Effective January 1, 2003, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) for spouses of nursing home residents will increase from thee current $89,280 to $90,660. In addition, the maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) will increase from $2,232 to $2,267 a month.

The CSRA is the maximum amount of countable assets that the spouse of a nursing home resident may have before the nursing home spouse qualifies for MassHealth coverage. The MMNA is an income allowance determined by the Division of Medical Assistance for each community spouse. If the community spouse's income is below her MMNA, she can make up the difference by receiving a share of the nursing home spouse's income. The MMNA is determined under a standard formula that takes into account some housing costs. The new maximum figure is a cap on the MMNA.

Both the CSRA and the maximum MMNA may be appealed and increased under certain circumstances.

11/2002