|
|
Property Assessments
The Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act (MCCA) allows that a couple (or their representative) may request to have a property assessment to determine how their resources would be counted and valued when one spouse is in LTC and the other spouse is in the home, even though they are not presently applying for MC. Property assessments are limited to couples when:
- The application is made on or after January 1, 1990, and
- One spouse has been institutionalized on or after September 30, 1989.
A couple meeting the criteria above, may also request a property assessment be completed at the time of their application for MC. If an assessment is requested as part of the MC application, the EW must complete the MC 176PA, Property Worksheet/Assessment and issue a copy to each spouse and/or their representative(s), and retain the original in the case folder.
Property Assessment Application and Statement of Facts
If the EW determines at the initial interview that the client is only requesting a property assessment and does not want to apply for MC at this time:
- Have the client sign the “Withdrawal of Medi-Cal” (SCD 166)
- Either the community spouse, the institutionalized person, or their representative must sign the Medi-Cal Property Assessment Application, MC 176PA-A.
-
Note: This form must also be signed by the EW. A copy must be given to each of the spouses and/or their representative(s). Scan a copy into Imaging.
-
Completing the Property Assessment
The Property Worksheet/Assessment for Institutionalized Spouses, MC 176PA, page 1-2 is used to complete the property assessment.
- If verifications have not been provided after a reasonable time, the EW shall use the values stated on the statement of facts form to complete the assessment.
- Document on the worksheet (MC 176 PA) that verification was not provided.
The EW must complete and explain the MC 176 PA to the client.
- A copy must be provided to each spouse and/or their representative. Scan a copy into Imaging.
Notices of Action are not required, as an assessment is not an application for Medi-Cal. The value of property held at the time of the actual application for Medi-Cal will be used. Fair Hearings will not be granted to individuals who are only requesting an assessment.
Related Topics