Medicaid:

A cooperative federal and state funded program to provide health care to needy individuals. Medicaid is known as “Medi-Cal” in California, “Access” in Arizona, “MassHealth” in Massachusetts, and by other names in other states.

Community Spouse:

The spouse of a person residing in an institution who does not live in a nursing home or institution.

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA):

The amount of assets a community spouse is allowed to keep and still have his or her spouse receive Medicaid benefits in a nursing home.

Exempt Assets:

Assets which a Medicaid applicant is allowed to own and still qualify for benefits.

Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS):

Federally mandated system established to obtain, use and verify information relevant to the determination of eligibility and share of cost.

Institutionalized Individual:

An individual who is a resident of a nursing home or medical institution.

Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance:

The amount of income a community spouse is allowed to keep before a share of cost is due to the nursing home.

Patient’s Bill of Rights:

A list of guaranteed rights to which nursing home residents are entitled to ensure their health and safety.

Penalty Period:

The period for which a transfer of assets by a Medicaid applicant creates ineligibility for benefits.

Property Reserve:

The amount of all non-exempt assets owned by the Medicaid applicant and his or her spouse.

Share of Cost:

A person’s income in excess of his or her maintenance need that must be paid toward the cost of health care services before the person may receive Medicaid benefits.