been proven to be exclusively for some purpose other than establishing Medicaid eligibility, the transfer has no effect on eligibility. The uncompensated value is not counted toward the resource limit. 20360 Conditional Medicaid Coverage While Disposing of Resources Effective September 1, 1987 "conditional" Medicaid coverage for nursing home care can be approved for applicants who need Medicaid services while they are disposing of non-liquid resources, e.g., property. There are strict limits on the amount of time allowed for sale of resources and the applicant must sign a statement agreeing to the conditions before an application can be approved. Under conditional eligibility, excess resources are treated as a "conditional exclusion" and are not counted during the conditional benefit period. However, there is no "conditional exclusion for spousal impoverishment cases. These resources count because they meet the spousal definition of countable resources. They should be counted in the spousal resource calculation. 8 DE Reg. 1312 (3/1/05) 20360.1 Disposal/Exclusion Periods 1. Beginning Date of the Conditional Medicaid Coverage A social worker can exclude the resource that causes someone to be ineligible for Medicaid and approve Medicaid coverage when: a. all other eligibility criteria are met; b. the applicant or authorized representative signs Form 412 "Agreement to Sell Property"; and c. documentation of individual's effort to sell is obtained within 30 days of the date of the Agreement to Sell Property. 2. Length of Conditional Benefits Period There is a 9-month time limit on the period for which Conditional Medicaid benefits are payable; however, this period may be extended. 3. Ending Date The Conditional Benefit Period ends when the individual: a. disposes of the excess non-liquid resources, i.e. property goes to settlement; or b. stops making good faith efforts to dispose of them; or c. requests cancellation of Medicaid coverage. If an individual becomes ineligible for one or more months despite exclusion of the resources to be sold (due to income, other resources, failure to file for other benefits, etc.) conditional Medicaid benefits are not payable for such month(s). However, the 9 month disposal/exclusion period continues to run. 20360.2 Effective Date of Eligibility Resources to be sold cannot be excluded until Form 412 "Agreement to Sell Property" has been signed and dated by the applicant or authorized representative. Medicaid eligibility cannot be effective prior to the date that Form 412 is signed and there can be no retroactive coverage. Property listed with a realtor prior to or at time of application cannot be excluded until the agreement is signed and dated. 20360.3 Follow-Up Contacts During the Disposal/Exclusion Period Contact the owner or his authorized representative (by phone, if possible) on the following schedule: 1) 30 days following the date conditional benefits were authorized. 2) every 90 days thereafter until the end of the 9 month period. 20360.3.1 Purpose of Contact 1) Remind the individual of the responsibility for selling the property; 2) Document the efforts being made to accomplish a sale; 3) Document whether there has been any offer to buy since the prior contact and, if such an offer has been made and refused, obtain the individual's explanation for refusal; and 4) Document (when there have not been continuing reasonable efforts to sell) whether there was good cause.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 49 5) Document, when good faith efforts are not being made to sell the resources, whether circumstances beyond the individual's control are preventing such efforts. 20360.4 Documentation of Efforts to Sell Record the individual's or responsible party's allegations regarding ads, listings, consignments and other efforts to sell the resources. Obtain any supporting evidence the individual can provide (e.g.: copy of the listing agreement with the real estate agency in current use; dated advertisement(s) indicating the property is for sale; contracts with local media to advertise the property; a photograph of the "For Sale" sign on the property). If the individual cannot provide evidence which is necessary to establish that good faith efforts to sell the resources are being made, verify the allegation with the appropriate third party, i.e., lawyer, banker, real estate broker. For example, the lawyer may verify that the guardianship is still pending and that the property cannot be offered for sale until the guardian is appointed. It is not necessary to verify all allegations, only those necessary to establish that good faith efforts are being made. Verifying the duration of an ad, listing, or consignment at the outset will eliminate the need to verify its continuing existence at a subsequent follow-up contact. 20360.4.1 Reasonable Offer to Buy Assume that an offer to buy property at a particular price is reasonable if it is at least two-thirds of the estimated current market value (CMV) unless the owner proves otherwise (e.g., provides convincing evidence of a different CMV). 20360.4.2 Good Faith Efforts Good faith efforts to sell property consist of taking all necessary and reasonable steps to sell it in the geographic area covered by local radio, television, newspaper and other media serving the area where the person lives or, if different, where the property is located. 20360.4.3 Good Faith Efforts Not Being Made 1. Documentation of Reasons - If good faith efforts to sell the resources are not being made, record the individual's allegations as to why they are not being made. If the allegations indicate circumstances beyond the individual's control obtain any evidence the individual has to support the allegations. To the extent necessary to establish that circumstances beyond the individual's control are preventing good faith efforts to sell the resources, verify any allegations the individual cannot support with evidence. Use the telephone whenever possible. 2. Make a determination regarding, as applicable, whether to continue or terminate the disposal period. Terminate the disposal period unless evidence establishes both that the individual cannot pursue good faith efforts to sell the resources on his/her own and cannot make arrangements for someone else to sell the resources on his/her behalf. 20360.4.4 Illustrations of Good Cause Although other circumstances will arise which require careful judgment, the following situations illustrate the principle of good cause. 1. No Offer To Buy The individual makes good faith efforts throughout the disposal period to sell an excess non-liquid resource, or is prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond his or her control, and receives no offer to buy them. 2. Reliance On Offer That Does Not Result In Sale A legitimate or apparently legitimate offer to buy an excess non-liquid resource halts further efforts to sell it for a prolonged period of time, and the prospective buyer subsequently cannot or will not complete the purchase. 3. Escrow begins, but closing does not take place within disposal/exclusion period The individual accepts an offer to buy real estate, escrow begins, the acceptance of another offer is precluded, and closing (at which full or partial payment and transfer of title are exchanged) does not take place within the disposal/exclusion period. 4. Incapacitating illness or injury The individual becomes homebound or hospitalized for a prolonged period, due to illness or injury, and cannot take the steps necessary to sell the resource or to arrange for someone to sell it on his or her behalf. 5. Co-owner dies A co-owner of a resource dies, and administration of probation of the estate delays efforts to sell the resource (assuming that the property continues to be a resource). 20360.5 Resources Sold/Not Sold
50 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Request documentation of the sale (i.e., settlement sheet, photocopy of the check) for the case record when resources are sold. The recipient is ineligible in the month proceeds are received. This information is important should the individual re-apply in the future claiming all resources have been depleted. When an individual has received 9 months of conditional benefits but has not been able to sell real property despite reasonable efforts to do so, you may continue Medicaid coverage if the Medicaid recipient continues to make reasonable efforts to sell the resource and doesn't refuse a valid offer to buy the resource/property. 1. Notification to the Client Inform the recipient or responsible party that: a) Client or family member is responsible to inform Medicaid promptly of any sale of property. b) Medicaid will continue to exclude the value of the property for so long as reasonable efforts to sell continue but are not successful; c) Medicaid will continue to make periodic follow-up contacts and to request evidence of continued reasonable efforts to sell; d) The individual is still responsible for informing Medicaid promptly of any offers to buy and for showing that any offer refused was not reasonable; and e) Total resources, including the real property in question, do not fall within the applicable resource limit. 2. Follow up Contacts Contact the owner or his representative (by phone, if possible) at 90 day intervals following the end of the conditional benefits period. EXCEPTION - contact may be at 6 month intervals if: The individual does not have a spouse and equity in the property to be sold is $2,000 or less; or The individual has a spouse and equity in the property to be sold is $3,000 or less. NOTE: This exception recognizes the possibility that an individual may have spent down other resources and become eligible without benefit of the real property exclusion. Use these follow up contacts for the same purposes as described above. Evaluate efforts to sell (and good cause, if appropriate) as above. 20360.6 Annual Renewals for Individuals Open with Conditional Medicaid Coverage Individuals who are open in conditional Medicaid coverage while disposing of excess resources that received a "conditional exclusion" and were not counted during the conditional benefit period are not eligible for the streamlined renewal process that waives the resource test at annual renewal. Individuals who receive conditional Medicaid coverage must complete a full annual renewal. 20370 LTC Retroactivity Any individual or couple who applied for Medicaid may also be eligible for Medicaid coverage of any unpaid medical bills incurred in any of the three months prior to the month in which they applied. However, certain requirements must be met in order for these bills to be paid under Medicaid. Applications for Medicaid, even if denied, qualify for a determination of retroactive eligibility. a) Individual must document that for time period in which bill was incurred, all medical and financial conditions of the Long Term Care Program have been met. For individuals whose income is between the SSI standard and 250% of the SSI standard, retroactive payment is only possible if the individual has been institutionalized 30 consecutive days. The assumption used for initial nursing facility eligibility determination, that the applicant will remain institutionalized for 30 consecutive days, does not apply for retroactive coverage when it is obvious the 30 day criteria has not been met. b) Individual must supply documentation of the unpaid bill. In some circumstances, bills may have been paid by someone other than the applicant and they have requested a refund. Documentation of provider reimbursement and unpaid balance must be provided. Acceptable documentation would be a copy of the provider reimbursement check written to someone other than the applicant. Credit to a patient's account is not acceptable. If part of the 30 day consecutive period was hospitalization no documentation of unpaid hospital bills are required. 20400 Trusts BACKGROUND
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 51 The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in order to comply with the Social Security Act Section 1917 (c) (1) as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA ‘93) has established policies and procedures for treating trusts in eligibility determinations and Post eligibility treatment. 20400.1 Definitions of Terms Found in a Trust Document Trust For the purpose of eligibility requirements, a trust is a legal document in which a person (grantor, trustor) transfers any item of value (property, money) to another person or organization (trustee) with the intention that it is held, managed, or administered by the trustee for the benefit of the grantor or certain named individuals (beneficiaries). The trust must be valid under State law and confirmed by a valid trust instrument or agreement. A trustee has a responsibility to hold or manage the trust and income for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The term "trust" also includes any legal instrument or device that is similar to a trust. It does not cover trusts established by wills. Trustee An individual, individuals or entity (such as an insurance company or bank) that manages a trust or similar device and has absolute responsibilities for the trust. Grantor (Trustor) A grantor is any individual who creates a trust. For eligibility requirements, the term "grantor" includes: - The individual - The individual's spouse - A person, including a court or administrative body, with legal authority to act in place of or on behalf of the individual’s or the individual's spouse - A person, including a court or administrative body, acting at the direction or upon the request of the individual, or the individuals spouse Individual For the purpose of Medicaid eligibility requirements, an individual is one who establishes a trust and who is an applicant for or receives Medicaid. An individual is considered to have established a trust if his or her assets were used to form part or all of the trust; and if the trust was not established by a will. Income See Section 20200 for explanation of income and how income is treated in eligibility determinations Resource Any cash or other liquid assets or any real or personal property that an individual owns and could convert to cash to be used for his/her support and maintenance. Beneficiary A person who gains or has an advantage or profits from the existence of a trust. A beneficiary does not hold legal title to trust property but does have an equitable ownership interest in the trust. Payment A payment from a trust is any disbursal (money, property) from the trust principal or from income generated by the trust that benefits the person receiving the disbursal. Annuity The right to receive fixed periodic payments either for life or a term of years. Assets Assets include all income and resources of the individual and of the individual’s spouse. Income is considered assets that are current. Resources are assets that have accumulated. 20400.2 Effective Date This section applies to all trusts established on or after August 11, 1993. It is based on the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA 93) rules. Treatment of trusts established prior to August 11,1993 would use pre-OBRA rules. 20400.3 Application of Trust Eligibility Policy These instructions apply to eligibility determination for all individuals including cash assistance recipients and others who are otherwise automatically eligible and whose income and resources are not ordinarily measured against an independent Medicaid eligibility standard. Any trust that meets the basic definition of a trust can be considered in determining eligibility for Medicaid. The characteristic of each trust determines the eligibility of the trust under Medicaid rules. In order to be eligible, trusts must state that upon the death of the individual any funds remaining in the trust will be paid to the State agency, up to the amount of Medicaid benefits paid on the individual's behalf. If an individual has resided in more than one State and has received Medicaid benefits from each state, any funds remaining in the trust are distributed to each State based on the States proportionate share of the total amount of Medicaid benefits paid by all the states. 20400.4 Revocable Trusts For the purpose of eligibility a trust is considered to be revocable if under State law it can be terminated by the grantor, if the trust states that it can be changed or terminated by a court, or if the trust states that it can be terminated if some action is taken by the grantor. For example, a trust may state that it is irrevocable but it may require a trustee to terminate the trust and give all funds to the grantor if the grantor leaves a nursing facility and returns home. 20400.4.1 Treatment of Revocable Trusts The entire body of the trust is a resource to the individual. All payments from the trust to the individual are considered income to the individual if the payment benefits the individual. However, if payments are made from the trust
