Page 19

Chapter: 2400 Budgeting Income Program: FS 14 period will be allowed as a one-time expense in the amount billed or due or averaged over the remainder of the certification period at the AG's option. 2410.0358 Fluctuating Medical Expenses (FS) If normally recurring medical expenses fluctuate monthly but are anticipated for the certification period, average expenses over the certification period. If billed or due less often than monthly, average over the period between scheduled billings. When a normally recurring medical expense begins during the certification period, the expense, less reimbursements, is allowed beginning with the month the change would be effective. 2410.0359 Amounts of Medical Expenses Carried Forward/Changes (FS) Amounts carried forward from past billing periods are deductible if included with the most recent billing and will actually be paid by the assistance group (AG). These bills may be deductible only if they have not been included as medical expenses in the past.

The recipient may report a change in a previously included medical expense such as increased Medicare or prescription costs. Example: Rx was $50 monthly but is now $65 monthly. The eligibility specialist will add the additional $15 to the existing expense.

Changes which are discovered from a third party (e.g., Medicaid) will be acted upon only if considered verified upon receipt and they can be acted upon without contacting the AG for additional information or verification. If the change requires contact with the AG, the change will not be acted upon during the certification period. 2410.0360 One-Time Medical Expense (FS) For prospective budgeting and beginning months, one-time medical expenses might, in some instances, be anticipated.

If anticipated and verified prior to certification, the assistance group (AG) is eligible for the medical disregard and has the option of deducting the full amount, less reimbursements, in the month billed or due, or averaging the amount due over the certification period.

If the AG reports that a one-time medical expense is anticipated during the upcoming certification period but fails to verify prior to certification, the expense is allowable during the month in which it was verified.

Sometimes averaging brings the total to less than $35 per month. When this happens, the total medical expenses (less $35) can be added in the budget for the first available month not posted and removed the next month.

If an AG which is not currently eligible (that is, initially applying or applying after the certification period has expired) makes application and reports a one-time medical expense, only the currently existing balance due at the time the expense is reported can be considered. This amount is allowable in the month in which the expense is verified.

If an unanticipated one-time medical expense is reported, the expense is allowable in the certification period in which it is verified. 2410.0361 Loans for Medical Expenses (FS) If a loan is obtained to pay a one-time medical expense, the monthly payments, minus interest, are an allowable medical expense. These payments may be allowed in the month that they are due or the total medical expense may be deducted according to ongoing policy.