It was previously reported (November 2003) that the state had requested approval from the federal government to begin asset testing for all adults under age 65 for MassHealth eligibility. The request was approved with one exception- parents or "caretaker relatives" will be exempt. Pregnant women will also be exempt. Advocates sought an exemption for disabled adults and lost. There is no look back period for asset transfers like there is for long term care eligibility determinations. Originally planned to begin on February 1, implementation has been postponed to at least April 15, 2004.

Asset limits will be: Adults on MassHealth Standard and MassHealth Basic- $3,000. Disabled adults on MassHealth Standard- $6,000. Working disabled adults on CommonHealth- $20,000 (if these individuals stop working they will be grandfathered in to another category without having to repeat an asset test).

Not all assets count under the proposed rules. Cash, bank accounts, and stocks almost always count. At least 1 car and the house of primary residence do not count. Asset limits will be phased in as individuals come up for redetermination, but will immediately be applicable for new applicants.

-Adapted from materials from Kim Simonian, MPH, Health Access and Community Partnerships, Partners Community Benefit Programs.