52 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE which do not benefit the individual, those payments are considered a transfer of assets for less than market value. The look-back period is 60 months for revocable trusts from the current date that the individual applied for Medicaid. 20400.5 Irrevocable Trusts An irrevocable trust is a trust that cannot in anyway, be legally revoked by the grantor. 20400.5.1 Treatment of Two Types of Irrevocable Trusts Irrevocable trusts are treated differently based on whether payment can or cannot be made for the benefit of the individual. 20400.5.1.1Irrevocable Trust States Payment Can Be Made To Or For The Benefit Of The Individual When the terms of an irrevocable trust state that payment can be made to or for the benefit of the individual from any part or all of the trust, the payments made are considered income. Any part of the trust or payment that could be paid for the benefit of the individual is treated as an available resource. When the terms of an irrevocable trust state that payment can be made to or for the benefit of the individual from any part or all of the trust, and the payment is not used for the benefit of the individual, the payment is treated as a transfer of assets. In this type of situation, the look-back period is 60 months. 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07) 20400.5.1.2 Irrevocable Trust States Payments Cannot Under Any Circumstances Be Made To Or For The Benefit Of The Individual When all or a portion of the principal or income on the principal of the trust cannot be paid to the individual or for the benefit of the individual, all of these payments are treated as a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. The date of transfer is the date the trust was established or, if later, the date on which payment to the individual was actually barred. When determining the value of the portion of the trust that cannot be paid to the individual, do not subtract from the trust the value of any payments made. If the trustee or the grantor adds funds to the trust after the date of transfer, these added funds are considered to be a new transfer of assets. The transfer date for these additional funds is the date that the new funds were placed in the trust. (Note, when determining the penalty period: if a previous penalty period is still in effect, the new penalty period cannot begin until the previous penalty period has expired.) Under this type of trust the look-back period is 60 months. 20400.6 Determination of Payment To determine if payments can or cannot be made from a trust use the following guidelines. 20400.6.1 Payment From a Revocable or Irrevocable Trust is Paid to or for the Benefit of an Individual Any payment from the trust principal or income produced by the trust that is paid directly to the individual, or to his/her guardian or legal representative is considered to be paid to the individual. If an individual benefits from any payment from the trust principal or income produced by a trust that is paid to another person or entity, the payment is considered to be made for the benefit of the individual. If a payment is counted as income under the SSI program, that payment would be counted as a benefit to the individual. Payments made on behalf of the individual for medical care are not counted in determining income eligibility under the SSI program; thus, such payments are not counted as income under the trust provision. 20400.6.2 Payments Can or Cannot Be Made From a Trust to or for an Individual Review the trust to determine if the trust places limits or restrictions on payments or the trustee. Only the amount of money or the portion of the trust that can or could be paid out is treated as a payment. This information is then used to determine if the payment is a resource for the individual. 20400.7. Trusts With Excluded Assets An asset that is excluded from being used in the determination of eligibility. An asset is all income or resources of the individual or eligible spouse. For asset exclusions see Section 20200 and Section 20310. 20400.7.1 Treatment of Excluded Assets Placed in Trust The placement of an excluded asset (income or resource) in a trust does not change the excluded nature of the asset; it remains excluded. Note: For institutionalized individuals, the home is no longer an excluded resource if placed in a trust. 20400.8 Trusts With Non-Excluded Assets All income and resources of the individual or the individual's spouse that are not excluded from being used in the determination of eligibility. 20400.8.1 Non-Excluded Assets Placed in a Trust Non excluded assets placed in a trust are treated as one of the following: - available income - available resources
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 53 - transfer of assets for less than fair market value NOTE: AVOID IMPOSING A PENALTY FOR BOTH THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS INTO A TRUST AND THE APPLICATION OF THE TRUST PROVISIONS. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INDIVIDUAL BEING PENALIZED TWICE FOR ACTIONS INVOLVING THE SAME ASSET. 20400.9 Exceptions to the Trust Eligibility Policy Two exceptions to the trust eligibility policy are Special Needs Trusts and Pooled Trusts for disabled individuals. 20400.9.1 Special Needs Trusts A special needs trust contains the assets of an individual under age 65 who is disabled. It is established for the benefit of the individual by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian of the individual or a court. Special Needs Trusts created on or after December 13, 2016 by an individual with a disability under age 65 for his or her own benefit can qualify as a special needs trust, conferring the same benefits as a special needs trust set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court. The trust may also contain the assets of other individuals. 21 DE Reg. 566 (01/01/18) 20400.9.1.1 Treatment of Special Needs Trusts For individuals under age 65 the exceptions to the Medicaid eligibility rules continue even after the individual becomes age 65. No additional assets may be added to the trust after the individual reaches age 65. If assets are added they will not be exempted and are subject to penalties. To qualify as a special needs trust, the following conditions must exist: The trust must be established solely for the needs of an individual with a disability who is under age 65. The individual is disabled as defined by the SSI program in 1614(a)(3) of the Act. The trust must be established by the parent(s), grandparent(s), legal guardian(s) of an individual with disabilities or a court. For trusts created on or after 12/13/2016: The trust must be established by the disabled individual under age 65 for his or her own benefit, the disabled individual's parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court. In addition to the above criteria, the trust must state that upon the individual's death all remaining assets and funds should be paid to the State agency up to the amount paid in Medicaid benefits on the individual's behalf. 10 DE Reg. 1302 (02/01/07) 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 21 DE Reg. 566 (01/01/18) 20400.9.2 Pooled Trusts for Individuals with Disabilities A pooled trust contains the assets of an individual with disabilities as defined by the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program and meets the following conditions: The trust is established and managed by a non-profit association A separate account is maintained for each beneficiary of the trust; for purposes of investment and management of funds, the trust pools the funds in these accounts. Accounts in the trust are established solely for the benefit of the individual with disabilities, by the parent, grandparent, legal guardian of the individual, or by the court. To the extent that the amounts remaining in the beneficiary's account upon the death of the beneficiary are not retained by the trust, the trust pays to the State the amount remaining in the account up to an amount equal to the total amount of medical assistance paid on behalf of the beneficiary. The trust must include a provision specifically providing for such payment to the State. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20400.9.2.1 Conditions to Qualify as Exempted Pooled Trust a. The trust account must be established for an individual with disabilities. b. The individual is receiving either Title II or SSI benefits as an individual with disabilities. (In this case we would accept the disability determination made for those programs.) c. The Medical Review Team (See Section 20102.2.2) has determined that the individual is disabled using the State of Delaware's Determination of Disability for Medicaid procedure.
54 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20400.10 Treatment Of Funds Entering And Leaving An Exempted Trust For an Individual with Disabilities While trusts for an individual with disabilities are exempt from treatment under the trust rules, funds entering and leaving them are not exempt from treatment under the rules of the appropriate cash assistance program. The following are rules applicable to funds entering and leaving both kinds of exempt trusts for an individual with disabilities. (see DSSM 20400.1.1, trusts established with income and DSSM 20400.10.2, trusts established with resources). 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20400.10.1 Exempted Trust For an Individual with Disabilities Established With The Individual’s Own Income - For eligibility purposes, do not count income before it is placed in the trust. - If a transfer of assets into a trust for an individual with disabilities is not exempted under the exceptions to the transfer of assets' rules, a penalty must be enacted. - Post-eligibility income rules may be applied to income placed in the trust. - Funds paid out of the trust to or for the benefit of the individual would count as income - Spousal impoverishment provisions are also applicable as they apply to exempted trusts. Note: When the right to income placed in a trust actually belongs to the trust and not the individual, the income does not count under SSI rules as income received by the individual. Most trusts for an individual with disabilities are created using the individual’s resources; some may be created using the individual’s income or a combination of income (Income as defined by the SSI program.) and resources. When income is placed in the trust see Section 20400.11.1- Income Trusts (Miller Trusts) for treatment of income. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20400.10.2 Exempted Trust for an Individual with Disabilities Established in Part or in Whole With Resources - Resources placed in an exempt irrevocable trust for an individual with disabilities are counted as resources only during the months in which they are in the possession of the individual. Beginning with the month the resources are placed in the trust, they are exempt from being counted as resources to the individual. - Resources placed in an exempted trust for an individual with disabilities are subject to imposition of a penalty under the transfer of assets provisions unless: the transfer is specifically exempt from penalty, or unless the resources placed in the trust are used to benefit the individual, and the trust purchases items and services for the individual at fair market value. NOTE: These rules apply to both income and resources placed in an exempt trust. 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 20400.11 Income Trusts (Miller Trusts) This type of trust is composed only of Social Security, pension, and/or other income to the individual, including accumulated interest in the trusts. 20400.11.1 Medicaid Qualification of a Miller Trust or Income Trust To qualify, the individual must receive the income and place it into a Miller trust. If an individual has transferred his/her right to receive the income, and the income is legally received by the trust, then this income is no longer considered to be the individual's income. In this situation the income does not meet the requirements for exemption. A Miller Trust must be irrevocable. The trust must be composed only of income. No resources may be used to establish or add to the trust. The inclusion of resources will void the Medicaid eligibility of the trust. The trust must state that, upon the death of the individual, the State will receive all funds remaining in the trust, up to an amount equal to the total medical assistance paid on behalf of the individual under the State Medicaid plan. 20400.11.2 Treatment of a Miller Trust That Meets All Requirements When a trust meets all requirements for exemption, and is irrevocable, the corpus of the trust is exempt from being counted as available to the individual. A revocable trust is counted under SSI rules as an available resource to the individual. 20400.11.3 Treatment of Income Placed in a Miller Trust Income (Social Security benefits, VA pensions, private pensions, etc.) can be placed directly into a Miller trust by the recipient of those funds, without those funds adversely affecting the individual's eligibility for Medicaid. Income generated by the trust that remains in the trust is not income to the individual. 20400.11.4 Application Of Transfer Of Assets Penalties To Income Placed In A Miller Trust
