STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #51
MANUAL: Aged, Disabled and Long Term Care Medicaid Eligibility Manual
DATE: September 3, 2019
We have provided updated information regarding how to handle an individual who appears eligible for Medicare benefits, and changed the terminology from Medicare Premium Assistance Categories to Medicare Savings Programs to match the federal language.
This and other policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 506 Medicare
- Removed "buy-in" from the title of this section as this was causing confusion for staff.
- Rewrote entire section for clarity and linked to MS 580.
MS 523(J) Alaska Native / American Indian Property Rents
- Added new subsection clarifying that rental income received from exempt property in Alaska belonging to an Alaska Native / American Indian is exempt. This is true for the Medicaid eligibility decision and determining cost of care.
MS 528(A) Initial Case Processing
- Added note explaining that it is a best practice to fund a trust by having all income direct deposited into the trust account.
- Revised the process regarding how to communicate trust approvals and denials with the field offices.
MS 528(D) Processing Renewals with Trusts
- Added note explaining that is a best practice to fund the trust by having all income direct deposited into the trust account.
MS 533(D) Case Processing
- Added note clarifying that there is no eligible for retroactive TEFRA Medicaid due to the level of care requirement not being met.
MS 570 Post Eligibility Treatment of Income (Cost of Care)
- Changed title of section from Post Eligibility and Cost of Care to Post Eligibility Treatment of Income (Cost of Care) to match federal terminology.
MS 570(A) Definitions
- Added definitions of Medical and Remedial Expenses.
MS 570(E) Unpaid Medical Expense Allowance
- Updated section explaining what medical costs are.
MS 570(E)(6) Home Maintenance Allowance
- Updated section clarifying that home maintenance expenses must be verified before the allowance is given and that the amount shall be the same as the expenses up to the maximum allowance, which is the APA need standard for an individual living independently.
MS 570(F) When a Cost of Care Liability Begins and Ends
- Deleted statement indicating an individual could make advanced payments towards a nursing home facility for future month's cost of care as this does not follow federal regulations. The individual must be legally obligated to pay the bill before payment can be made. Payment of any expense before services are provided or before the individual has received the benefit is not allowed.
MS 580 Medicare Savings Programs
- Changed name of section from Medicare Premium Assistance Categories to Medicare Savings Programs to match federal terminology.
- Rewrote entire section for clarity.