25.3 CONSIDERATION OF MEDICAL EXPENSES

Medical Deductions Supplement

Section C

(1) General

The total non-reimbursable medical cost exceeds $35 per month. Apply the $35 exclusion to the household, not to individuals. The $35 is deducted for each month a medical deduction is allowed. The balance, in excess of the monthly $35 exclusion, is counted as a medical expense.

(2) Age of the Medical Expense

When considering a one-time medical expense, the following criteria apply:

a. do not consider how old the expense is or when it was incurred;

b. establish that the medical expense still exists;

c. establish whether it has previously been considered (if it has been considered in the food stamp budget before, it cannot be considered again); and

d. establish the current balance. Only the existing balance can be considered.

(3) Verification

Verify all medical expenses prior to allowing them as deductions. Do not provide a deduction if the expense cannot be verified. If the household subsequently provides the verification, redetermine benefits at that time.

Provide increased benefits, if any, according to established procedures for processing reported changes.

(4) Responsibility for Medical Expenses of a Non-Household Member

At times, the food stamp household is responsible for a non-household member’s medical expenses. This normally occurs when an individual dies or enters a nursing home.

The individual must have been an eligible HH member, and eligible for a medical deduction, immediately prior to entering the hospital or nursing home, or prior to death.

Consider only the following:

a. hospitalization;

b. out-patient care; and

c. nursing home care.

Glossary of Terms

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