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 55 Transfer of assets penalties do not apply to income placed in a Miller trust if the provisions of the trust state that income placed in the trust will be used for medical care provided to the individual (nursing facility or home care provided under a community-based waiver, etc.). When such payments are made, the individual is considered to have received fair market value for the income placed in the trust, up to the amount actually paid for medical care provided to the individual and to the extent that the payments purchased care at fair market value. NOTE: PAYMENTS (e.g. patient pay) FOR MEDICAL CARE SHOULD BE MADE IN MONTHLY INTERVALS TO AVOID TRANSFER OF ASSETS PENALTIES. Funds placed in a Miller trust can be transferred for the sole benefit of a spouse (medical care for the community spouse). Transfer penalties do not apply to assets transferred to a spouse. Transfer of property penalties can be avoided if the trust states that the property can only be used for the benefit of the individual's spouse while the trust exists, and that the trust cannot be terminated and distributed to any other individuals or entities for any other purpose. Funds placed in the trust that are used for the benefit of the individual,(administrative fees for the trust, income tax owed by the trust, attorney's fees, food, clothing, or mortgage payments) are exempt from transfer of assets penalties if they reflect fair payments for the items or services that were purchased. NOTE: There is NO provision for the use of funds in this manner to be deducted in calculations for the Patient Pay Amount (PPA). When income placed in the trust exceeds the amount paid out of the trust for medical services or other items or services that benefit the individual, the excess income is subject to penalties under the transfer of assets provisions. 20400.11.5 Treatment Of Payments Made From A Miller Trust Payments from the trust may still count as income to the individual under the State Medicaid Plan. Payments made from a Miller Trust directly to the individual are counted as income to the individual, provided the individual could use the payments for food, clothing, or shelter. This rule applies whether or not the payments actually are used for these purposes, as long as there are no legal impediments that prevent the individual from using the payments this way. Any payments made by the trustee to purchase something in kind for the individual also can count as income to the individual. In kind income include actual food, clothing, or shelter, or something the individual can use to obtain one of these. For example, if the trustee makes a mortgage payment for the individual, that payment is a shelter expense and counts as income. However, medical expenses paid on behalf of the individual are not counted as income to the individual. 20400.11.6 Post-Eligibility Treatment of Income Not Placed in a Miller Trust Income that is retained by the individual is subject to post-eligibility rules. See post eligibility rules in Section 20600. 20400.11.7 Post-Eligibility Treatment of Income Placed in a Miller Trust Although income placed in a Miller trust is not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes, the income is counted for post- eligibility purposes. Post-eligibility rules are applied to all income entering the trust. 20400.11.8 Post-Eligibility Treatment of Payments Made From a Miller Trust If not used for medical care costs, payments from the Miller trust may be counted for eligibility purposes. However, payments made from a Miller trust are not considered for post-eligibility purposes. Post-eligibility rules have already been applied to all income entering the trust through the patient pay calculation. 20400.11.9 Treatment of Miller Trust and Spousal Impoverishment All funds placed in a Miller trust are subject to the post-eligibility treatment of income rules, including funds applicable to spousal impoverishment. 20400.12 When Application Of The Trust Provisions Would Cause Undue Hardship 20400.12.1 Undue Hardship 20400.12.2 Burial Trusts 20400.12.1 Undue Hardship Undue hardship exists when application of the trust provisions would deprive the individual of medical care such that his/her life would be endangered. Undue hardship also exists when application of the trust provisions would deprive the individual of food, clothing, shelter or other necessities of life. 20 DE Reg. 117 (08/01/16) 20400.12.2 Burial Trusts A burial trust is a trust established by an individual for the purpose of paying, at some point in the future, for the various expenses associated with the individual's funeral and burial. Irrevocable prepaid burial trusts that do not exceed $15,000 are exempted under the undue hardship policy. 11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08)
56 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20500 Estate Recovery and Liens BACKGROUND The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in order to comply with Chapter 50, Title 25 of the Delaware Code and Section 1917 of the Social Security Act as amended by Section 13612 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, and Delaware House Bill No. 437 as amended by House Amendment Nos. 1, 2, and 4, has established policies and procedures for filing liens against the real property, and recovering from estates of, individuals applying for or receiving DHSS long-term care services. 20500.1 Application These policies and procedures shall apply to individuals age 55 and over who are applying for DHSS Long Term Care Services. This includes nursing facility services, home and community-based waiver services, and community- based long-term care services and supports. Medicaid benefits paid for Medicare cost-sharing expenses, with a date of service on or after January 1, 2010, are exempted from estate recovery. These benefits include Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments. The date of service for deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments is the date the request for payment is received by the State Medicaid agency. The date of service for premiums is the date the State Medicaid Agency pays the premium. 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.2 Notification All applicants will be informed of the Estate Recovery and Lien Policy and procedures at the time of application. Recipients who turn 55 after their cases are active will be informed of the policy and procedures at their first financial redetermination after their 55th birthday. Notification of the policy will be via recovery forms and/or a letter, that will be provided to the applicant or the applicant’s representative. 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.3 Definitions The following definitions apply to this section: Child means offspring or legally adopted child of the recipient or the applicant. Civil Union Partner means an individual who enters into a legal union with another individual of the same sex. Estate means all real property, as well as all personal property that constitutes assets of the individual’s estate as described in Chapter 19 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code. Family means legal spouse, dependent parents (claimed for income tax purposes), and children. Lawfully residing in the home means residing in the home with the permission of the owner or, if under guardianship, the owner’s legal guardian. Legal representative means power of attorney over property or guardian of property. Long-term care means a service provided in a long-term care facility or in the home as an alternative to institutionalization (known as Long-Term Care Community Services or home and community-based services (1915(c) waivers). Real Property means land, including houses or immovable structures or objects attached permanently to the land. The terms "real estate," "realty," and "real property are used synonymously with one another and designate real property in which an individual has ownership rights and interests. Residing in the home on a continuous basis means using the home as the principal place of residence. Sibling means brother, sister, legally adopted brother or sister, half brother or half sister. 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.4 Recoveries DHSS shall seek recovery after the individual’s death or upon sale of the property subject to a lien, when long term care assistance has been paid on behalf of an individual. 20500.5 Recovery Exceptions 20500.5.1 Family Member Residing 20500.5.2 Lien Recovery Exceptions 20500.5.3 Undue Hardship 20500.5.1 Family Member Residing DHSS shall not seek recovery as long as there is:
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 57 a surviving spouse; surviving son or daughter who is blind or disabled as defined in accordance with the disability rule of the federally administered Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI of the Social Security Act) who was residing in the home on a continuous basis immediately prior to the death of the individual; or Child under age 21. NOTE: If DHSS cannot seek recovery after the recipient's death due to the exceptions noted above and DHSS cannot recover from the estate due to Title 12 of the Delaware Code, Section 2102, no further action will be taken to recover. 20500.5.2 Lien Recovery Exceptions DHSS shall not seek recovery in the case of a lien on an individual’s home when there is: a son or daughter over the age of 21 lawfully residing in the home of the recipient, who has resided there for a period of at least two years immediately prior to the date of the recipient’s admission to a long-term care service, who has lawfully resided there on a continuous basis since that time, and who can establish to the Department’s satisfaction that he or she provided the care that permitted the recipient to reside in the home rather than in a long-term care facility or Sibling lawfully residing in the home of the recipient for one (1) years (12 months) immediately prior to the recipient’s admission for long term care services. NOTE: DHSS can seek recovery from other assets in the estate. 20500.5.3 Undue Hardship 20500.5.3.1 Recovery Waiver 20500.5.3.2 Individuals Eligible for Recovery Waiver 20500.5.3.1 Recovery Waiver In cases of undue hardship, recovery may be waived for the period of the hardship. Undue hardship exists for certain individuals who have resided in the home of the DHSS long term care recipient on a continuous basis for a period of at least two (2) years (24 consecutive months) immediately prior to the date of the DHSS long-term care recipient's admission to DHSS long term care services. 20500.5.3.2 Individuals Eligible for Recovery Waiver These individuals are limited to a civil union partner, children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings of the DHSS long-term care recipient who meet 1 of the following conditions: Receive any Federal or State funded assistance for living expenses (examples: SSI, AFDC, VA Aid and Attendance) and have no other home to which they can return. Or Have total family income less than or equal to 200% of the current monthly Federal Poverty limit, and have total family resources that can be converted to cash less than or equal to $3,000, including any real property that they own. Or DHSS will also not recover if the real property that is held in ownership with a civil union partner, children, grandchildren, siblings or parents constitutes a business that contributes to the livelihood of that other individual or his/her dependents or heirs. NOTE. The waiver for recovery will exist as long as one of the above conditions continues to be met and as long as the above described individuals reside in the DHSS long-term care recipient’s home on a continuous basis. The maximum amount to be recovered will be the total of funds disbursed or incurred by DHSS with any Federal matching dollars during the time an individual receives long-term care services from DHSS. 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.6 Liens DHSS will place a lien against the real property of recipients who are inpatients in a nursing facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities or other medical institution whose property does not meet the exemption or undue hardship conditions. NOTE: The lien policy does not apply to recipients of Long Term Care Community Services or Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver unless they become institutionalized. 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.6.1 Exceptions to the Lien Policy
58 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1. Clients intending to return home within sixty (60) days of their admission date to a facility. a) If the stay in the facility is sixty (60) days or more, DHSS will place a lien on the property. b) The lien on the property will be released if the patient is discharged after sixty (60) days and returns to live in the home. 2. DHSS will not file a lien as long as the following individuals lawfully resided in the home before the date of application for long term care services and continue to reside in the home while the applicant receives long term care services: a) Husband or wife of the applicant or recipient (NOTE: Common law marriages are not recognized by the Courts of Delaware). b) A Civil Union Partner; c) Son or daughter who is blind or disabled as defined in accordance with the disability rule of the federally administered Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI of the Social Security Act). d) Child under age 21 who is lawfully residing in the home. e) Sibling lawfully residing in the home for 1 year (12 months) immediately prior to admission to a long term care facility and who has equity in the property. 3. DHSS will also not file a lien if the real property that is held in ownership with a civil union partner, children, grandchildren, siblings or parents constitutes a business which contributes to the livelihood of that other individual or his/her dependents or heirs. 9 DE Reg. 1076 (01/01/06) 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 20500.7 Undue Hardship In cases of undue hardship, liens against the real property of DHSS long-term care recipients shall be filed, but a moratorium established on the lien. 20500.7.1 Residency This means DHSS will not force the sale of the property. Undue hardship exists for certain individuals who have resided in the home of the DHSS long term care recipient on a continuous basis for a period of at least two (2) years (24 consecutive months) immediately prior to the date of the DHSS long-term care recipient's admission to DHSS long-term care services. 20500.7.2 Eligible Individuals These individuals are limited to children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings of the DHSS long-term care recipient who meet 1 of the following conditions: a. Receive any Federal or State funded assistance for living expenses (examples: SSI, AFDC, VA Aid and Attendance) and have no other home to which they can return. OR b. have total family income less than or equal to 200% of the current monthly Federal Poverty limit, and have total family resources that can be converted to cash less than or equal to $3,000, including any real property that they own. 20500.7.3 Moratorium The moratorium on imposing the lien on the home will exist as long as the hardship condition continues to be met and as long as the above described individuals reside in the DHSS long-term care recipient’s home on a continuous basis. 20600 Post-Eligibility Definitions/Procedures 20610 Definitions 20610.1 Gross Unearned Income 20610.2 Gross Earned Income 20610.3 Regularly Employed or Regularly Attends 20610.4 Income Protection 20610.1 Gross Unearned Income Total amount of benefit before deductions. Examples of deductions are: Medicare premiums, health insurance premiums, life insurance premiums, etc. Gross income is always used in determining eligibility. 20610.2 Gross Earned Income Income before taxes or other deductions such as insurance premiums, savings, union dues, etc. Gross wages are used to determine eligibility. 20610.3 Regularly Employed or Regularly Attends
