FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: JANUARY 2024 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT MAGI MO HEALTHNET
MANUAL REVISION #
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX J
APPENDIX K
DISCUSSION:
In January 2024, all Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Administration (VA), and Railroad Retirement (RR) participants will receive an 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
The weekend of December 9, 2023, a mass adjustment will be completed in the eligibility system for Child Care (CC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and Non-MAGI MO HealthNet 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 2024 COLA will have the following effect on SNAP cases:
- Increase in SNAP benefit reductions for January 2024.
- Increase in SNAP closures for December 2023.
SSI Increases
| SSI TABLE |
2023 AMOUNT |
2024 AMOUNT |
INCREASE |
| SSI Individual maximum (in own household) |
$914 |
$943 |
$29 |
| SSI Couple maximum (in own household) |
$1371 |
$1415 |
$44 |
| SSI Individual in household of another |
$609 |
$629 |
$20 |
| SSI Couple in household of another |
$914 |
$943 |
$29 |
| SSI Essential person/own home |
$458 |
$472 |
$14 |
Non-MAGI Standards Adjustments
| NON-MAGI STANDARDS |
2023 AMOUNT |
2024 AMOUNT |
| Maximum Allotment of Community Spouse |
$3,716 |
$3,854 |
| Minimum Maintenance Standard for Allotments |
$2,289 |
$2,465 |
| Maximum Allocation to a child |
$457 |
$472 |
| Maximum Allotment to a child |
$763 |
$821 |
| Minimum Spousal Share |
$29,724 |
$30,828 |
| Maximum Spousal Share |
$148,620 |
$154,140 |
| Maximum Home Equity |
$688,000 |
$713,000 |
| HCB Maximum |
$1,598 |
$1,649 |
| SAB Standard |
$987 |
$1,019 |
Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Premium Adjustment
The standard SMI, commonly known as Medicare Part B, premium will increase for 2024 to $174.70. 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 Non-MAGI Program Increases
Resource Limits for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI-1)
For a single individual, the resource limit increases to $9,430 for a married couple, the resource limit increases to $14,130. There is no change in policy regarding how to determine available resources.
Minimum and Maximum Spousal Share
The 2024 minimum spousal share is $30,828. The new maximum spousal share is $154,140. Both amounts become effective for any assessment completed on or after January 1, 2024.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SGA monthly amounts increase and are as follows:
- $2,590 for statutorily blind individuals
- $1,550 for non-blind individuals
Appendices Updates
The following appendices were updated to show the new amounts:
- MO HealthNet for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Manual
- Appendix B – Maintenance Standards for Allotments
- Appendix E – HCB Income Maximums
- Appendix J – Eligibility Standards for Non-MAGI Programs
- Appendix K – MO HealthNet eligibility for Non-MAGI Programs
- December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manual
- Appendix D – Substantial Gainful Activity
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 2024, do not use the “CO” – COLA verification code.
Note: Actions to reduce MHN benefits will take effect after an annual renewal is completed during the transition/unwinding period.
Reports with Actions Needed
Reports with action needed will be distributed to the appropriate teams. 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/cj
