Certain numbers used to determine eligibility for Texas Medicaid benefits are subject to change every January 1st. For 2011 there were no changes in the income or resource limits. Unfortunately the minimum and maximum Community Spousal Protected Resource Amounts remained the same. The current figures are listed below.

Income Limit for an Individual:$2,022/month

Income Limit for a Couple: $4,044/month

Resource Limit for an Individual: $2,000

Resource Limit for a Couple: $3,000

Home equity is limited to $500,000

Minimum Community Spousal Protected Amount: $21,912

Maximum Community Spousal Protected Resource Amount: $109,560

How Does this Impact Your Family?

If your loved one’s income or assets exceed the values listed above do not give up. A Houston Medicaid Attorney can help you establish Medicaid eligibility through proven techniques while protecting everything your family is entitled to protect. Act now to secure Medicaid eligibility and eliminate the uncertainty and restless nights wondering who will pay the nursing home costs of more than $100 every day. Remember, only you can protect your rights and property. Call The Shea Law Firm at (832) 592-7913 to get started today.

TexasTitle19.com is your connection to an experienced Houston Medicaid Attorney who can help you find the right nursing home, get the best care, and pay for it all without going broke. We are currently focused on Harris and Montgomery Counties, including the areas of Houston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Humble, and Katy. We also provide consulting services throughout all of Texas.

Related posts:

1. Texas Medicaid Eligibility for 2010
2. Texas Resource Eligibility Limit
3. The Stimulus Check and Your Medicaid Eligibility

The Minimum Monthly Needs Allowance (MMNA) refers to the monthly income that the community spouse is allowed to retain while a spouse living in a nursing home can qualify for Texas Medicaid benefits. The “community spouse” refers to the spouse remaining in the home that is not receiving Texas Medicaid benefits.

The starting point to determine the MMNA is a minimum MMNA adjusted annually. For fiscal year 2008 the minimum MMNA is $1,750.00 per month.

This starting point is then adjusted by a separate calculation to determine the excess shelter allowance. The excess shelter allowance totals the following expenses:

• Rent, mortgage, or condo fees for a primary residence;
• Property taxes;
• Homeowner’s insurance; and
• Standard utility allowance.

From the total of those expenses, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services subtracts a predetermined standard shelter allowance. This is currently $534.00. The remaining balance is then added to the minimum MMNA ($1,750.00) to determine the community spouse’s actual Minimum Monthly Needs Allowance.

It is important to undersand the Case Worker does not have authority to approve an actual MMNA that exceeds $2,739.00 (adjusted annually). If your actual MMNA exceeds the maximum a case worker is allowed to approve, you should consider appealing to a Fair Hearing with your Texas Medicaid Attorney to protect your maximum income.

Why is this important? The MMNA plays a significant role in determining what assets and income the community spouse will be allowed to retain in order to create sufficient income to achieve his or her Minimum Monthly Needs Allowance. The MMNA is one of the items you will focus on if your spouse needs to qualify for Texas Medicaid.Your Texas Medicaid Attorney can protect your rights. With the wrong MMNA, you are leaving precious income and assets on the table.

Related posts:

1. Miller Trust Requirements – Part 2
2. Medicaid Eligibility 2011
3. Texas Medicaid Eligibility for 2010