The Department of Human Services (DHS) Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) has announced important updates to both the Alternative Care (AC) Program and Essential Community Supports (ECS) Eligibility Worksheets. These revisions, effective July 1, 2022, are crucial for assessors and case managers involved in these programs. The changes are primarily due to the annual adjustments in the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) limits, along with updates to rates and income standards. This article breaks down the key updates to ensure professionals are well-informed about the latest requirements.
Key Changes to the AC Program Eligibility Worksheet Effective July 1, 2022
The AC Program Eligibility Worksheet, officially titled “Alternative Care Program Eligibility Worksheet” (DHS-2630), along with its Type A variant (DHS-2630A), has been updated to reflect current financial standards. These updates are essential for accurate eligibility determinations and program administration. Here’s a breakdown of the specific changes:
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Form Title Update: Form DHS-2630 now explicitly bears the title “Alternative Care Program Eligibility Worksheet” for clarity and precision. This seemingly minor change enhances the usability and reduces potential confusion when referencing the document.
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Personal Needs Amount Adjustment: The Personal Needs Amount, a critical factor in determining eligibility, has been revised. While the exact amount isn’t specified in this announcement, it’s a key figure to note in the updated worksheet to ensure accurate calculations for program participants.
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Projected Nursing Facility Care Cost and MA Asset Limit Update: The calculation for projected nursing facility care costs over 135 days, in conjunction with the Medical Assistance (MA) asset limit, has been updated. This figure is central to financial eligibility assessments and is directly tied to the Statewide Average Payment for Skilled Nursing Facility (SAPSNF) care rate. This adjustment ensures the worksheet reflects current healthcare costs.
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SAPSNF Care Rate Revision: The Statewide Average Payment for Skilled Nursing Facility (SAPSNF) care rate itself has been updated. This rate is a benchmark used in eligibility calculations, and its revision is a direct consequence of evolving healthcare costs within the state.
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FPG Amounts for Eligibility Determination: The Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) amounts, fundamental to many eligibility criteria, have been updated. These updated FPG figures are essential for proper eligibility determination across various aspects of the AC program and related assistance programs.
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Income Standard for QI-1/QMB/SLMB Referrals: The income standard used for lead agency referrals to QI-1, QMB, and SLMB programs has been adjusted. These programs offer crucial support for individuals with specific income and asset levels, and the updated income standard ensures appropriate referrals.
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Spousal Allocation and Community Spouse Asset Allowance (DHS-2630A): For DHS-2630A, specifically designed for spousal situations, both the Spousal Allocation amount and the Community Spouse Asset Allowance have been revised. These figures are vital for protecting the financial stability of the spouse not requiring care while ensuring the individual needing care can access program benefits.
ECS Eligibility Worksheet Updates Effective July 1, 2022
The Essential Community Supports (ECS) Eligibility Worksheets, including DHS-6683 and DHS-6683A (for married individuals), have also undergone revisions effective July 1, 2022. These changes mirror some of those in the AC Program worksheets, focusing on key financial benchmarks:
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Personal Needs Amount Revision: Similar to the AC Program worksheet, the Personal Needs Amount in the ECS worksheets has been updated. This adjustment impacts the amount set aside for personal needs when determining financial eligibility for ECS programs.
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Projected Nursing Facility Care Cost and MA Asset Limit Update: The projected nursing facility care cost for 135 days, combined with the MA asset limit, has been revised in the ECS worksheets as well. This ensures consistency in financial assessments across different support programs.
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FPG Amounts for Eligibility Determination: Updated Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) amounts are also incorporated into the ECS Eligibility Worksheets. Using the most current FPG ensures accurate and fair eligibility assessments for community support services.
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Income Standard for QI-1/QMB/SLMB Referrals: The income standard for referrals to QI-1, QMB, and SLMB programs has been updated in the ECS context as well. This consistent income standard across programs simplifies the referral process and ensures individuals are connected to the appropriate assistance.
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Spousal Allocation (DHS-6683A): For the ECS worksheet addressing married individuals (DHS-6683A), the Spousal Allocation amount has been updated. This revision is crucial for accurately assessing eligibility when only one spouse is seeking services, protecting the financial interests of both individuals.
Questions and Further Information
For any questions or clarifications regarding these updates to the AC Program and ECS Eligibility Worksheets, or for more detailed information about the programs themselves, please reach out to the DHS Aging and Adult Services Division directly at [email protected]. Staying informed about these changes ensures accurate and effective service delivery for those relying on these vital support programs.
For archived announcements and further resources, you can visit the AASD ARCHIVE. Additionally, keep an eye on the CBSM – What’s new section within the Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM) for ongoing policy updates.
