NEW ALLOTMENT STANDARD

The new maximum Total Maintenance Standard is $2267.00.  Use the new amount whenever determination an allotment for the community spouse effective for January 2003 and later.  Determine allotments for December 2002 using the old amount of $2232.00.

The minimum Maintenance Standard remains $1493.00.

NEW SPOUSAL SHARE STANDARDS

The new minimum spousal share is $18,132.00.  The new maximum spousal share is $90,660.00.  Both amounts become effective for any assessment done on or after January 1, 2003.

WHEN TO RE-EVALUATE SPOUSAL SHARES

1.  Re-evaluate spousal shares at application for MA-Vendor if an 
     assessment has previously been done and EITHER of the 
     following conditions are true:

One-half of the couple's combined non-exempt assets at the time of assessment was less than $18,132.00.

• One-half of the couple's combined non-exempt assets at the time of assessment was greater than the maximum spousal share in effect at the time.

EXAMPLE #1: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were greater than the new maximum spousal share):  Jane and Colby Stilton requested an assessment of assets in November, 1992.  The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $180,000.00.  One-half that amount is $90,000.00.  The maximum spousal share in effect at that time was $68,700.00.  Mr. Stilton applies for vendor benefits February 1, 2003.  Use $90,600.00 maximum spousal share.  Do not change ISMT; note the new maximum on the IM-2.

EXAMPLE #2: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were less than the new minimum spousal share): Gustav and Hilda Jarlsberg requested an assessment of assets in December, 1993.  The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $22,400.00.  Since one-half is $11,200.00, the minimum spousal share in effect at the time of $14,148.00 was used.  Mrs. Jarlsberg applies for vendor benefits January 3, 2003.  Use $18,132.00 minimum spousal share.  Do not change ISMT; note the new minimum on the IM-2.

EXAMPLE #3: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were less than the new maximum spousal share current at the time of assessment):  Lida and Edam Krantz requested an assessment of assets in December, 1994.  The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $147,500.00.  Since one-half that amount ($73,750.00) was greater than the maximum spousal share of $72,660.00 in effect at the time, the maximum was used.  Lida Krantz applies for vendor benefits on January 18, 2003.  Use $73,750.00 as the spousal share, since that is now less than the maximum of $90,660.00.  Do not change ISMT; note the amount considered as the spousal share on the IM-2.

Do not update the ISMT screen when re-evaluating spousal shares because of this increase in the standards.  ISMT should continue to show the total non-exempt assets and spousal share amounts as determined at the time of the assessment.  Note the new maximum amounts on the IM-2 when determining vendor eligibility or evaluating resources received by the institutionalized spouse on active cases.

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

• For allotments calculated for January 2003 and later, use $2267.00 as the maximum Total Maintenance Standard.

• For assessments calculated for January 2003 and later, use $18,132.00 as the minimum spousal share and $90,660.00 as the maximum spousal share.

• Re-evaluate spousal share amounts as required.