DEPARTMENT OF AGINGmdoa.state.md.us/Documents/04112017EligibilityMemo.pdfEffective 7/1/2015 ... Impoverishment Protection Standards ... $3,022.50 Minimum Resource Standard $24,180

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DEPARTMENT OF AGING MEMORANDUM # 17‐01 April 11,2017

TO: Area Agency on Aging Directors Maryland Access Point Staff FROM: Dina Gordon, Deputy Secretary SUBJECT: Update on Eligibility Requirements for Select Income‐Based Federal and State Programs

The Maryland Department of Aging periodically informs the Aging Network about changes in eligibility criteria for various income‐based Federal and State programs that can benefit older adults and adults with disabilities. This memorandum is to alert you about eligibility criteria changes. The attached chart outlines income criteria for “individual” and “couple” households. For larger households, eligibility criteria may be obtained from the individual programs. Dates for eligibility level changes vary by program, and are noted on the chart. Occasionally, new programs are implemented or date changes for existing programs may not align with the periodic updates. MDoA tracks such changes and will endeavor to keep you informed through this Memo which is released twice a year on January 30th and June 30th.

To find the latest memoranda and chart, start on the home page of the MDoA’s website,

www.aging.maryland.gov. Go to “For Professionals” in the left column, and click on “Eligibility Criteria for Federal & State Programs.”

301 West Preston Street Suite 1007 Baltimore, Maryland 21201‐2374

Local: 410‐767‐1100 Toll Free: 1‐800‐243‐3425 TTY users call via Maryland Relay

Fax: 410‐333‐7943 www.aging.maryland.gov

Larry Hogan Governor

Boyd K. Rutherford

Lt. Governor

Rona E. Kramer Secretary

Larry Hogan Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Lt. Governor

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Memorandum # 17‐01 April 11,2017

Maryland Access Point (MAP) Specialists are located in Area Agencies on Aging throughout the

State, and are available to assist the general public with accessing public and private programs and services that may assist the individual with remaining in a home or community-based setting or transition out of a nursing facility. MAP Specialists are trained across a wide continuum to provide basic information, benefits counseling, strategic planning to maintain independence in the community, and access to long term services and supports. MAP Specialists include Information and Assistance staff and Options Counselors. They work with a wide range of consumers, including older adults, family caregivers, and adults age 18 years and older with disabilities. There are three ways to access MAP.

1. Call the statewide toll-free phone number at 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465). 2. Connect via the dedicated website at www.marylandaccesspoint.info. 3. Twenty physical locations across Maryland.

2017 MEMO ‐ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTED FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS

Federal/State Monthly

(or Annual) Income Test Individuals

Monthly (or Annual) Income Test Couples

Annual Asset Test Individuals

Annual Asset Test

Couple/ Household of

Two

Notes

Federal Poverty

Guidelines

$12,060/yr

$16,240/yr

Change effective: (January 31, 2017)

Source:

https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty‐guidelines

301 West Preston Street Suite 1007 Baltimore, Maryland 21201‐2374

Local: 410‐767‐1100 Toll Free: 1‐800‐243‐3425 TTY users call via Maryland Relay

Fax: 410‐333‐7943 www.aging.maryland.gov

Home and Community Services

Federal/State Monthly (or Annual) Income Test Individuals



Annual Asset Test Couple/

Household of Two

Notes

Accessible Homes for Seniors

Maximum Statewide $48,000 /yr

Calvert, Charles, Frederick,

Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties $61,650/yr

Maximum Statewide $55,000/yr

Calvert, Charles, Frederick,

Montgomery& Prince George’s Counties $69,850/yr

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

Accessible Homes for Seniors provides zero‐interest loans and grants for home modifications that support aging in place for individuals age 55 or older. Loan payments are deferred for 30 years or until the sale or transfer of ownership of the home. If the senior resides in the home of a relative, eligibility is based on the owner’s income and is determined on a case‐by‐case basis. Seniors living with a relative or child with a disability in a home owned by the senior may qualify on a case‐by‐case basis. Next Expected change: June 2017 Source: http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/ahsp/default.aspx

Attendant Care Program

<$119,999/ year

<$119,999 / year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

The Attendant Care Program provides financial reimbursement to individuals with long‐term or severe physical disabilities who require attendant services such as in‐home assistance with personal care, household chores, and transportation. Effective 7/1/2015 Source: http://mdod.maryland.gov/acp/Pages/Attendant‐Care‐Home.aspx

