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COMAR 10.09.24.03

355 State of Maryland Medical Assistance Manual Revised July 2012 SSI eligibility has not been closed yet, these changes may be entered as interim changes. If SSI eligibility has already been terminated, the case will need to be rescreened, and these changes entered before finalization. (m) Disabled Widowed Beneficiaries (DWB) A widow or widower who receives SSI based on his or her own disability, but is later found to be eligible for Social Security benefits based on the account of the deceased spouse, is referred to as a disabled widowed beneficiary (DWB). These persons may also be referred to as “Kennelly Widows.” The SSA benefit is generally greater than the SSI benefit, resulting in the DWB‟s loss of SSI eligibility. Even though the DWB no longer receives an SSI payment, he/she is deemed eligible for MA as an SSI recipient. DWB Eligibility Criteria

The person is a former SSI recipient;

The person is not yet 65 years old;

The person is ineligible for Medicare;

The person‟s SSA claim number is the Social Security number of the deceased spouse. Certifications Anyone who meets all of these criteria may be certified. These persons are required to file an application. Resources may not exceed the SSI resource standard of $2000; however, even if income exceeds the MNIL they are still considered CN. CARES Procedures In a non-CARES jurisdiction, certify a SWB as category 06. In a CARES jurisdiction, the DWB is in coverage group S02. Delete the SSI income from the UINC screen effective the month it terminated; enter the SSA income effective the month it began (these should be the same months). On the bottom of the UINC screen enter “SI” in the “Appl type” field, and “S” in the “Stat” field. Enter the date SSI was terminated. If the SSI case has not yet been closed, these changes may be entered as interim changes. If the SSI eligibility has already been terminated, the case will need to be rescreened, matched and the changes entered before finalization. (n) Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Coverage Group (S06) Non-elderly persons who are entitled to Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) by reason of their disability, but who are not eligible to receive a Social Security benefit because they are employed, may be eligible for federally matched MA coverage of their Medicare Part A premiums if their income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and their resources do not exceed twice the SSI standard. A card is not issued for QDWI recipients since the benefit does not cover any medical expenses just the Medicare Part A premium.