M E M O R A N D U M

IM-114  08/22/03  INCREASE IN THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INCOME LIMIT
 MANUAL REVISION # 32: SECTIONS 0800.005.00 AND 0805.015.45


SUBJECT:
INCREASE IN THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INCOME LIMIT
MANUAL REVISION # 32: SECTIONS 0800.005.00 AND 0805.015.45
DISCUSSION:
Effective October 1, 2003, the Medical Assistance non-spenddown income limit will be 90% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL).  For an individual the income limit will be increased from $599.00 to $674.00.  For a married couple the income limit will increase from $829.00 to $909.00.  On the weekend of August 30, 2003, the Information Systems Technology Division will adjust the expense and deficit fields of IMU5 for Medical Assistance cases.

MA NON-SPENDDOWN INCOME LIMITS

 
Single
Couple
September 2003 and prior months $599.00(80% FPL) $829.00(SSI Max.)
October 2003 and later months $674.00(90% FPL) $909.00(90% FPL)

IMU5 Changes and Notification:

All active spenddown cases will be updated on the weekend of August 30, 2003.  All cases at or below the 90% of the FPL will be converted to non-spenddown.  They will receive a letter (sample attached, Letter 1 pdf file) informing them of the change.  It will be mailed the first week of September 2003.  All cases with income above 90% of the FPL will have a reduced spenddown amount.  A notice (sample attached, Letter 2 pdf file) will be included with the September invoice for October's spenddown informing them of this action and their hearing rights.  The new amount will be on the invoices for October's spenddown and on the MPNI screen for October.

When entering any IMU5 transaction prior to mass adjustment use the current income limit of $599.00 for single individuals and $829.00 for a married couple.  When entering an IMU5 transaction on ACTIVE cases after the adjustment, enter 90% of the FPL for the appropriate type of case as the expense in field 33.

For new approvals in September, continue to enter $599.00 for single and $829.00 for couples as the expense in field 33 of IMU5.  This will allow Division of Medical Services to send a September invoice based on the 80% of the FPL or SSI Maximum.  Overnight the system will adjust the case to the 90% of the FPL expense and an invoice will be sent for October based on the new income limit. The caseworker will need to notify the client of the change in spenddown amount or change to non-spenddown on the approval letter, IM-32SPND.

Starting October 1, 2003, the IMU5 system will require the new figures for entries in field 33 on all MA cases.

NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Begin using the new FPL figures as outlined in the memorandum.
DS

IM-113
[ 2003 Memorandums ]
IM-115