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 59 To be considered regularly employed or regularly attending, the recipient must be working or attending at least 3 1/2 hours per day and 4 days a week. 20610.4 Income Protection Nursing facility recipients who are eligible for Medicaid are entitled to retain some of their available income for personal needs. 20620 Patient Pay Amount Deductions 42 CFR §435.725; 42 CFR §435.733; 42 CFR §435.832 The total income to be used in the post-eligibility process will include all amounts that meet the definition of income. This includes income that is counted for eligibility, as well as income that is excluded for eligibility. The following amounts are deducted from the gross income when computing the application of an individual or couples income to the cost of institutionalized care: 20620.1 Personal Needs Allowance; 20620.2 Necessary Medical Care Expenses; 20620.3 Community Spouse Income Allowance/Home Maintenance Disregard (if applicable); and 20620.4 Family Allowance (if applicable). 19 DE Reg. 1095 (06/01/16) 20620.1 Personal Needs Allowance Statutory Authority 42 CFR 435.725 42 CFR 435.733 42 CFR 435.832 20620.1.1 $75 per month of available income is to be protected for the Medicaid recipient's direct personal needs; or 20620.1.2 If the recipient regularly attends a rehab/educational program off the grounds of the recipient’s long-term care facility, including employment for the purpose of rehabilitation in a sheltered workshop, $75 per month will be protected; or 20620.1.3 For long-term care facility residents who are participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA) (20 CFR 416.971), the following amounts, not to exceed the Adult Foster Care (AFC) rate will be deducted from gross earned income: 20620.1.3.1 Mandatory payroll deductions that are a condition of employment such as: • Federal, State and Local Taxes • FICA • Union Dues • Insurance premiums • Pension contributions • Transportation costs as paid to & from work • Clothing and personal needs allowance of $75/month. 20620.1.3.2 If monthly earnings average more than the current SGA amount in a calendar year, this is considered SGA and the Division of Medical Assistance (DMMA) can allow a personal needs allowance of up to the AFC rate. 20620.1.3.3 If earnings average less than $400 a month in a calendar year, this is not ordinarily considered SGA and DMMA can allow the $75 personal needs allowance. 20620.1.3.4 If average earnings are between $400 and the current SGA amount, DMMA must consider other factors to determine whether or not the work constitutes SGA. Other factors include considering if the work is comparable to persons without disabilities in the community performing similar jobs. 20620.1.4 For nursing facility residents requiring a court appointed guardian, the following amounts will be deducted from the gross income: i. Monthly guardianship fees not to exceed $100; ii. Initial establishment of a guardianship (to include attorney's fees) not to exceed $750. 19 DE Reg. 1095 (06/01/16) 26 DE Reg. 108 (08/01/22) 26 DE Reg. 694 (02/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 545 (01/01/25)
60 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 20620.2 Necessary Medical Care Expenses 20620.2.1 Medical Insurance Premiums 20620.2.2 Necessary Medical Care 20620.2.3 Prior Medical Costs 20620.2.1 Medical Insurance Premiums Cost of medical insurance premiums carried by the recipient shall be set aside from his/her income. A medical insurance premium which is payable less often than monthly (for example, quarterly) may be averaged out so that a consistent amount of the recipient's income is protected for this purpose each month. The recipient, or other person responsible for his financial affairs, will be responsible for handling this money and assuring that is available for paying the premium when due. 20620.2.2 Necessary Medical Care Cost of necessary medical care not covered under the recipient's medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare but recognized under state law may be set aside from his/her income. The care must be ordered by a professional, such as a physician, dentist, optometrist, physical therapist, etc. For items such as dentures and hearing aids to be approved a medical professional will have to state, in writing that the patient will benefit medically (as opposed to cosmetically only). Other approved medical care items which might occur frequently are eye exams, eyeglasses, dental care, prostheses and appliances. When in doubt as to whether the care is recognized under state law or is appropriate to be charged to the patient under this policy, consult the Long Term Care Operation’s Administrator. The recipient and the provider must understand that these are not Medicaid payments but are an arrangement between recipient and provider, and that it is the responsibility of the recipient, or his representative to see that payments are made. If both parties are agreeable, payments may be spread out over a period of months. 10 DE Reg. 703 (10/01/06) 20620.2.3 Prior Medical Costs Medical costs incurred in a prior period of ineligibility (if approved by Medicaid) may be protected from his/her income. Costs incurred in a period of ineligibility must be approved by the Medicaid State Office prior to being protected and will only be considered if incurred within three (3) months of the beginning date of Medicaid eligibility. The recipient's reimbursement level and patient pay amount must be identified. Medicaid will protect at the Medicaid reimbursement rate, not the private pay rate. The period of ineligibility may be caused by excess resources or excess income. Protections for which the individual is seeking coverage will not be granted if the ineligible period occurred during a transfer of assets penalty phase. 10 DE Reg. 703 (10/01/06) 21 DE Reg. 435 (11/01/17) 20620.3 Community Spouse Income Allowance/Home Maintenance Disregard Temporary Institutionalization - If the attending physician has certified that a recipient is likely to return to his own home within a definite period (not to exceed 2 months) up to $75.00 per month may be protected for maintenance of the home. This allowance may be used for mortgage payments, rent, insurance, utility bills, repairs, etc. Copies of receipts, contracts or other types of verification shall be obtained and kept in the DSS record. The $75 home maintenance disregard may not be allowed if the community spouse is receiving the spousal income allowance. 9 DE Reg. 1076 (01/01/06) 20620.4 Family Allowance To determine community spouse income allowance and family allowance for recipients institutionalized after 9/30/89 see section on Spousal Impoverishment. For recipients institutionalized prior to 9/30/89, an additional amount must be protected for the maintenance needs of the recipient's needy spouse and/or dependents in accordance with TANF standards. If the family has earned and/or unearned income, work expense and dependent care costs should be deducted to determine monthly net income. Use standard TANF deductions. The monthly net income should then be deducted from allowances given above to determine the amount to be protected. Standard TANF deductions: $90 per each employed person $30 and 1/3 disregard up to $200/month/child under two up to $175/month/child age two and older and incapacitated adult
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 61 PLEASE NOTE: spouses with income less than the SSI standard should be referred to the Social Security Administration for benefits. 20630 Cost Of Care In The Facility After taking all of the above appropriate income disregards, any remaining income will be applied toward the cost of care in the facility. The cost of care computation is totally distinct from the eligibility computation. For instance, the $20.00 that is disregarded from income when determining if an applicant is eligible is not disregarded when budgeting for patient pay amount. Another example is that any "infrequent and inconsequential income" (gifts, contributions and interest amounting to less than $20.00 per month and received less than quarterly) that is disregarded for the eligibility determination would be counted as available income when computing the budget for the nursing facility recipient. 20630.1 Accumulation of Personal Needs Monies In some cases, the amount protected for the recipient's direct personal needs may accumulate in a savings account. Even when the individual has no immediate use for such income, personal needs monies are not to be applied towards medical care costs. However, should the amount accumulated exceed the resource limit, the recipient becomes temporarily ineligible for Medicaid. At that time, any amount above the resource limit may be applied to medical cost. 20640 Patient Pay Calculation The patient pay amount equals total gross income minus all protected amounts and disregards. The fiscal agent will compute the payment to the Nursing Facility for each recipient by multiplying the established per diem rate by the number of days of nursing facility care received in a month and deducting the patient pay amount. The per diem rate is established by DSS through an evaluation of nursing facilities' cost reports. 20640.1 Partial Months If vendor payment is made to the nursing facility for part of the month, a Patient Pay Calculation must be done to prorate the patient pay amount for that month. For example: If a patient normally would be expected to pay $120.00 toward his care in a nursing facility for a full month, but enters the home on the 21st day of June, (10 days remaining in the month), his patient pay amount for that month would be $40.00 (see calculation below). Patient pay divided by # of days in month = per diem $120.00 divided by 30 = $4.00 Per Diem x # of days in facility = prorated patient pay $4.00 x 10 = $40.00 20650 Temporary Absence from a Long-Term Care Facility 42 CFR §447.40 Payment will be made for reserving beds in long-term care (LTC) facilities for Medicaid recipients during their temporary absence for the following purposes: 20650.1 Temporary Absence from a Long-Term Care Facility for Acute Hospitalization 20650.2 Temporary Absence from a Long-Term Care Facility for Reasons Other Than Hospitalization 7 DE Reg. 781 (12/1/03) 19 DE Reg. 1092 (06/01/16) 20650.1 Temporary Absence from a Long-Term Care Facility for Acute Hospitalization 20650.1.1 Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) If a recipient is hospitalized for a short period of time and is expected to return to the facility, payment to the facility may continue for a period of not more than fourteen (14) days provided the ICF/IID agrees to hold the bed for the resident. Medicaid reimbursement is available for no more than fourteen (14) days within any thirty-day period. The thirty-day count begins with the first day of hospitalization. If payments are suspended because recipient remains hospitalized more than fourteen (14) days and the thirty-day count expires, a new thirty-day count starts with readmission to the ICF/IID. In other words DMMA will not pay fourteen (14) days out of every thirty (30) days for people who remain in the hospital for weeks at a time. 20650.1.2 Other Long-Term Care Facilities If a recipient is hospitalized for a short period of time and is expected to return to the facility, payment to the facility may continue for a period of not more than seven (7) days provided the LTC facility agrees to hold the bed for the resident. Medicaid reimbursement is available for no more than seven (7) days within any thirty-day period. The
62 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE thirty-day count begins with the first day of hospitalization. If payments are suspended because recipient remains hospitalized more than seven (7) days and the thirty-day count expires, a new thirty-day count starts with readmission to the LTC facility. In other words DMMA will not pay seven (7) days out of every thirty (30) days for people who remain in the hospital for weeks at a time. 19 DE Reg. 1092 (06/01/16) 20650.2 Temporary Absence from a Long-Term Care Facility for Reasons Other Than Hospitalization 20650.2.1 A recipient may be absent from a long-term care facility for reasons other than hospitalization for a period of eighteen (18) days per year without interruption of payment to the long-term care facility, as long as such absences are provided for in the recipient's plan of care. 20650.2.2 If a recipient's physical condition is being negatively impacted by his or her emotional need to be in a family setting, prior approval may be obtained for a waiver of the eighteen-day leave of absence limitation (for other than acute care hospitalization) from the Title XIX Medical Consultant in order to allow the patient more time to visit with his or her family. To obtain approval, a written request must be submitted by the long-term care facility to the Long-Term Care Coordinator and must include: 20650.2.2.1 Reason for the request; 20650.2.2.2 Medical summary; 20650.2.2.3 Statement from the LTC facility's medical director regarding the medical necessity of the patient being absent from the LTC facility in excess of eighteen (18) days per year; 20650.2.2.4 Anticipated frequency of absence; and 20650.2.2.5 Number of days the recipient was absent from the LTC facility during the previous six-month period. If the approval is given, the eighteen-day restriction will be waived for six (6) months from the date of approval. Any request for a waiver after the six-month limit must be resubmitted and approved for payments to be continued. 19 DE Reg. 1092 (06/01/16) 20660 Interim Changes Interim changes are any changes in circumstances which could result in a change in eligibility (i.e. discharge, income increases or decreases, death). Interim changes must be evaluated at the time they occur or at the time they are reported to determine the effect on eligibility. Unreported changes could cause loss of Medicaid and/or overpayment. Interim changes which do not affect eligibility may affect monthly patient pay amounts (i.e. health insurance premium change, increases or decreases in income, COLA). Unreported changes may also affect payment to providers such as nursing facilities, hospitals, doctors, etc. 20660.1 Interim Changes Procedures If the nursing facility recipient's income changes anytime during the year, perform the following: update the eligibility system, and notify the recipient/representative and facility. 20660.2 Termination of Medicaid Vendor Payments If a Medicaid nursing facility recipient becomes ineligible due to a change in income or resources and remains in the facility, give 30 days notice of termination to the recipient and the facility. For example, a Medicaid nursing facility resident is determined ineligible on May 10. DSS must give 30 days notice (i.e. June 10). 20660.3 Interim Changes Due to Transfer If a Medicaid nursing facility recipient is transferred to another facility, the following steps are required: 1. compute the pro-rated patient pay amount for each facility 2. update DCIS 3. notify recipient's representative and the facility. 20660.4 Interim Changes Due to Discharge When a Medicaid recipient leaves the nursing facility and is discharged by the facility, the following steps must be taken: 1. complete budget to determine pro-rated patient pay amount 2. update DCIS. The case would be closed effective the last day of discharge month if the client received 10 days notice. Vendor payment would stop the day prior to discharge. 3. notify the recipient's representative and facility. 20660.5 Interim Changes Due to Death When a Medicaid nursing facility recipient expires the following steps must be taken: 1. complete budget to determine pro-rated patient pay amount 2. update DCIS. The case would be closed effective the date of death; vendor payment would stop the day prior to death.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 63 3. notify the recipient's representative and facility. 