Frequently Asked Questions for Partnership Agents
What are the current income and resource allowances for Medicaid?
The April 1, 2008 requirements are as follows:
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income | Resources (Assets)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | $725 | $8,700 | $13,050 |
| Two (Married) | $1,067 | $12,800 | $19,200 |
In addition to the income levels for home and community-based care, Medicaid allows a nursing home resident to keep $50 a month ($600 a year) of income, whereas an at-home spouse of the nursing home resident can keep at least $2,610 a month ($31,320 a year) of income. If the at-home spouse's income is less than $2,610 a month, an amount will be subtracted from the nursing home spouse's income in order to provide this amount.
If the community spouse's income is greater than $2,610 a month, then Medicaid requests that she/he contribute 25% of the amount over $2,610 toward the cost of his/her spouse's care. (See Medicaid Eligibility and the Treatment of Income and Assets Under the New York State Partnership.) This circumstance also applies to a couple at home where the Medicaid recipient is receiving specific home and community-based services under the New York State Medicaid Long-Term Home Health Care Program.
How do I obtain the required agent training for the sale of the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care?
Training programs are offered to agents and brokers across the State of New York. Select a location that is convenient for you and then call the Partnership office to pre-register. The phone is: 518-474-0662. Send the registration form with a check for $120.00 to secure your reservation for the training.
What benefits are available for the person who purchased a New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care policy and then relocates to another state?
The private insurance benefits are portable, i.e., available in the new state of residence. However, if the benefits of the policy should be exhausted and Medicaid Extended Coverage needed, the insured must return to New York to access Medicaid Extended Coverage. The New York State Partnership policyholder, a family member or representative can always use the Partnership's informational resources such as the web site, or contact the program office directly with any questions.
What is available from the New York Partnership for Long-Term Care to assist me in my Partnership sales efforts?
The Partnership has available the Consumer Booklet, a comprehensive treatment of the Partnership program directed to the potential purchaser. The booklet is a useful item for individual or group sales presentations. A tri-fold brochure is also available and makes an excellent direct mail piece. Also, the Partnership web site has a number of documents that may be useful in your sales efforts. Here is the link: Publications and Forms.
If a person in the Partnership program is in receipt of Home Care services at the time insurance benefits are exhausted, will home care benefits continue when s/he becomes eligible for Medicaid Extended Coverage?
A new assessment will be completed by the LDSS. If home care is deemed medically necessary, home care services will be provided according to a written plan of care.
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