Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CLARIFICATION FOR UPDATING VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) INCOME FOR MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) VENDOR PARTICIPANTS
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify policy regarding how VA income is treated when a participant enters a nursing home (vendor) facility.
When a participant enters a vendor facility, his/her VA will be reduced, usually to $90 per month. This sometimes takes several months to be reduced. The participant will normally not have to repay VA for the months between reporting the change and the actual reduction in benefits. Do not reduce the VA payment until it has been verified the benefit has actually been reduced.
Reducing the VA income budgeted prior to the actual reduction can result in an accumulation of resources, which can cause the participant to lose eligibility due to resources exceeding program limits.
NOTE: These instructions are opposite the instructions given for SSI income reductions explained in IM-116 dated Aug 6, 2019. The Social Security Administration requires SSI recipients to repay benefits received after the change in their living situation, VA normally does not.
If it is reported that a participant will be required to repay VA benefits received after entering a vendor facility, verify what months the participant will be required to repay. Enter an adjustment to coverage using WIBCAs for the months that will be recouped by VA, using the reduced amount.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/vb