New MMMNA and Shelter Standard
By Jessica L. Kruse, Springfield, MO
Each year the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance and the shelter standard are increased, effective July 1, based upon any increases in the federal cost of living. On June 11, 2012, the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, issued Memorandum IM #49 announcing the new minimum monthly needs allowance to be $1,892.00, an increase from the previous minimum of $1,839.00, which had been effective since July 1, 2011. The new Shelter Standard is $568.00, an increase from the previous standard of $552.00, which also was effective July 1, 2011. These numbers are used in matters involving vendor (i.e., nursing home) MO HealthNet benefits for one spouse of a married couple to calculate how much, if any, could be allocated to the community spouse from the institutional spouse’s income.
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