Did you know that there is a way for low-income community spouses of Medicaid applicants to hold onto extra assets? We have had the opportunity in an array of cases over the years to obtain greater protection for such spouses. Ordinarily, the combined available marital assets must be “spent down” to a certain level before an application for Medicaid can be filed to pay for the nursing home care. N.J.A.C. 10:71-4.8. The community spouse’s share is the CSRA. Also, the community spouse is entitled to a minimal basic level of income, called MMMNA. N.J.A.C. 10:71-5.7. If her income is less than that, some of her spouse’s income will be deducted and allocated to her each month. If the combined incomes are insufficient for this, extra assets can be reserved through a Hearing at the Office of Administrative Law.
One of my cases was N.F. vs. Monmouth County Board of Social Services,
OAL docket no:HMA-12006-09, DMAHS Final Agency Decision dated May 11, 2010. The Community spouse resource allowance was increased by $69,411.50 per N.J.A.C. 10:71-4.8(a)(5) and 5.7(d), because the combined income of the spouses was insufficient to provide the community spouse with the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Allowance.
Attorney: Linda S. Ershow-Levenberg, Esq.