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BEM 135 2 of 7 GROUP 2 CARETAKER RELATIVES BPB 2015-015 10-1-2015

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Occasionally, a core relative (other than a parent) who claims to act as parent for the dependent child and the child's parent both live with the child. The client’s statement regarding who acts as parent must be accepted. If both the parent and other core relative claim to act as parent, assume the parent is the caretaker relative. When only the other core relative claims to act as parent, both the other core relative and the parent(s) may be caretaker relatives. Except as explained in the two preceding paragraphs, a child can have only one caretaker relative. This means that if a person is an Medicaid applicant or beneficiary based on being a caretaker relative, no other person can apply for or receive Medicaid based on being a caretaker relative for the same dependent child. Note: An ex parte review (see glossary) is required before Medicaid closures when there is an actual or anticipated change, unless the change would result in closure due to ineligibility for all Medicaid. When possible, an ex parte review should begin at least 90 days before the anticipated change is expected to result in case closure. The review includes consideration of all MA categories. See BAM 115 and 220. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY FACTORS

Groups Use the fiscal group policies for Group 2 Medicaid in BEM 211. Assets Countable assets cannot exceed the asset limit in BEM 400. Count- able assets are determined using BEM 400 and BEM 401. Divestment Policy in BEM 405 applies because income can be divested. Income Eligibility Income eligibility exists when net income does not exceed the Group 2 needs in BEM 544. Apply the Medicaid policies in BEM 500, 530 and 536 to determine net income. If the net income exceeds Group 2 needs, Medicaid eligibility is still possible. See BEM 545.