Connecticut Medicaid (Title 19): CSPA
This is the first in a series discussing the key terms and principles you’ll encounter when applying for Connecticut Medicaid benefits. We’ll begin with the CSPA, or Community Spouse Protected Amount.
The Community Spouse Protected Amount refers to the value of assets the “community spouse” is allowed to keep while the institutionalized spouse remains eligible for Connecticut Medicaid. The “community spouse” refers to the spouse remaining in the home that is not receiving Medicaid benefits. The starting point to determine the value of the CSPA is one-half of the married couple’s non-exempt assets valued as of the first day of continuous institutionalization. That figure is then either increased to $20,328 or decreased to $101,640 (as of 1/1/07).
It doesn’t end there however. While it may appear that the at-home spouse can only keep a maximum of $101,640 in non-exempt assets while the institutionalized spouse qualifies for Connecticut Medicaid, there is another opportunity to increase the CSPA. That opportunity comes in the form of a Fair Hearing. The Fair Hearing is your chance to protect more of your assets if certain conditions are met. It is important to note that the social worker assigned to your case does not have the authority to increase the CSPA, only the Fair Hearing Officer has the authority if you satisfy your burden of proof.
The CSPA is one of the items you’ll be focusing on if your spouse needs to qualify for Connecticut Medicaid and alternative asset protection strategies are not available. Make sure your team is prepared to protect your rights if you find yourself in a Medicaid situation.
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