medicaidplanner Staff asked 2 years ago
What to do if a situation has changed during application pending – inheritance, assets increase, incorrect info, residency change to assisted living from home, etc. How do we handle this, do we amend an application? What if these new factors change our eligibility? Do we cancel?
medicaidplanner Staff answered 2 years ago
Any change should be reported to the Medicaid agency in which one’s application was submitted as soon as possible. There are several ways in which this can be done and might include online, in person at one’s local Medicaid office, via phone, or by mail. Given the method of reporting can vary by state, it is recommended one contact their state’s Medicaid agency to inquire how one goes about reporting the change and what documentation, if any, is needed. Given the method of report (i.e., mail), a letter from the Medicaid applicant (or their representative) explaining how this new information fits into their pending application is recommended.
There is no need to cancel a pending application. This remains true even if the new factors change one’s eligibility. Based on federal law, a written notice with the reason for denial must be sent to the Medicaid applicant. Therefore, one can still learn something from a denied application. For instance, persons who were found ineligible due to “excess” assets can “spend down” their assets and reapply when they have assets under the limit. Persons could also work with a professional Medicaid Planner to implement Medicaid planning strategies to become financially eligible. Find a Medicaid Planner.