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Home and Community Services Federal/State Monthly





Household of Two

Notes

Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) Subsidy

$2,841/ Month

$34,092/ Year

$3,715/ Month

$44,580/ Year

$27,375 $35,587 The Congregate Housing Services Program is to provide support services and State subsidies to eligible residents of low and moderate income senior housing who, due to advanced age or chronic health conditions, need daily help with activities such as meals, housekeeping, and personal services. Effective : July 1, 2016 Source: http://www.aging.maryland.gov/Pages/CHSP.aspxa

Community First Choice (CFC)‐ (Over 65 or under 65 with Medicare & Non –Parent/ Caregiver Relative)

$350/ month

$4,200/ Year

$392/ month

$4,704/ Year

$2,500

$3,000 Maryland’s Community First Choice option provides community services and supports to enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in their own homes. CFC does not include services in assisted living or nursing facilities. Effective 1/1/2017 Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/longtermcare/pages/Community‐First‐Choice.aspx

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Home and Community Services Federal/State Monthly





Household of Two

Notes

Community First Choice (CFC)‐ (Under age 65 without Medicare)

$1,366/ month

$16,400/ year

$1,842/ month

$22,100/ year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

Maryland’s Community First Choice option provides community services and supports to enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in their own homes. CFC does not include services in assisted living or nursing facilities. Effective 1/1/2017 Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/longtermcare/pages/Community‐First‐Choice.aspx

Community First Choice (CFC)‐ (Over Age 65 and Parent/Caretaker of a child)

$1,217/ month

$14,614/ year

$1,642/ month

$19,704/ year

$2,500

$3,000 Maryland’s Community First Choice option provides community services and supports to enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in their own homes. CFC does not include services in assisted living or nursing facilities. Effective 1/1/2017 Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/longtermcare/pages/Community‐First‐Choice.aspx

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Household of Two

Notes

Community Personal Assistance Service (CPAS)

Same as CFC Same as CFC Same as CFC

Same as CFC

CPAS assists those who are frail or disabled with personal care and other activities such as grocery shopping and laundry. A Registered Nurse monitors care through a home visit every other month. Effective 1/1/2017 Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SiteAssets/SitePages/Community%20First%20Choice/CPAS%20Fact%20Sheet%2010.14.15.pdf

Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) (For Elderly/Disabled as separate household)

$1,634/ Month

$19,608/ Year

$2,203/ Month

$26,436/ Year

$2,001 $3,001 The Food Supplemental Program helps low‐income households buy the food they need for good health. **If they are categorically eligible then there’s no asset requirement. Note: financial eligibility varies based on the household size. Effective 10/1/2016 Source: See attachment 1

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Household of Two

Notes

Home and Community‐Based Options Waiver

$2,207/ month To qualify, only

individual income is considered

$2,000 or $2,500

depending on eligibility category

$2,500 Maryland’s Home and Community‐Based Options Waiver provides community services and supports to enable older adults and people with physical disabilities to live in their own homes. Effective: 1/1/2017 Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/waiverprograms/Pages/Home.aspx

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance

See Attachment 2

See Attachment 2

The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program is a program for individuals with disabilities. It will assist with rent payment while the individual lives in participating units. The tenant pays 30% of their income for rent and utilities, and the program pays the rest of the rent directly to the landlord.

Source:

http://mdod.maryland.gov/housing/Pages/section811.aspx

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Household of Two

Notes

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program

$2,841/ Month

$34,092/ Year

$3,715/ Month

$44,580/ Year

$11,000

$14,000 The Senior Assisted Group Home Subsidy Program provides access to assisted living in small group homes which are licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for 4 ‐16 residents. Effective: 7/1/2016 Contact: Dakota Burgess Maryland Department of Aging [email protected]

Senior Care Program

$2,841/ Month

$34,092/ Year

$3,715/ Month

$44,580/ Year

$11,000

$14,000 The Senior Care Program provides in‐home services and other support services to persons 65 and older. Effective: 7/1/2016 Contact: Dakota Burgess Maryland Department of Aging [email protected]

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Medical Assistance Programs Federal/State Monthly