20670 Annual Redetermination A redetermination of eligibility will be completed every 12 months, as outlined in 14100.6 Annual Renewal of Eligibility. A financial redetermination includes: 1. a signed renewal form; 2. verification of current income, 3. verification of current resources, unless the resource test can be waived. See Section 20670.1 Resource Test Waived at Annual Renewal. A redetermination of eligibility is not needed for those patients receiving an SSI payment of $30.00. It is Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) responsibility to redetermine these cases for continued eligibility. However, it is the responsibility of the financial case worker to monitor and address alerts from the State Data Exchange (SDX) to verify their continued receipt of SSI eligibility. 20670.1 Resource Test Waived at Annual Renewal The resource test will be waived for certain Long Term Care individuals subject to a resource test at annual renewal. The resource test will be waived whether the individual is in the community, assisted living, or in a nursing home. Exception: The resource test is not waived for individuals who are determined eligible for conditional Medicaid coverage and are within a conditional Medicaid period. See Section 20360 Conditional Medicaid While Disposing of Resources. There is no change to lookback requirements, or the transfer of asset rules. If the case worker receives asset information after a renewal has been completed, the receipt of new information will be treated as a change in circumstances and may affect the individual’s eligibility. 20680 Inappropriate Placement If a recipient's condition changes and he requires a nursing facility level of care that the facility is not certified to provide or the recipient no longer needs nursing facility care, the vendor payment must be terminated. From the time it is determined that the recipient is inappropriately placed he or she will be given a 30 day planning period to secure alternate placement. The Long Term Care Coordinator will determine the planning period and notify the recipient's facility in writing. She will contact the case worker who will notify the recipient's responsible party, first of the need to transfer the recipient and second, that failure to make the transfer will result in case closing. If the level of care reverts back to a level appropriate to the current facility before the 30 days expire, payments will not be terminated. 20690 Disposition of Deceased Nursing Facility Residents Effects Nursing Facility Administrators must turn over the clothing, valuables and unexpended patient funds of a deceased recipient to the administrator of the estate. If a recipient dies leaving no will and having no heirs, his property reverts to the State. The Secretary of Delaware's Department of Finance has the responsibility of handling the transfer of the property to the State. 20700 Home and Community Based Services Federal Regulation - 42 CFR 435.217 1115 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) Effective April 1, 2012, all Home and Community Based Waiver programs, except for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver, are incorporated into Diamond State Health Plan Plus, a managed care program. See section DSSM 14900 for additional information regarding this program. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20700.1 Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Lifespan Waiver 1. Only clients of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) are eligible for the Lifespan Waiver. 2. Individuals must be medically eligible. Initial and ongoing medical eligibility is determined by DDDS staff. 3. Individuals must be financially and technically eligible. If the client is not already Medicaid eligible as an SSI recipient, DDDS submits an application (individuals in residential placements) or referral packet (individuals residing in the family home) to the appropriate DMMA Operations
64 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Unit for the financial and technical eligibility determination. The financial and technical eligibility determination is made by using criteria applied to those institutionalized and receiving Long Term Care (LTC) Medicaid. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 21 DE Reg. 574 (01/01/18) 20700.2 Home And Community Based Waiver For The Elderly And Disabled Effective April 1, 2012, this waiver program is incorporated into the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and referred to as Long Term Care Community Services. See DSSM 20710. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20700.3 Home and Community Based Waiver for Individuals With AIDS/HIV Effective April 1, 2012 this waiver program is incorporated into the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and referred to as Long Term Care Community Services. See DSSM 20710. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20700.4 Assisted Living Waiver Effective April 1, 2012 this waiver program is incorporated into the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and referred to as Long Term Care Community Services. See DSSM 20710. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20700.5 Acquired Brain Injury Medicaid Waiver Program Effective April 1, 2012 this waiver program is incorporated into the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and referred to as Long Term Care Community Services. See DSSM 20710. 11 DE Reg. 1054 (02/01/08) 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20700.5.1 – 20700.5.8 8 DE Reg. 557 (10/01/04) 11 DE Reg. 1055 (02/01/08) 20700.6 - 20700.6.7 ATTENDANT SERVICES WAIVER PROGRAM Repealed, Effective February 10, 2009. 8 DE Reg. 1625 (05/01/05) 12 DE Reg. 1088 (02/01/09) 20710 Long Term Care Community Services 1 . Individuals must be medically eligible. The Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA) Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) Unit determines medical eligibility. The applicant must be in need of nursing facility level of care as defined by DMMA. See DSSM 20102 for additional information on Medical eligibility. 2 . Individuals must be technically and financially eligible The DMMA Long Term Care Financial Unit determines eligibility using criteria in DSSM 20103. 3 . Individuals must choose a managed care organization once eligibility has been determined. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20720 Patient Pay Calculation This policy applies to all individuals receiving Medicaid through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) Lifespan Waiver and the Long Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) Program. 1. The Medicaid recipient's total income will be used in the post eligibility treatment of income. This includes income that is counted for eligibility and income that is excluded for eligibility. 2. Allowable deductions are given based on an individual's circumstances. Not all deductions will apply to all individuals. 3. Any amount of income remaining after allowable deductions is the patient pay amount. This amount must be paid on a monthly basis as indicated below: • Individuals receiving Residential Habilitation funded by the DDDS waiver will submit their patient pay amount directly to the provider of Residential Habilitation. • Individuals residing in an Assisted Living Facility will submit their patient pay amount directly to the Assisted Living Facility. The following deductions from the Medicaid recipient's total gross income should be taken in the following order:
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 65 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20 DE Reg. 552 (01/01/17) 21 DE Reg. 574 (01/01/18) 20720.1 Daily Living Needs Individuals receiving Medicaid under the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) Lifespan Waiver who receive Residential Habilitation services are allowed a deduction equal to the current Adult Foster Care (AFC) rate. The AFC rate is based on the current SSI income level plus the Optional State Supplement amount. Individuals receiving Medicaid under the Long-Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) program and residing in an Assisted Living Facility are given a deduction based on the Adult Foster Care rate less an amount payable for room and board. Individuals receiving Medicaid under the DDDS Lifespan Waiver who do not receive a residential habilitation service and individuals receiving Medicaid under the LTCCS program (excluding those residing in an Assisted Living Facility) are allowed a deduction equal to their total income, including income that is placed in a Miller Trust. All earned income in the form of wages shall be allowed to be protected. 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 21 DE Reg. 574 (01/01/18) 26 DE Reg. 957 (05/01/23) 20720.2 Support & Maintenance of Spouse and/or Children In order to be considered a dependent, the spouse and/or children must be claimed on the applicant's income taxes as a dependent. A spouse is the husband or wife of the applicant who is living with the applicant or was living with the applicant prior to institutionalization. If the applicant is responsible for the support and maintenance of the spouse and/or children, (i.e. provides them with food and shelter) the following calculations would be completed to determine the protected amount. An amount up to the current SSI payment standard may be protected for the spouse. Monthly allowances for dependents other than the spouse are based on the current TANF standard of need. If the spouse or other dependents have income their net income (gross income minus work expense and child care costs) should be deducted from the standards given above. Use standard SSI and TANF deductions. The amount remaining (if any) would then be protected for the dependent. Please note, spouses with income less than the SSI standard should be encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration Office to apply for benefits. 20720.3 Additional Protected Amounts Medical expenses not subject to payment by 3rd party, such as: 1. Health insurance premiums 2. Necessary medical or remedial care not covered under the Medicaid State Plan such as hearing aids, dentures, etc. NOTE: Medicare deductibles and co-insurance charges are paid by Medicaid directly. 20760 Redetermination A redetermination of eligibility must be performed annually. Medical eligibility is redetermined by the Managed Care Organization. Financial eligibility is redetermined by the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA). 15 DE Reg. 1718 (06/01/12) 20775 Program Of All- Inclusive Care For The Elderly (Pace) Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a benefit that features a comprehensive service delivery system and integrated Medicare and Medicaid financing. The PACE model was developed to address the needs of long-term care clients, providers, and payers. For most participants, the comprehensive service package permits them to continue living at home, while receiving services rather than be institutionalized. Through PACE, organizations are able to deliver all services covered by PACE which participants need rather than only those services reimbursable under the Medicare and Medicaid fee-for-service systems. This policy applies to all individuals that elect to receive their long-term care services through the PACE and request Medicaid payment for these services. 1. Participation in PACE is voluntary. 2. A PACE participant’s eligibility will be determined under rules applying to institutional groups. See DSSM 20000
66 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3. Spousal Impoverishment rules apply if individual is married and spouse continues to reside in the community and does not receive long-term care Medicaid. See DSSM 20900 4. Post eligibility treatment of income does not apply to PACE participants. Participants will not be required to contribute to the cost of their care received from the PACE Organization. 5. To be initially eligible for enrollment in PACE the individual must: • Be at least 55 years old; • Meet the State’s eligibility criteria for nursing home level of care; • Reside in the PACE approved service area; • Be living in the community; • Be able to be maintained safely in the community based setting at the time of enrollment with the assistance of the PACE; • Not be enrolled in a Medicaid/Medicare managed care program; and • Voluntarily agree to enroll in PACE and receive services exclusively through the PACE organization and their subcontractors. 6. The Pre-Admission Screening process will be followed when determining medical eligibility. See DSSM 20102 7. An individual’s enrollment effective date is the first day of the month following the month the PACE Organization receives the signed enrollment form. 8. There is no retroactive coverage for PACE. 9. Nursing facility services are part of the PACE benefit package. Nursing facility admission that occurs post-PACE enrollment will not have a negative impact on the individual’s continued eligibility. The PACE Organization must notify the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) eligibility worker of the individual’s placement in the nursing facility. The PACE individual is not required to contribute to the cost of their care while in a nursing facility. 10. An individual’s enrollment continues until the enrollee’s death unless either of the following actions occurs: a. The enrollee voluntarily disenrolls for any reason. b. The enrollee is involuntarily disenrolled for any of the following reasons: • No longer meets the nursing facility level of care requirement and there is no indication that the participant is expected to need nursing facility level of care within the next 6 months; • Moves out of the PACE service delivery area; • Has decision making capacity and is consistently non-compliant with the individual plan of care and enrollment agreement, which may impact the participant’s health and welfare in the community; • Engages in disruptive, threatening or non-compliant behavior which jeopardizes his or her safety or the safety of others; • Is out of the service area for more than 30 consecutive days (unless arrangements have been made in advance with the PACE Organization); or • Is enrolled in a PACE Organization that cannot provide the required services due to loss of licensure or contracts with outside providers, and/or the PACE program agreement is not renewed. 11. An individual may be administratively disenrolled if the participant is admitted to a hospital prior to the effective date of PACE enrollment. 12. Medicaid appeal requirements apply to PACE cases. See DSSM 5000 16 DE Reg. 532 (11/01/12) 20800 Determining Eligibility for the Acute Care Program LTC POL- This policy applies to all applications received for Medicaid payment of Inpatient hospitalization or rehabilitation. Thirty Consecutive Days of Hospitalization Eligibility for this program will only be determined once the individual has been hospitalized for 30 consecutive days, unless: the discharge plan is for nursing home placement; or the individual is seeking out of state inpatient rehabilitation placement. Licensed and Certified Hospital or Rehabilitation Facility The medical facility must be licensed and certified as a Title XIX Acute Care or Rehabilitation Medical Facility. The Acute Care facility must be engaged in providing diagnostic and therapeutic services for medical diagnosis, treatments, and care of injured, disabled, or sick persons. These services must be provided by or under the supervision of physicians. Continuous twenty–four (24) hour nursing services are provided.
