M E M O R A N D U M

IM-147  11/05/03  UTILITY STANDARD AND ADJUSTMENT OF VENDOR CASES


SUBJECT:
UTILITY STANDARD AND ADJUSTMENT OF VENDOR CASES
DISCUSSION:
Effective October 2003, the utility standard increased from $248 to $252 for Food Stamps and for determining allotments for community spouses shown on vendor nursing home cases.  A separate memo explained how the increase will be implemented for Food Stamp cases.  This memo applies only to vendor cases. Only a small portion of vendor cases will actually show a change in the allotment and surplus because of the new utility standard. Therefore, this adjustment will not be handled in state office. State Office will list cases which appear to be immediately affected and send the lists to the appropriate counties and loads.

A case will appear on this list if it meets the following criteria:

  • The case is active at the time the listing is prepared; 
  • The case has a community spouse; 
  • The community spouse claims the utility standard; 
  • The maximum allotment is not coded "H" or "L"; 
  • The shelter expense is within the range that affects the maximum allotment after the utility standard increase is figured in.
If a case is incorrectly coded it should be adjusted, even though not appearing on a list.

Send an IM-62 to the claimant, relative or guardian and the facility, on any adjusted case. No listing of surplus changes or cases subject to immediate adjustment will be produced by state office for the nursing facilities. This adjustment should not result in any adverse actions, unless combined with other adjustments you may need to make.

Vendor cases with community spouses will not be listed for adjustment if:

  • Shelter expenses are so low that there is no excess shelter expense even with the adjustment; or 
  • Shelter expenses are so high that the maximum allotment is already at $2267.00.
These cases should be adjusted when other case activity occurs.  Use the new utility standard for all allotment determinations effective for October 2003, and later.
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Adjust any vendor cases on the above-described listings.  Adjust other cases as necessary due to the change in utility standard. Send proper notification. 
  • Adjust other vendor cases, with community spouses, as case actions are needed. 
  • Use $252 as the utility standard for all allotment determinations for October 2003 and later.
GS
IM-146
[ 2003 Memorandums ]
IM-148