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Page | 189 The DSS-EA-314, Medical Expense Sheet, is required to be completed by the household at application and renewal if on the DSS-EA-301 the medical expense question is marked “Yes”. It is not required to be updated when changes are reported during the certification period. The electronic DSS-EA-314 should be used to calculate medical expenses.

If the household reports a change in medical expenses during the certification period, the expense should be looked at to see if the reported medical expense will give them enough to receive the standard medical expense, if they are not already receiving it. If they are requesting more than the standard medical expense (over $200), then they must verify all expenses. If the household reports but does not submit verification of a change in their medical expenses, the reported changes should be updated on ACCESS panels. They will be acted on the following way:  If it would decrease benefits, the change will be budgeted.  If it would increase benefits, verification must be received before the change is made.

All medical expenses reported for elderly or disabled members must be listed on ACCESS FMED panels, even if not allowed or not verified.  If not allowed, enter code “N” under FS Med Exp Countable Code.  If not verified, enter code “N” under FS Med Exp Verif Code.  The verification date on the FMED panel must be completed to report when the expense was verified.  The Opt Std Med Exp must be coded:  “Y” for households with at least $36 allowed medical expenses and less than $201,  “0” if the medical expense is greater than $200 and households requests the standard  Blank if actual expenses are to be used.  Actual expenses are used if the total allowed expenses are over $200 and the household doesn’t request the standard, or if the total medical expenses are less than $36.

The cost of a special diet is not considered a medical expense. If the household has been or will be reimbursed for the medical expense only the unreimbursed part can be included as part of the medical deduction.

Medical expenses must be current bills within the past 30 days, or payments arrangements must have been set up within 30 days of the bill or insurance settlement, in order for the expense to be allowed. If the bills submitted are older than 30 days or no payment arrangements were made for payment, the medical expense is not allowed. If a medical expense is a for a one time occurrence, the household has the choice of allowing it in one month only or having it pro-rated over the remainder of their certification period. Benefits Specialists should discuss with the household what would be most beneficial.

10211 ALLOWABLE MEDICAL COSTS

Below is a list of allowable medical costs:

A. Medical and dental care, including psychotherapy and rehabilitation services provided by a licensed practitioner authorized by State law or other qualified health professional, such as a midwife.

B. Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, nursing care, and nursing home care. Medical payments made for an individual who was an elderly or disabled household member immediately prior to passing away or entering a hospital or nursing home are also allowed