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 67 The Rehabilitation facility may be a freestanding rehabilitation hospital or a rehabilitation unit in an Acute Care hospital. Medical Eligibility Requirements For In State Hospitalization and/or Rehabilitation Medical eligibility for Inpatient hospitalization/rehabilitation services received within the state is determined by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) units. The individual must have required the level of care provided by a hospital during the time of his/her hospitalization, as determined by the PAS units. Anyone 65 years of age or older, or statutorily blind would meet the medical eligibility criteria if they were in need of acute care services during the time of their hospitalization. Medical Eligibility Requirements For Out of State Rehabilitation Medical eligibility for Inpatient Rehabilitation services to be received out of state is determined by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance Medical Director. The individual must require: ·close medical supervision by a rehabilitation physician; ·twenty-four (24) hour nursing supervision; ·an intensive level of physical, occupational or speech therapy; or ·psychological services; or ·prosthetic-orthotic services. The individual must be able to tolerate and participate in all required therapies or services. Medical eligibility must be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. Prior authorization must be requested and approved before out of state placement is made. Financial Eligibility Requirements Financial eligibility is determined by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance Financial units. An individual must meet income and resource guidelines. Income Guidelines The income limit is equal to 100% of the Federal SSI Standard. However, if the individual is going to a nursing home directly from a hospital or rehabilitation facility, the higher income limit of 250% of the Federal SSI standard will be applied. For out of state rehabilitation the income limit is 250% of the Federal SSI standard. Refer to DSSM sections 20200, 20210, and 20240 for additional guidelines regarding income. Resource Guidelines The resource limit is $2,000.00. Refer to DSSM sections 20300 – 20360, and 20400 for additional information on determining countable resources. Spousal If applicable, Spousal Impoverishment rules should be followed. (DSSM 20900) Financial Redetermination A redetermination of the individual’s financial eligibility should be completed at six month intervals. Post Eligibility Budgeting There is a patient pay requirement for these individuals. The patient pay amount is determined in accordance with DSSM section 20600 - (Post-Eligibility Definitions/Procedures). Notification of patient pay amount and approval must be sent to the appropriate hospital/rehabilitation social worker. Medicaid Eligibility Effective Date In no case shall the effective date of eligibility be earlier than the first day of hospitalization. 13 DE Reg. 263 (08/01/09) 20810 Treatment of Income and Resources of Couples This policy applies to all legally married couples when determining and redetermining Long Term Care Medicaid eligibility for both husband and wife. Treatment of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Couples The income and resource standards for a HCBS couple will be applicable if: Both are requesting HCBS AND reside at the same address; OR One is currently receiving HCBS and the spouse is requesting HCBS AND they reside at the same address. Treatment of Couples Residing in an Institution The income and resource standards for couples residing in an institution will be applicable if: ·Both are requesting institutional services AND they will be residing in the same facility; OR ·One is currently receiving institutional services and the spouse is requesting institutional services at the same facility. After a husband and wife have resided in the same facility for 6 months they have the option of being budgeted as a couple or as two individuals. This decision should be based on the couple's best interests in regard to the income and resource limits.
68 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE See DSSM 20100.2.2 (income standards) and 20300 (resource standards). 9 DE Reg. 142 (07/01/05) 12 DE Reg. 224 (08/01/08) 20900 Spousal Impoverishment Section 303 of the Medicare Catastrophic Act contains provisions that significantly change the way in which income and resources of a couple are calculated when one spouse is institutionalized or likely to be institutionalized for continuous periods in a nursing facility, and who has a spouse residing in the community. The revisions are intended to prevent the spouse who remains in the community from becoming impoverished either before or after the institutionalized spouse becomes eligible for Medicaid. Effective July 1, 1993, Delaware elected the option to apply the Spousal Impoverishment rules to persons who are likely to receive services under Section 1915(c) the Home and Community Based Waivers. All references to institutionalized spouses and continuous periods of institutionalization include spouses receiving Home and Community Based Waiver services in lieu of institutional services. Individuals receiving a combination of institutional and waiver services are subject to these rules. Generally, the Bill counts income as Medicaid policy has always counted income (i.e., income owned by only one spouse is considered available solely to that spouse). One change is that income in both their names is divided evenly between the two spouses. The most drastic change occurs in the calculation of resources. Medicaid has always viewed the resources held solely by the non-institutionalized spouse as not available to the institutionalized spouse. Under the Spousal Impoverishment provisions, all assets/resources held by either or both spouses are considered available equally to both spouses as of the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization (beginning on or after 9/30/89). The couple's house, car, and personal goods are excluded from countable resources. Resource rules described in this section apply only to persons first institutionalized for continuous periods on or after September 30, 1989. Persons first institutionalized before that date are subject to prior Medicaid plan policies as long as they remain in an institution. The spousal impoverishment regulations must be applied to any couple who is legally married unless the couple is separated and maintains two separate residences for at least 12 months prior to admission to a medical institution (hospital, nursing facility, etc.) AND the community spouse is uncooperative or his/her whereabouts are unknown. These rules apply regardless of State laws relating to community property or to the division of marital property. For example, resources listed in a prenuptial agreement are not excluded. The income eligibility and post-eligibility provisions in the instruction are effective September 30, 1989, and the resources provisions are effective October 1, 1989 for persons first institutionalized for continuous periods of institutionalization beginning on or after September 30, 1989. 20900.1 Undue Hardship Spousal Impoverishment rules may be waived if the application of the rules would cause an undue hardship. Undue hardship exists when application of the spousal impoverishment provisions would deprive the individual of medical care such that his/her life would be endangered. Undue hardship also exists when application of the spousal impoverishment provisions would deprive the individual of food, clothing, shelter or other necessities of life. 20 DE Reg. 52 (07/01/16) 20910 Definitions 20910.1 Institutionalized Spouse 20910.2 Community Spouse 20910.3 Family Member 20910.4 Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance 20910.5 Excess Shelter Allowance 20910.6 Community Spouse Monthly Income Allowance 20910.7 Monthly Income of the Community Spouse 20910.8 Family Allowance 20910.9 State Spousal Share 20910.10 Community Spouse Resource Allowance 20910.1 Institutionalized Spouse
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 69 An individual who is in a medical institution or nursing facility and is married to a spouse who is not in a medical institution or nursing facility. 9 DE Reg. 1187 (02/01/06) 9 DE Reg. 1565 (04/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 701 (10/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 1619 (04/01/07) 20910.2 Community Spouse An individual who is married to an institutionalized spouse. 9 DE Reg. 1187 (2/1/06) 9 DE Reg. 1565 (04/01/06) 23 DE Reg. 871 (04/01/20) 20910.3 Family Member A minor or dependent child, dependent parent, or dependent sibling (including half-brothers and half-sisters) of either spouse and who is living with the community spouse. A dependent is a family member who may be claimed as a dependent by either spouse for tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. 20910.4 Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance An allowance for the community spouse which, effective 7/1/92, equals 150% of Federal Poverty Level for two plus an excess shelter allowance. (Prior to 7/1/92 the allowance was 133% of the FPL for two plus excess shelter.) The minimum maintenance needs allowance will change annually (every July) based on the FPL and the cap on the maintenance allowance will change annually (every January) based on the consumer price index. See Allowances Chart. 20910.5 Excess Shelter Allowance The amount by which the spouse's expenses for rent or mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance plus the Food Stamp standard utility allowance (SUA) exceeds 30% of the applicable percent of the FPL for two. 20910.6 Community Spouse Monthly Income Allowance The amount of income needed to bring the monthly income of the community spouse up to the minimum maintenance needs allowance. 20910.7 Monthly Income of the Community Spouse Income that is "otherwise available" to the community spouse. "Otherwise available income" includes income that would be used if eligibility was being determined for the community spouse, i.e. gross income. Exception: Do not count as income to the community spouse the amount that the institutionalized spouse who is a veteran pays for the medical needs of the community spouse. 20910.8 Family Allowance The amount of income needed to bring a family member's monthly income up to 1/3 of the applicable percent of the FPL for two. Each family member is entitled to a family allowance. 20910.9 State Spousal Share The state spousal share is the minimum amount of the couples' combined countable resources necessary to maintain the community spouse. 20910.10 Community Spouse Resource Allowance The community spouse resource allowance is the amount of resources equal to whichever is greater: $25,000.00 (current state spousal share) OR 1/2 of the value of the couple's combined countable resources as of the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization on or after 9/30/89, but no more than current maximum resource allowance determined by Federal law. The minimum and maximum resource allowances increase on January 1 of each year by Federal law. Delaware Senate Bill 99 increased the minimum resource allowance from $14,148 to $25,000 for applications filed on or after 10/1/93. If the share belonging to the spouse in the community is less than $25,000, the institutionalized spouse's resources are deemed available to the community spouse to bring the community spouse’s resources up to $25,000 for initial eligibility determinations. Any amount above the Maximum Resource Allowance determined by Federal law is considered available to the institutionalized spouse for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility determination. 20930 Resource Assessment and Eligibility
70 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE The State must promptly assess and document the couples' combined countable resources as of the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization on or after 9/30/89. The community spouse resource allowance is equal to 1/2 of a couples' combined countable resources as of the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization (but not to exceed the maximum permitted). The community spouse resource allowance is a set figure used to determine the amount of resources that will be used to determine institutionalized spouses' initial Medicaid eligibility for the current application period. If the couple cannot adequately verify what their resources were at the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization, the eligibility worker may calculate the community spouse resource allowance based on the resources that can be adequately documented. This may be any point in time between date of admission and date of application. If the couple cannot document their resources, DSS will advise them that it cannot calculate the community spouse resource allowance. 20950 Initial Eligibility Determinations Determine couples' combined countable resources for the month of application. Deduct from the couples' countable resources owned at the time of application a protected amount which is the greater of the following amounts: the community spouse resource allowance (provided it does not exceed the maximum) OR the current State spousal share ($25,000) Compare the remaining resources to the Medicaid resource limit of $2,000. If the remaining resources are over $2,000, the institutionalized spouse is ineligible until the combined countable resources are reduced to the greater of the following: the community spouse resource allowance plus $2000 OR the current State spousal share ($25,000) plus $2,000 An institutionalized spouse who (or whose spouse) has excess resources shall not be found ineligible per Section 1924 (c)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act where the state determines that denial of eligibility on the basis of having excess resources would work an undue hardship. Resources may be depleted in whatever manner the client/spouse wishes as long as there is no transfer for less than fair market value. See Section 20350.6 Transfer of Assets. Once eligibility has been established, resources not used to determine eligibility for institutionalized spouses (i.e., the amount of spousal resource allowances) may be transferred to community spouses to assist such spouses in meeting their needs in the community. Thus, resources are not merely deemed available (or attributed) to community spouses in initial eligibility periods, but are actively made available to meet their needs in the community. Spouses who intend to transfer resources for this purpose are encouraged to do so as soon as is practicable before the first regularly scheduled redetermination of eligibility under. Resources transferred to community spouses as well as other specified parties, without receiving fair market value for the property transferred, do not adversely affect continuing eligibility of institutionalized spouses. See Section 20350.6 Transfer of Assets NOTE: Although the revised transfer of assets provisions allow the institutionalized spouse to transfer all of his or her resources to the community spouse without regard to the resource allowance, the initial eligibility determination will still attribute resources in excess of the community spouse allowance to the institutionalized spouse. After eligibility has been determined the eligibility worker must provide a written notice to both spouses including the following information as appropriate: the amount of combined countable resources at the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization; the method used to compute the community spouse resource allowance, and institutionalized spouses' right to rebut through a fair hearing ownership or availability of income and resources. 20950.1 Application of "Income First" Rule in Applying Community Spouse’s Income Before Assets in Providing Support of Community Spouse This policy relates to the procedure described in §1924(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §1396r-5) for increasing the amount of the married couple’s resources that are not counted in determining the institutionalized spouse’s eligibility for Medicaid, in order to protect income for the spouse who is remaining in the community (community spouse). Section 6013 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171), enacted on February 8, 2006, mandates the State must consider all income of the institutionalized spouse that can be allocated to the community spouse, in order to bring the community spouse’s income up to the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA), before raising the community spouse’s resource allowance to adequately provide for that income. The income first methodology requires that an institutionalized spouse who applies for Medicaid must first divert income to his or her community spouse (who is not applying for Medicaid) before the institutionalized spouse may
