Supplemental Needs Law to Give NY Seniors More Income in 2018

The passing of the Pooled Trust Notification Bill earlier this month may soon eliminate the need for New York seniors to "spend down" and offset their medical expenses monthly, so as not to exceed

Medicaid income limits.

The bill, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Dec. 18, 2017, requires Medicaid applicants be given notice in "plain language" of the availability of Supplemental Needs Tools (SNTs) that legally shield excess income from being used for Medicaid purposes.

By using an SNT, a disabled, blind or elderly Medicaid recipient can actually keep the benefit of almost all of their income, rather than having to pay a portion of it towards the cost of their care (e.g., for home care services). Income placed in an SNT can also qualify someone for a Medicare Savings Program.

The new law will take effect on June 16, 2018. For more information and help qualifying for home health care services through Medicaid, contact our Eldercare Navigator resource specialists today.