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1. Once the information is obtained, the caseworker must determine if a transfer occurred and whether a sanction should be imposed. Some potential indicators might be:

a. The interest paid to date shows a substantial amount, but the current balance does not support payment of that interest. b. The balances in the past show substantially higher amounts than is currently in the account.

c. DSS-3431, Request for Financial Information has been obtained from the bank, and it shows a substantial past balance that is not currently in the account. d. The account shows a substantial withdrawal or withdrawals over a period of time.

2. During the evaluation some potential questions to consider whether a transfer has occurred and whether it was for reasons other than to gain or retain eligibility for Medicaid are:

a. What is the a/b’s age, general health, living arrangement, and amount of assets retained to meet future needs at the time of the transfer?

b. Does the case record document any inquiry by the applicant, their spouse, representative, or other interested party about asset limits for Medicaid, long- term care budgeting, etc.?

c. Has the a/b consulted or hired an attorney for estate planning purposes? If the individual saw an attorney, this does not necessarily mean the a/b was trying to hide assets.

d. Does the individual(s) who provided the knowledgeable statements stand to gain in any way from the transfer?

e. Is there evidence of regular donations/gifts to charities, religious organizations, or family members?

f. Is there evidence of one-time gifts by an a/b who did not anticipate needing institutional services?

g. Did the a/b attempt to dispose of the asset for its current market value?

h. After the transfer occurred, was there a traumatic onset (e.g., traffic accident) of disability or blindness?

i. After the transfer occurred, was there a diagnosis of a previously undetected disabling condition?

j. After reviewing, there may be an indication that more information is needed.