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 71 increase the amount of the couple’s resources that would be protected from consideration in evaluating the institutionalized spouse’s Medicaid eligibility. This is referred to as the "income first" methodology for determining the extent of protection of the couple’s assets and applies to transfers and allocations of income and resources made on or after the date of enactment by individuals who become institutionalized spouses on or after such date. 10 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/06) 20960 Exemptions to Minimum Resource Allowance If there is a court order against an institutionalized spouse for the support of the community spouse which requires a greater resource allowance than that determined above, that amount shall be used for determining initial and ongoing eligibility. This would not be considered a transfer. 20970 Fair Hearings Either spouse can appeal the computation of the 1/2 spousal share, how resources are calculated for initial eligibility purposes, or the amount of the community spouse resource allowance. In addition, if either spouse establishes that the resource allowance is inadequate to bring the community spouse's income up to the minimum income allowance level + excess shelter, the resource allowance can be increased so that this level is reached. This would likely occur in instances in which the spouses' combined income falls below the minimum income allowance level. The community spouse may need income generated from resources to supplement existing income. Hearings requested on the basis of these computations must be conducted within 30 days from the date of request. 20970.1 Income First Policy for Increasing the Spousal Resource Allowance to Compensate for Insufficient Income In nursing facility cases with a community spouse, the institutionalized spouse can make a request or file an appeal to increase the community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) to produce additional income for the community spouse. The hearing officer, as appropriate, may then increase the CSRA to an amount that is adequate to produce income that equals, but does not exceed, the MMMNA. For Home and Community Based Services Waiver applicants/recipients see DSSM 20720.2. 10 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/06) 20980 Continuing Eligibility Beginning in the month following the month in which the institutionalized spouse is determined to be eligible, no resources solely owned by the community spouse shall be deemed available to the institutional spouse. Thus, to benefit from the community spouse resource allowance, the institutionalized spouse will need to actually transfer sufficient resources to equal the amount of the allowance to the community spouse so that those resources will not cause ineligibility at redetermination. 20990 Income Rules Income eligibility is determined by considering the income of the institutionalized spouse only. The sole deduction taken from the gross income before comparing to the income limit is the $20 disregard. Neither the community spouse income allowance nor the family allowance may be deducted to bring the income below the income limit. Income in both spouses names is considered to be equally available to both spouses within the following guidelines. 20990.1 Income From Non-Trust Property 1) If payment of income is made solely in the name of the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse, the income shall be considered available only to that respective spouse. 2) If payment of income is made in the names of the institutionalized spouse and the community spouse, one-half of the income shall be considered available to each of them; and 3) If payment of income is made in the names of the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse or both, and to another person or persons, the income shall be considered available to each spouse in proportion to the spouse's interest (or, if payment is made with respect to both spouses and no such interest is specified, one- half of the joint interest shall be considered available to each spouse). 4) Consider available to each spouse one-half of any income which has no instrument establishing ownership. 20990.2 Income From Trust Property In the case of a trust, income shall be considered available to each spouse as provided in the trust, or, in the absence of a specific provision in the trust, use the guidelines specified for non-trust property. 20995 Continuing Eligibility
72 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE After an institutionalized individual has established eligibility for Medicaid, the state must protect part of the individual's income for the community spouse. Protect enough income to equal the community spouse income allowance. After eligibility has been determined, income paid solely to one spouse is attributed only to that named spouse. If income is paid to both it is attributed to both in equal parts. 20995.1 Post - Eligibility Deductions 42 CFR §435.725; 42 CFR §435.733; 42 CFR §435.832 Post-eligibility determination is revised to allow the following deductions from the income of the institutional spouse. The deductions must be taken in the following order: 20995.1.1 Personal Needs Allowance for the Institutional Spouse. The personal needs allowance amount is $30 per month for SSI recipients, and $75 per month for all others. If the institutionalized spouse is employed, personal needs may range from $75 up to the Adult Foster Care rate per month. 20995.1.2 Community Spouse Income Allowance 20995.1.2.1 The community spouse monthly income allowance is the amount of income necessary to bring the spouse's monthly otherwise available income up to the applicable percent of the FPL for two, plus an additional amount for excess shelter. 20995.1.2.2The total amount available to the community spouse may not exceed "Cap for Minimum Monthly Maintenance Standard. This standard usually changes each January based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers. 20995.1.3 Family Allowance 20995.1.4 Items for which protection of income has been approved by the Long-Term Care Operation's Administrator or incurred medical expenses of the institutionalized spouse. 10 DE Reg. 703 (10/01/06) 19 DE Reg. 1095 (06/01/16) 28 DE Reg. 545 (01/01/25) 20995.2 Amount for Incurred Medical Expenses The financial eligibility worker must take into account amounts for incurred medical expenses of the institutionalized spouse within reasonable limits as defined by the State. These are expenses that are not covered by any third party payor and for which the couple is responsible. Questions regarding what constitutes necessary medical or remedial care and what constitutes reasonable limits should be referred to and resolved by the Medical Review Team. Incurred expenses for medical or remedial care that are not subject to payment by a third party, include-- 1) Medicare and other health insurance premiums, deductibles or coinsurance, and 2) necessary medical or remedial care recognized under State law but not covered under the state plan under this title, subject to reasonable limits the State may establish on the amount of these expenses. 20995.3 Exemptions to Allowance Determination 20995.3.1 Treatment of Court-ordered Support If court-ordered support for the community spouse is greater than the calculated community spouse income allowance, the amount of the support is to be recognized as the income allowance. For example, if the institutionalized spouse was ordered to pay $200/month to the community spouse, that amount would be allowed and deducted even if it exceeded the calculated income allowance. 20995.3.2 Fair Hearings Either spouse can appeal the amount of the monthly income allowance or how the income otherwise available to the community spouse was determined. In addition, the allowance can be adjusted higher than that allowed above if they can show that additional income is necessary due to "exceptional circumstances resulting in significant financial duress."
7 DE Reg. 781 (12/1/03) 8 DE Reg. 1312 (3/1/05) 8 DE Reg. 1625 (05/01/05) 8 DE Reg. 1712 (6/1/05) 9 DE Reg. 142 (7/1/05) 9 DE Reg. 239 (8/1/05) 9 DE Reg. 564 (10/01/05) 9 DE Reg. 997 (12/01/05) 9 DE Reg. 1076 (01/01/06)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 73 9 DE Reg. 1187 (02/01/06) 9 DE Reg. 1565 (04/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 143 (07/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 533 (09/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 703 (10/01/06) 10 DE Reg. 1302 (02/01/07) 10 DE Reg. 1439 (03/01/07) 10 DE Reg. 1613 (04/01/07) 10 DE Reg. 1700 (05/01/07) 11 DE Reg. 314 (09/01/07) 11 DE Reg. 676 (11/01/07) 11 DE Reg. 1051 (02/01/08) 11 DE Reg. 1479 (05/01/08) 12 DE Reg. 224 (08/01/08) 12 DE Reg. 1088 (02/01/09) 12 DE Reg. 1324 (04/01/09) 13 DE Reg. 263 (08/01/09) 14 DE Reg. 895 (03/01/11) 14 DE Reg. 1364 (06/01/11) 15 DE Reg. 202 (08/01/11) 15 DE Reg. 362 (09/01/11) 15 DE Reg. 1014 (01/01/12) 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 16 DE Reg. 423 (10/01/12) 16 DE Reg. 532 (11/01/12) 16 DE Reg. 639 (12/01/12) 16 DE Reg. 1077 (04/01/13) 19 DE Reg. 1095 (06/01/16) 20 DE Reg. 52 (07/01/16) 20 DE Reg. 117 (08/01/16) 20 DE Reg. 283 (10/01/16) 20 DE Reg. 552 (01/01/17) 21 DE Reg. 435 (11/01/17) 21 DE Reg. 566 (01/01/18) 22 DE Reg. 66 (07/01/18) 23 DE Reg. 871 (04/01/20) 26 DE Reg. 108 (08/01/22) 26 DE Reg. 694 (02/01/23) 26 DE Reg. 957 (05/01/23) 27 DE Reg. 46 (07/01/23) 28 DE Reg. 545 (01/01/25) 29 DE Reg. 608 (01/01/26)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services Division of Social Services 25000 Children’s Community Alternative Disability Program (CCADP) This program was formerly known as the Disabled Children’s Program and is based on 42 CFR §435.225. 25050 PURPOSE The Children’s Community Alternative Disability Program (CCADP) is a Delaware Medicaid option that is designed to serve children with significant disabilities. Such children would otherwise qualify to be cared for in an institutional setting. The State desires that this program serve as many children as possible at home or in non-institutional settings as long as it can be done safely, efficiently and economically. The best care for children who would be eligible for this program is with the support and direction of involved parents or guardians. This care will generally result from the active collaboration of DSS, and multidisciplinary providers, and parents or guardians. In general, any child whose disability profile meets a designated level of care may be eligible for Medicaid without regard to parental income, resources, or other health insurance. Given the State’s commitment to promoting children’s access to basic health care, any benefit of the doubt concerning program qualification should be resolved in favor of eligibility. To the extent eligibility is jeopardized by safety concerns, DSS will act affirmatively to eliminate or reduce unsafe conditions to an acceptable level through Departmental and community resources. DSS recognizes its responsibility to make a referral to a protective agency if conditions so warrant. 25100 ELIGIBILITY Medicaid eligibility is available to children who meet ALL of the following 7 criteria established by Federal regulation (42 CFR §435.225): 1 . The child must be 18 years of age or younger (under age 19). 2 . The child’s countable resources do not exceed the SSI limit for a single individual described in DSSM §20300. 3 . The child’s countable income does not exceed 250% of the SSI benefit level. 4 . The child’s profile is consistent with the level of care of a hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Retardation (ICF/MR), or Intermediate Care Facility Institution for Mental Disease (ICF/IMD). 5 . The child must meet Supplemental Security Income (SSI) medical disability standards codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a) (presumptively met if child with chronic condition qualifies for SNF, ICF, ICF/MR, or ICF/IMD level of care). 6 . It is appropriate to provide a comparable level of care in an alternative setting (e.g. natural family home). 7 . The estimated Medicaid cost of care in the alternative setting is no higher than the estimated cost of the comparable facility-based level of care. 25100.1 Continuous Eligibility (42 CFR 435.926) Effective January 1, 2024, all children under the age of 19 who are enrolled in Medicaid under any eligibility program, including the Childrens Community Alternative Disability Program (CCADP) shall have 12 months of continuous eligibility, regardless of change in circumstances, with limited exceptions. Refer to DSSM 14810 Continuous Eligibility for additional information. 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 25110 Managed Care Enrollment Requirements Individuals who are found eligible must enroll with a managed care organization. The Health Benefits Manager (enrollment broker) will be responsible for the enrollment process. 15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 25150 APPROVAL DURATION AND ANNUAL REDETERMINATION Approval of an initial application is generally effective for a period not to exceed 1 year. Redetermination of eligibility is expected to occur on an annual basis. Redetermination shall include a reassessment of whether the child meets all seven eligibility criteria (DSSM 25100). If a child manifests a chronic profile, the Division may utilize abbreviated reassessment process and rely on previous medical or functional evaluations
Office of the Registrar of Regulations, Legislative Council, State of Delaware
