In Care Answered’s Changes in NYS Medicaid Webinar on October 15, we briefly discussed financial changes to Community Medicaid and went in depth about the potential care changes in Community Medicaid. As we discussed, these proposed changes seem to be ever evolving. Here is the latest update:
BEFORE: It was announced that a financial “look back” period for community Medicaid would be implemented on January 1, 2021. This meant that starting on January 1, the state would look at any transfers of money that took place on or after October 1, 2020 as a potential penalty for Community Medicaid.
NEW UPDATE: Under the Families First Cares Act (FFCRA), states cannot restrict eligibility until the quarter following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Because the pandemic PHE has been extended to January 23, 2021, New York State may not begin requiring the lookback and imposing transfer penalties until April 1, 2021. Therefore, due to the pandemic, the “look back” will not begin until at least April 1, 2021. However, the look back period will still extend back to October 1, 2020. This MAY also mean that if one applies for Medicaid before April 1, 2021, they will not be penalized for transfers made before their application submission.
This may be an indication that all the care and assessment changes to Community Medicaid will also not take place until at least April 1, 2021.
Either way, we recommend that you don’t wait to begin the application and Medicaid preparation process. Contact Care Answered to get resources on Medicaid Specialist and Elder Law Attorneys to get you started and we’re here to advocate for the care hours you need.
Care Answered will continue to keep you updated about Community Medicaid as additional details become available.
In the meantime, please stay safe and don’t forget to vote.