Household of Two

Notes

Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program

2,918/ Month

$35,016/ Year

$3,932/ Month

$47,184/ Year

Less than $10,000 in countable resources

Less than $15,000 in countable resources

The Employed Individuals with Disabilities extends Medical Assistance health benefits to working Marylanders with disabilities. This program lets individuals return to work and keep health benefits. Individuals in EID must be between ages 18‐64. Source: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/eid/Pages/Home.aspx

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) For ABD (Aged, Blind or Disabled)

$350/ Month

$392/ month $2,500 $3,000 Medical Assistance (also called Medicaid) is a program that pays the medical bills of people who have low income and cannot afford medical care. Note: financial eligibility varies based on the household size. Effective: 01/01/2016 Source:

‐Monthly Income And Asset Guidelines Medical

Care Programs

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – Spousal Impoverishment Protection Standards

Minimum Monthly

Maintenance Needs Allowance

$2,002.50

Maximum Monthly

Maintenance Needs

Allowance $3,022.50

Minimum Resource Standard $24,180

Maximum Resource Standard $120,900

Under the Medicaid spousal impoverishment provisions, a certain amount of the couple's combined resources is protected for the spouse living in the community. Effective: 7/1/2016 Source: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/downloads/spousal‐impoverishment/2017‐ssi‐and‐spousal‐impoverishment‐standards.pdf

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Medical Assistance ProgramsFederal/State Monthly





Household of Two

Notes

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)

$1,025/ month

$1,374/ month

$7,390 $11,090 QMB Pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, co‐payments, and deductibles. *$20 = Amount of the Monthly SSI Income Disregard Effective: 04/2017 Source: https://www.medicare.gov/your‐medicare‐costs/help‐paying‐costs/medicare‐savings‐program/medicare‐savings‐programs.html#collapse‐2614

Specified Low‐Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

$1,226/ month

$1,644/ month

$7,390 $11,090 Similar to QMB but pays only the part B premium. *$20 = Amount of the Monthly SSI Income Disregard Effective: 04/2017 Source: https://www.medicare.gov/your‐medicare‐costs/help‐paying‐costs/medicare‐savings‐program/medicare‐savings‐programs.html#collapse‐2614

Specified Low‐Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) II/QI‐1

$1,377/ month

$1,847/ month

$7,390 $11,090 Similar to QMB but pays only the part B premium. *$20 = Amount of the Monthly SSI Income Disregard‐Effective: 04/2017 Source: https://www.medicare.gov/your‐medicare‐costs/help‐paying‐costs/medicare‐savings‐program/medicare‐savings‐programs.html#collapse‐2614

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Prescription Assistance Programs

Federal/State Monthly (or

Annual) Income Test

Individuals



Annual Asset Test

Couple/ Household of

Two

Notes

“Extra Help” with Medicare Prescription Drug plan costs.

$18,090/ year

$24,360/ year

$13,820

$27,600 This program is also called the Low

Income Subsidy program, or LIS. The program pays a part or most of the premium, and reduces the price of drug co‐copayments. *$20 = Amount of the Monthly SSI Income Disregard Effective: 04/2017 Source: http://www.medicare.gov/your‐medicare‐costs/help‐paying‐costs/save‐on‐drug‐costs/save‐on‐drug‐costs.html

State of Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)

$35,640/ year

$48,060/ year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test The Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) provides financial assistance to moderate‐income Maryland residents who are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in a prescription drug plan. * SPDAP pays up to $40 premium assistance to Part D drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans with drug benefits Effective: 1/1/2017 Source:

‐ www.marylandspdap.com ‐ http://marylandspdap.com/wp‐

content/uploads/2017/01/SPDAP‐Application‐2017‐11‐17‐16‐Sean‐Edits‐clean.pdf

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Utilities Assistance Program


Annual) Income Test

Individuals




Household of Two

Notes

Electrical Universal Service Program (EUSP)

$1,733.00/ Month

$20,790/ Year

$2,336.00/ Month

$28,035/ Year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) assists eligible low‐income electric customers with their electric bills. Eligible electric customers may receive help in three ways:

1. Help to pay current electric bills 2. Help to pay past due electric bills 3. Help with energy efficiency

measures to reduce future electric bills.

