Changes in Public Benefits Numbers

MedicaidCHANGESIN PUBLIC BENEFITS NUMBERS

On January 1st of each calendar year, adjustments are made to many of thepublic benefits numbers in accordance with the cost of living. For themost recent adjustment period, the cost of living index increased 3.5%.The following numbers increased accordingly:

Medicaid IncomeLevels:
For a Single Individual$625
For a Couple $900
Medicaid Resource Levels:
For a Single Individual$3,750
For a Couple $5,400
Community Spouse Resource Allowance(CSRA):
Minimum: $74,820 Maximum: $87,000
Minimum Monthly MaintenanceNeeds Allowance (MMMNA): $2,175
Medicare Part B: $50
Skilled Nursing FacilityMedicare Co-payment for Days 21 thru 100: $99
SSI Maximum Monthly Payments:
For an Individual: $617
For a Couple: $900

Remember, for SSI eligibility purposes, there is now a transfer penaltyfor transfers of assets. It is similar to, but not the same as, the Medicaidtransfer of assets penalty. Also remember that there are new rules concerningSSI Trusts.

Littman Krooks & Roth P.C. offers legal services in several areas of law, includingEstate and Tax planning, Public Benefits, Medicaid, Health Care, Guardianship,Estate Administration/Probate, and Trusts and Estates. Our offices arelocated conveniently in Midtown Manhattan at 655 Third Avenue, and in WhitePlains, New York at 81 Main Street.

You can now visitus on the internet at www.elderlawnewyork.com. Our site containsarticles of interest written by partners and associates of our firm, frequentlyasked questions regarding elder law and estate planning, and a host ofadditional resources on these topics.

This publicationdoes not constitute the rendering of legal or other professional servicesby Littman Krooks & Roth P.C. While care is taken to present thematerial accurately, Littman Krooks & Roth P.C. disclaims anyimplied or actual warranties as to the accuracy of the material and anyliability with respect thereto.