2 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE that remain clinically valid. Exception: The resource test will be waived at annual renewal. If the case worker receives asset information after a renewal has been completed, the receipt of new information will be treated as a change in circumstances. See Section 14820.1 How Changes in Circumstances affect Continuous Eligibility. 29 DE Reg. 610 (01/01/26) 25200 CAREGIVER QUALIFICATIONS The primary person in charge of the care of a child, usually a family member or a designated health care professional meeting the following qualifications: The individual must be willing to accept the responsibility of the care of the child. The individual must be trained and/or display competence in the medical skill required by the child. 25250 GENERAL LEVEL OF CARE FACTORS 1. The assessment of whether a child’s profile is consistent with a qualifying level of care is influenced by multiple considerations. Material criteria include the following mental, physical, familial, and environmental factors: a. Chronological and developmental age of child; b. Nature and severity of disease or medical condition(s); c. Symptomatology or functional limitations attributable to disease or medical condition (s); d. Stability of disease process or medical condition(s); e. Physical environment; f. Availability and profile of primary caregiver(s); g. Potential for harm, regression, or developmental delay in absence of services; h. Extent of assistance necessary for child to engage in activities of daily living ("ADLs") i. Extent of monitoring or supervision necessary to minimize potential for harm due to mental or physical health risks (e.g. suicide; elopement; self injurious behaviors; seizure); and j. Extent to which professional or specialized personnel (e.g. nurse; therapist) are necessary to provide monitoring, assistance, or services. 2. Since some debilitating diseases and medical conditions (quadriplegia; profound mental retardation) are highly correlated with a qualifying level of care, the Division may adopt presumptive eligibility guidelines to expedite processing of such applications. 25300 SPECIFIC LEVEL OF CARE STANDARDS 25300.1 DEFINITION OF INSTITUTIONAL SETTING An institutional setting is a residential placement that provides room board and health related services, which are supervised by a licensed practitioner. The setting has the necessary professional personnel, equipment and facilities to meet the health and functional needs of the child on a continuing or repetitive basis and is authorized under State law to provide such care. 25300.2 DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL LEVEL OF CARE A hospital is an institutional setting that provides medical, nursing and allied health care for acute or chronic illnesses. Such a setting includes at least daily physician intervention and the availability of around the clock professional nursing care. A hospital may provide general medical care or specialized care (e.g. psychiatric or rehabilitative). 25300.3 DEFINITION OF SKILLED NURSING FACILITY LEVEL OF CARE Skilled nursing facility (SNF) is an institutional setting, which provides skilled nursing or rehabilitation, services for mental or physical conditions. Such a setting includes availability of around the clock professional nursing observation, assessment or intervention. 25300.4 DEFINITION OF INTERMEDIATE NURSING FACILITY LEVEL OF CARE Intermediate care nursing facility (ICF) is an institutional setting in which nursing and allied health care and support services are provided. Such services are supervised by but not necessarily given by a licensed nurse. 25300.5 DEFINITION OF ICF/IMD LEVEL OF CARE An intermediate care facility for mental disease (ICF/IMD) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive clinical and support services to persons with significant behavioral health disorders. Children who qualify for an ICF/IMD level of care exhibit a severe, complex, or chronic behavioral health disorder. Such disorder must compromise age-appropriate functioning in multiple areas and require frequent or intensive medical or behavioral interventions (e.g. drug therapy; professional counseling; behavior management techniques). Subject to full consideration of factors itemized in Section DSSM 25250), the presence of the following disability-related personal characteristics supports qualifications under an ICF/IMD level of care:
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 3 a. Impaired judgment or insight b. Disorientation to time, place, or person c. Memory impairment d. Perceptual or thinking disturbance e. Lack of self-regulation or impulse control f. Diminished capacity to focus, concentrate, or maintain attention g. Propensity to engage in verbal or physical aggression towards others h. Marked changes in mood or affect i. Marked withdrawal, isolation, or depression j. Sleep disturbance k. Appetite disturbance with change in weight l. Marked difficulty in maintaining interpersonal relationships m. Propensity to elope 25300.6 DEFINITION OF ICF/MR LEVEL OF CARE An intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) is a residential setting which offers comprehensive habilitative and support services to persons with mental retardation or related conditions. Children who qualify for an ICF/MR level of care exhibit significant deficits in age-appropriate functioning in multiple domains. As a consequence, they require frequent assistance or supervision to competently or safely engage in activities of daily living (ADLs). Subject to full consideration of factors itemized in Section DSSM 25200, the presence of adaptive behavior deficits in the following contexts supports qualification under an ICF/MR level of care: a.Self care skills b.Domestic skills c.Community skills d.Self direction e.Social interaction f.Safety awareness g.Receptive and expressive communication h.Basic learning i.Co-occurrence of physical or behavioral health disorder j.Co-occurrence of alcohol or substance addiction or misuse 25400 APPROPRIATENESS OF COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING Program eligibility is contingent upon a finding that non-institutional care is appropriate and services are available (DSSM 25100). The community-based setting must meet the child’s needs safely and effectively to be appropriate. To fulfill this requirement, the Division will assess both the physical and social environment within the community–based setting. Given the State’s strong preference for non-institutional care of children, denial of eligibility based on environmental deficits is disfavored. If eligibility is jeopardized by environmental deficits, the division will affirmatively attempt to eliminate or reduce such deficits to an acceptable level through Departmental and community resources. 25500 DETERMINING MEDICAL PLAN OF CARE AND COSTS During the application and redetermination process, medical and social information is gathered from several sources including the primary caregivers, primary care practitioners, specialists and other health care providers, the schools, Child Development Watch (Part C) and/or other relevant sources. A listing of the services needed or currently being provided is recorded indicating whether there are ongoing costs (such as daily home health aides or 1-time costs (durable medical equipment). The cost for each are estimated as closely as possible and, to the extent possible, costs paid or defrayed by other insurance or other means of payment insurance settlement, donations, etc.) are deducted from the cost cap. Since Medicaid is generally payor of last resort [with exception of Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) services], the assessor may contact other potential payment sources to determine potential coverage especially when it appears the child might exceed the cost cap. Once the medical costs are computed the entire packet of assessment information is reviewed by the medial review team for the cost comparison and final eligibility determination. 25600 COST EFFECTIVENESS CALCULATION A determination of cost effectiveness for the Children's Community Alternative Disability's Program must be made using the following procedures. 25625 CALCULATION
4 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE A calculation is made of the total actual or projected cost of all significant, recurring medical services (home health aides & nurses, private duty nursing, Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, supplies, equipment and therapies). 25650 ANNUALIZED COSTS CALCULATION The annualized costs of any significant recurring DME (e.g. specialized wheelchair or lift not included in facility per diem rate) is added to the calculation in DSSM 25625. 25675 OTHER COSTS All other costs, such as physician services, pharmaceuticals, lab tests, x-rays, etc. are not part of medical facility costs, so will not be considered in the cost effectiveness determination except in cases where acute hospitalization is the appropriate comparable level of care. 25700 COST DOES NOT EXCEED COMPARABLE MEDICAL FACILITY CARE The calculated cost in DSSM 25600 must not exceed 100% of comparable medical facility care. Comparable rates to be used are defined in the following subsections. A. If the child is determined to meet the hospital LOC, the anticipated home services costs will be compared to the current fiscal year inpatient hospital rate of the AI DuPont Hospital for Children or alternate facility rate as determined by the Medicaid Director. B. If a child is determined to meet the skilled LOC, the anticipated home services costs will be compared to the current averaged rate of participating Delaware nursing facilities that are caring for children under 18. A higher comparative rate based on the current averaged rate for children placed in subacute pediatric facilities may be applied for children determined "superskilled" by the DSS Medical Operation Administrator. C. If a child is determined to meet ICF/MR/DD LOC, the anticipated home service costs will be compared to the current Stockley Center ICF/MR/DD rate or alternate facility rate as determined by the Medicaid Director. D. If a child is determined to meet the ICF/IMD LOC, the anticipated home costs would be compared to the current Terry Center rate or alternate facility rate as determined by the Medicaid Director. E. If a child is determined to meet an ICF LOC the anticipated home services costs will be compared to the current averaged rate of participating Delaware nursing facilities that are caring for children under 18 years of age. 25800 COST EFFECTIVENESS EXCEEDS COST OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE When the cost effectiveness analysis shows that the cost of care in the home will exceed the cost of comparable institutional care, the parent or guardian will be offered a choice of the following options. A. The use of less costly alternatives (such as privately contracting with LPNs or RNs for private duty nursing at a lower cost than can be obtained through an agency, purchasing refurbished, used equipment, etc.), or B. The use of fewer units of service with assurances from parent/guardian that the remainder of medically necessary services will be provided by or paid for by other means, or C. The admission to an appropriate medical facility, or D. The withdrawal of the application for this program.
15 DE Reg. 1716 (06/01/12) 27 DE Reg. 680 (03/01/24) 29 DE Reg. 610 (01/01/26)
TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Social Services Division of Social Services 60000 Incarcerated Individuals Medicaid Program Statutory Authority Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L.111-148, as amended) Inmates of a public institution who are held involuntarily may be enrolled in Medicaid, but Medicaid may not provide coverage for most services while the individual is detained. The inmate coverage exclusion applies to all Medicaid services provided to inmates, EXCEPT inpatient services provided in a medical institution. Medicaid regulations, 42 CFR 435.1009, limit payment for services for individuals residing in correctional institutions. Medicaid statute requires coverage of inpatient services for the incarcerated individual if he/she is admitted to a medical institution for 24 hours or more, per 42 USC § 1396d(a)(31)(A). Incarcerated individuals who apply for Medicaid may be required to enroll with a Managed Care Organization (MCO). Enrollment with an MCO while incarcerated allows for a smooth transition to full Medicaid benefits when the inmate is released from jail or prison if the inmate remains eligible for Medicaid after released. 60100 Incarcerated Individuals Definitions Eligible Juvenile - an individual who is under 21 years of age who was determined eligible for Medicaid or DHCP in any eligibility group before becoming an inmate of a public institution or while an inmate of a public institution. This also includes the Former Foster Care Children Group ages 18 or older and under age 26. Inmate - an individual of any age who is in custody and held involuntarily in a public institution under the operation of law enforcement authorities. Regardless of the label attached to any particular custody status, an important consideration of whether an individual is an "inmate" is the individual's legal ability to exercise personal freedom. Inmate of a Public Institution- Federal law defines an inmate of a public institution as "a person living in a public institution." Public Institution - Federal Law defines a public institution as "an institution that is the responsibility of a governmental unit or over which a governmental unit exercises administrative control. A public institution includes a correctional institution." (See DSSM section 14120 for additional institution definitions) 29 DE Reg. 612 (01/01/26) 60200 Inmate residence An inmate is considered a resident of the state in which the crime was committed. This information will be obtained from the Medicaid application. For an inmate incarcerated by their home state but sent to an out of state public institution for any reason, including the home state not having capacity to house the individual, the home state remains the state of residence. Individuals who have committed a crime outside of their home state and are placed in a correctional institution in and by the state in which the crime was committed are considered be residents of that state while incarcerated. 60300 Financial Eligibility and Household Composition Financial Eligibility is determined based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) eligibility rules, or non-MAGI eligibility rules, depending on the individual's circumstances. There are no special rules or exceptions for incarcerated individuals. Follow income eligibility rules and household composition under section 16000 of the DSSM.
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2 TITLE 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Exception: Incarcerated individuals are not considered parents/caretaker relatives for Medicaid purposes. However, an incarcerated individual can still file taxes and claim dependents which would be counted in the incarcerated individual's household size for Medicaid purposes. 60400 Application and Redetermination Regulations under DSSM Sections 14000 apply to incarcerated individuals applying for Medicaid. With the following exceptions: 1. Incarcerated Medicaid eligibility is effective the first day of the month if the individual was eligible at any time during that month provided the individual was an Incarcerated Delaware resident on the first of the month. If not a Delaware resident on the first of the month, Medicaid will be effective the date the individual became an Incarcerated Delaware resident. 2. An inmate may designate an individual as an authorized representative (see DSSM section 14100.1) to act on his or her behalf in matters related to eligibility and enrollment. An authorized representative may NOT enroll an inmate in Medicaid without his or her consent. An annual renewal of eligibility is required for incarcerated individuals, there are no special rules or exclusions. See DSSM Section 14100.6
26 DE Reg. 212 (09/01/22) 29 DE Reg. 612 (01/01/26)