Note: financial eligibility varies based on the household size. Next expected change:06/30/2017 Source: http://dhr.maryland.gov/office‐of‐home‐energy‐programs/how‐do‐you‐apply/

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

$1,733.00/ Month

$20,790/ Year

$2,336.00/ Month

$28,035/ Year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance with home heating bills. Limited assistance is available to replace broken or inefficient furnaces. Note: financial eligibility varies based on the household size. Next expected change: 06/30/2017 Source: http://dhr.maryland.gov/office‐of‐home‐energy‐programs/how‐do‐you‐apply/

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Utilities Assistance Program


Annual) Income Test

Individuals




Household of Two

Notes

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

$1,980/ Month

$23,760/ Year

$2,670/ Month

$32,040/ Year

No Asset Test

No Asset Test

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible low income households with the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units Effective 2/2016 Source: Note: financial eligibility varies based on the household size. Source: http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/wap/Default.aspx

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Others Federal/State Monthly SSI

Federal Benefit Rate

(FBR) Individual

SSI Federal Benefit

Rate (FBR)

Couple

Annual Asset Test Individual

Annual Asset Test Couple

Notes

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

$735 $1,103 $2,000 $3,000 Supplemental Security Income pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Effective 1/1/2017 Source: http://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text‐eligibility‐ussi.htm

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Attachment 1

Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

TO: DIRECTORS, LOCAL DEPARTMENTS OF SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPUTY/ASSISTANT DIRECTORS FOR FAMILY INVESTMENT FAMILY INVESTMENT SUPERVISOR AND ELIGIBILITY STAFF

FROM: TRACEY C. PALIATH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RE: FOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM (FSP) MASS CHANGES OCTOBER 2016 PROGRAM AFFECTED: FOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM ORIGINATING OFFICE: OFFICE OF PROGRAMS SUMMARY

Each August, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes the

updated standards for income and deductions for the next federal fiscal year (FFY).

Only two deductions will change in FFY17. Effective October 1, 2016, standard

deductions for households of one to three and excess shelter deductions for the Food

Supplement Program (FSP) will increase.

The standard deductions for households of one to three increased slightly to $157. The

standard deductions for households of four remains at $168 for a household of four,

$197 for a household of five and $226 for households of six or larger. The new FSP

excess shelter deduction increased slightly to $517. CARES will automatically generate

customer notices for increases at the time of the mass change in September 2016.

This Action Transmittal (AT) replaces AT 16-06.

ACTION REQUIRED

Attached are the updated income and standard deduction FSP manual pages reflecting

the new standards effective October 1, 2016.

Department of Human Resources 311 West Saratoga Street

Baltimore MD 21201

FIA ACTION TRANSMITTAL

Control Number: # 17-6 Effective Date: October 1, 2016

Issuance Date: September 8, 2016

2

Reminder: The homeless shelter deduction remains at $143. Households in which all

members are homeless, but who do not receive free shelter, qualify for the standard

homeless shelter deduction of $143.

Use actual shelter expenses, rather than the homeless shelter deduction, if the actual

shelter costs result in an excess shelter deduction that is higher than the $143

homeless deduction.

Food supplement benefit recoupment amounts do not require action by case managers.

The only exceptions are recoupment cases when the payment plan source is grant

reduction (GR) or court order (CO). CARES generates a report identifying these cases.

Case managers must then manually update those identified cases.

PAYMENT ACCURACY

The changes in income and standard deduction for FSP benefits will not affect payment

accuracy.

INQUIRIES: Please direct FSP policy questions to Vera Lynch at 410-767-7953 or

[email protected] and CARES questions to Maryann Maher at 410-238-1363 or

[email protected].

Attachments: Revised FSP Manual Section 600, pages 1 and 2

cc: DHR Executive Staff

Constituent Services

DHR Help Desk

FIA Management Staff

mailto:[email protected]

Revised 10/2016

600.1 STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY AND MAXIMUM ALLOTMENTS

A. The standards for the following appear in Section 600, page 2.

1. Column A - Maximum Gross Monthly Income Standards (130% of poverty) 2. Column B - Maximum Net Monthly Income Standards (100% of poverty) 3. Column C - Maximum Gross Income Standard for Elderly and Disabled

Separate Household (165% of poverty) 4. Column D - Thrifty Food Plan/Maximum Allotment

B. Standards 1, 2, and 3 are used to determine household eligibility and not for

computing allotments. 600.2 FORMULA CALCULATION

A. Multiply the household’s net monthly income by 30%. B. Round the product up to the next whole dollar if any cents result. C. Subtract the product from the maximum allotment amount for the household size

found in Column D, Section 600.

