This manual letter lists new and revised material for the Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM). Unless otherwise noted, new and revised instructions are effective December 1, 2009.
Chapter 04 - Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits.
Updated sections for 2010 annual changes.
Chapter 21 - Income Calculation (Community).
Updated sections for 2010 annual changes.
Chapter 22 - Standards and Guidelines.
Updated sections for 2010 annual changes.
Chapter 04 - Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits
l Section 04.15 - Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The individual maximum payment amount will remain at $674 and the couple maximum payment amount will remain at $1,011 for 2010.
l Section 04.40.10 - Medicare Part B.
n A significant change for Medicare Part B is that beginning in 2010, people new to Medicare will pay a higher premium for Part B that many of those who were already active on Medicare in 2009.
n The list of 2010 Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) that subsidize Part B premiums is updated and adds the premium amounts for people enrolled on or after January 1, 2010.
l Section 04.40.20.05 - Medicare Part D Benchmark Plans.
n 2010 Medicare Part D Benchmark Plans are listed.
n 2009 Benchmark Plans not available in 2010 are listed.
Chapter 21 - Income Calculation (Community)
l Section 21.50.15.05 - Pickle Disregard Cost of Living (COLA) Chart.
The Pickle Disregard computation factor decreases to 1 for 2010 because there is no change in the RSDI amount for this year.
l Section 21.50.40 - Blind or Disabled Student Child Disregard.
The maximum disregard amounts for 2010 remain at $1,640 per month and $6,600 per year.
Chapter 22 - Standards and Guidelines
l Section 22.10 - Special Income Standard (SIS).
The Special Income Standard for 2010 remains at $2,022 per month.
l Section 22.40 - Minimum/Maximum Asset Allowance.
The minimum asset allowance for 2010 remains at $31,094 and the maximum asset allowance for 2010 remains at $109,560.
l Section 22.45 - Long-Term Care (LTC) Allowances.
n The personal needs allowance for 2010 remains at $89.
n The maximum monthly income allowance for a community spouse for 2010 remains at $2,739.
l Section 22.50 - Remedial Care Expense.
The Remedial Care Expense amount for January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2010, remains at $258.
l Section 22.55 - Medicare Cost-Sharing Amounts.
n Medicare Part A cost-sharing amounts for 2010 are listed.
n Medicare Part B cost-sharing amounts for 2010 are listed.
n Medicare Part D cost-sharing amounts for 2010 are listed.