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2615.05.05 PRE-PAID DEBIT CARDS Pre-paid debit cards, including Direct Express cards which only allow monthly benefit deposits from federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, are considered an available resource and must be verified. Any balance remaining on a pre-paid debit card is considered a liquid asset beginning the month following the month the funds were deposited. The only exception to this rule is for debit cards issued by a government-sponsored medical benefit as rewards, incentives, or extra benefits from a Medicare Advantage or Medicaid Managed Care Program. Assistance provided in cash or in kind (including food or shelter) under a Federal, State, or local government program whose purpose is to provide medical care or medical services (including vocational rehabilitation) is not counted as income or a resource.7 2615.05.10 CROWDFUNDING ACCOUNTS Crowdfunding accounts are way to fundraise from multiple people to assist in paying for things such as medical bills, funeral costs, starting a new business or pet care. If a Medicaid applicant or member is the beneficiary of a crowdfunding account, such as GoFundMe or Kickstarter, it is considered a liquid asset and is a countable resource (minus fees) in the Medicaid budget. Withdrawals from the crowdfunding account are considered unearned income in the month received and a resource in the month following (IHCPPM 2605.20.00). Transfer of property rules apply (IHCPPM 2640.10.00-2640.10.25). Example 1: April 15th - Kathy was in a car accident and was hospitalized. On April 20th, her daughters created a GoFundMe account asking for donations to help pay for her health care. Her only other resource is a checking account with a balance of $125. May 1st – Her total available resources are $30,125 which includes the GoFundMe account and her bank balance (IHCPPM 2605.20.00). June 1st - The family cashes in the GoFundMe account and withdraws $30,000. The funds are deposited into Kathys bank account. $30,000 is counted as income in the month of June (because it is income in June, it is not considered a resource). July 1st - The $30,000 remains in the bank account and is a countable resource. Kathy is over the asset limit for July. July 15th - Kathy applied for disability Medicaid.