NOTE: In an initial month, if the allotment is less than $10, no benefit is issued. Except in an initial month, all eligible one and two person households must be issued the minimum allotment of $16.

600.3 DEDUCTION STANDARDS

Standard Deduction Household size up to and including 3 people--------------------- $157 Household of 4------------------------------------------------------------ $168

Household size of 5-------------------------------------------- $197 Household size of 6 or more--------------------------------- $226

Excess Shelter Deduction---------------------------------------up to $517 Homeless Household Shelter Allowance--------------------------- $143 Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)------------------------------------ $406 Limited Utility Allowance (LUA)--------------------------------------- $246 Telephone Standard----------------------------------------------------- $40

* The excess shelter deduction does not apply to households with an aged or disabled member. These households receive an uncapped shelter deduction.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION

FOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM MANUAL

STANDARDS FOR INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS Section 600 Page 1

Revised 10/2016

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION

FOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM MANUAL

STANDARDS FOR INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS Section 600 Page 2

600.4 Determining the Food Supplement Program Allotment

A. Determine a household’s monthly food supplement allotment by using the Basis of Issuance Tables:

1. Calculate the household’s net monthly income. 2. Compare the household’s net monthly income to the maximum net monthly

income standard, Column B below. Households that are not categorically eligible for food supplements will have net monthly incomes that are lower than or equal to the amounts shown in Column B.

3. Find the allotment by reading in the Basis of Issuance Tables, down to the appropriate income and across to the appropriate household size.

NOTE: A household that is categorically eligible is entitled to any allotment shown in the appropriate column on the tables. Persons in household sizes of one or two and categorically eligible are eligible for a benefit of $16, even if the tables do not show a benefit amount at their net income levels.

Household Size

Col. A

Maximum Gross Monthly Income* 130% of Poverty

Col. B

Maximum Net Monthly Income* 100% of Poverty

Col. C Monthly Income Elderly/Disabled

Separate Household* 165%

of Poverty

Col. D

Maximum Allotment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each Additional Member

$1276 1726 2177 2628 3078 3529 3980 4430

+451

$ 981 1328 1675 2021 2368 2715 3061 3408

+347

$1619 2191 2763 3335 3907 4479 5051 5623

+572

$194 357 511 649 771 925 1022 1169

+146

* Maximum gross and net monthly income figures are not used for computing the food

supplement allotment. They are included as a reference for determining the household’s eligibility.

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Attachment 2

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance

Maryland County MSA Area Median Income 1 person

household

2 person

household

3 person

household

ALLEGANY Cumberland, MD-WV $55,100 15,200 17,350 20,160

ANNE ARUNDEL Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

BALTIMORE CITY, MD Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

BALTIMORE Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

CALVERT Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,600 22,850 26,100 29,350

CAROLINE NON METRO AREA $68,200 15,200 17,350 20,160

CARROLL Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

CECIL Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $80,300 16,900 19,300 21,700

CHARLES Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,600 22,850 26,100 29,350

DORCHESTER NON METRO AREA $59,400 15,200 17,350 20,160

FREDERICK Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,600 22,850 26,100 29,350

GARRETT NON METRO AREA $57,800 15,200 17,350 20,160

HARFORD Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

HOWARD Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

KENT NON METRO AREA $74,300 15,650 17,850 20,160

MONTGOMERY Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,600 22,850 26,100 29,350

PRINCE GEORGE'S Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,600 22,850 26,100 29,350

QUEEN ANNE'S Baltimore-Towson, MD $86,700 18,200 20,800 23,400

SOMERSET Salisbury, MD $54,800 15,200 17,350 20,160

St. Mary's County California-Lexington Park $97,000 20,400 23,300 26,200

TALBOT NON METRO AREA $76,800 16,150 18,450 20,750

WASHINGTON Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV $69,900 15,200 17,350 20,160

WICOMICO Salisbury, MD $62,000 15,200 17,350 20,160

WORCESTER Salisbury, MD $70,700 15,200 17,350 20,160

30% income limitsFY2016 Area Median Income