The department shall determine the total value of the ownership interest of the institutionalized spouse plus the ownership interest of the community spouse in resources as of the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization beginning after September 29, 1989. The spousal share of resources equals one-half of that total value.

At the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization beginning after September 29, 1989, upon the request of an institutionalized spouse or a community spouse and the receipt of necessary documentation, the department shall assess and document the total value of resources under subd. 1. and shall provide a copy of the assessment and documentation to each spouse and retain a copy for departmental use. If the request is not part of an application for medical assistance, the department may charge a fee not exceeding the reasonable expenses of providing and documenting the assessment. When the department provides a copy of an assessment, it shall provide notice that a spouse has the right to a fair hearing under sub. (8) after an application for medical assistance is filed.