There have been changes to two key numbers Florida uses when assessing an applicant’s eligibility for Medicaid nursing home benefits. These changes went into effect July 1, 2019.
Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance:
The income of an applicant’s spouse is not considered when assessing the applicant’s eligibility for Florida Medicaid long-term nursing care benefits. However, if the “community” (well) spouse’s income falls below the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance, a portion of the applicant’s income may be diverted to the well spouse in order to bring the well spouse’s income to that level. Effective July 1, 2019, the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance increased to $2,113.75 (was $2,058.00).
Penalty Divisor:
The penalty divisor is used to calculate the length of any penalty period that will be imposed if the applicant has made transfers for less than fair market value during the five-year period preceding application. (The divisor is effectively an estimate of the monthly cost of nursing home care in the state.) Effective July 1, 2019 the divisor increased to $9,486 (was $9,171).
To read about how these changes may impact your or a loved one’s eligibility for Florida Medicaid benefits for long-term care, click here.
