Brief Description: Concerning eligibility for long-term care services.

Sponsors: By Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Wallace and Moeller; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

The federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 limited the exemption status of an individual's home in determining eligibility for Medicaid-funded long-term care services. The state has the option to set the home equity standard between $500,000 and $750,000. The request legislation submitted by the Department of Social and Health Services sets the home equity exemption at no less than $500,000.

Summary:

Individuals with home equity in excess of $500,000 will be ineligible for Medicaid-funded long-term care services based on an application filed on or after May 1, 2006. If there is a spouse, or blind, disabled, or dependent children under age 21 living in the home, the home equity rule will not apply. The dollar amount of the home equity standard will be increased each year, beginning in 2011, based on the percentage increase in the consumer price index.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   95   0
Senate   44   0

Effective: July 22, 2007