Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: JANUARY 2023 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI)
MANUAL REVISION #
| 0410.010.15 | APPENDIX B |
| 0805.020.15 | APPENDIX D |
| 0865.010.15 | APPENDIX E |
| 1030.010.05 | APPENDIX J |
| 1030.035.10 | APPENDIX K |
| 1030.035.20 | |
| 1030.035.25 |
DISCUSSION:
In January 2023, all Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Administration (VA), and Railroad Retirement (RR) participants will receive an 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
The weekend of December 10, 2022, a mass adjustment will be completed in the eligibility system for Child Care (CC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) cases. Income increases for SSA, SSI, VA, and/or RR and other adjustments will be completed. Medicare Premium amounts and federal eligibility standards will also be updated.
Note: The 2023 COLA will have the following effect on SNAP cases:
- Increase in SNAP benefit reductions for January 2023
- Increase in SNAP closures for December 2022
SSI Increases
| SSI TABLE | 2022 AMOUNT | 2023 AMOUNT | INCREASE |
| SSI Individual maximum (in own household) | $841 | $914 | $73 |
| SSI Couple maximum (in own household) | $1,261 | $1,371 | $110 |
| SSI Individual in household of another | $561 | $609 | $48 |
| SSI Couple in household of another | $841 | $914 | $73 |
| SSI Essential person/own home | $421 | $458 | $37 |
MHABD Standards Adjustments
| NEW MHABD STANDARDS | 2022 AMOUNT | 2023 AMOUNT |
| Maximum Allotment of Community Spouse | $3,435 | $3,716 |
| Minimum Maintenance Standard for Allotments | $2,289 | $2,289 |
| Maximum Allocation to a child | $420 | $457 |
| Maximum Allotment to a child | $726 | $763 |
| Minimum Spousal Share | $27,480 | $29,724 |
| Maximum Spousal Share | $137,400 | $148,620 |
| Maximum Home Equity | $636,000 | $688,000 |
| HCB Maximum | $1,470 | $1,598 |
| SAB Standard | $908 | $987 |
Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Premium Adjustment
The standard SMI, commonly known as Medicare Part B, premium will decrease for 2023 to $164.90. The SMI premium for those who begin receiving Medicare in 2023 will be $164.90. Premiums for Medicare participants who pay less than the standard premium amount will not have an increase of more than the amount of the increase in Social Security benefit the individual received.
Additional MHABD Program Increases
Resource Limits for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI-1)
For a single individual, the resource limit increases to $9,090 for a married couple, the resource limit increases to $13,630. There is no change in policy regarding how to determine available resources.
Vendor Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard
The 2023 Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard is $3,716.
Minimum and Maximum Spousal Share
The 2023 minimum spousal share is $29,724. The new maximum spousal share is $148,620. Both amounts become effective for any assessment completed on or after January 1, 2023.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SGA monthly amounts increase and are as follows:
- $2,460 for statutorily blind individuals
- $1,470 for non-blind individuals
Policy and Appendices Updates
The following appendices were updated to show the new amounts:
- MHABD Manual
- December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manual
Manual sections 0410.010.15, 0865.010.15, 1030.010.05 and 1030.035.10 are revised to remove outdated information and reference Appendix J for current information.
Manual sections 0805.020.15, 1030.035.20 and 1030.035.25 are updated to specify that data contained in examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not contain current numbers.
Adjustments by Program and Mass Adjustment Process
All programs will be adjusted according to program. Review FAMIS Resources for further information about the mass adjustment process.
Senate Bill 577 (2007) authorized the disregard for Social Security COLA increases for certain MO HealthNet (MHN) programs with income eligibility based on federal poverty level (FPL) until the next FPL adjustment in April. All SSA, SSI, VA, and RR income sources will be updated with the new income amount and verification code “CO” for COLA adjustment.
Note: For budget months prior to January 2023, do not use the “CO” – COLA verification code.
Note: The Families First Coronavirus Response Action of 2020 (FFCRA) requires that MO HealthNet (MHN) coverage for individuals be maintained at the same level or better for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). There will be no adverse action to reduce or end MHN coverage due to COLA changes until the end of the PHE.
Reports with Actions Needed
Reports with action needed will be distributed to the SNAP, TA/CC, and MHN Program Managers for assignment. Follow the instructions in FAMIS Resources on how to process each type of report.
Request for Hearing/Continued Benefits
When a fair hearing is requested, follow current fair hearing request procedures.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Search “COLA” or “Adjustment” in FAMIS Resources for processing guidance.
- State Office will provide the SSA/SSI/VA/RR Needing Review report to designated staff.
- Allow MHN Policy for “CO” income verification to disregard SSA and SSI COLA Adjustments until the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Adjustment in April.
KE/mc