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Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility Manual Eligibility Determinations

Reissued January 6, 2026 Page 24 of H-800 Replacing August 11, 2025 Revised/added text indicated by underscore Deleted text indicated by “**”

Note: Consider income eligibility in QMB or SLMB. Refer to H-1100 Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) or H-1300 Specified Low- income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB).

H-851.6 Certification Period The certification period cannot exceed twelve (12) months beginning with the first month of eligibility for Medicaid.

H-851.7 Notice of Decision

Send the notice of decision to the applicant/beneficiary.

H-860 UNDUE HARDSHIP AND UNDUE HARDSHIP EXCEPTION H-860.1 General Information An undue hardship may exist when a penalty is determined due to a transfer of assets or equity in home property being over the limit. The penalty would be the denial of vendor payment for nursing facility or home and community-based waiver services. An exception to the penalty may be requested if it is determined that imposing the penalty would cause undue hardship. The exception is for the applicant/beneficiary, not the community spouse. An applicant/beneficiary shall be informed in writing of the opportunity to apply for an undue hardship exception.

H-865 UNDUE HARDSHIP An undue hardship exists when the applicant/beneficiary's denial of eligibility for vendor payment results in:

● Denial of necessary medical care such that the individual's health or life would be endangered; or

● Loss of food, clothing, permanent residence and other necessities of life.

Undue hardship does not exist when application of the transfer of assets or excess equity in home property merely causes the individual inconvenience or restricts his or her lifestyle but would not put him/her