“The Name on the Check” Rule

How does the state treat income in the case of a married Medicaid applicant?  Well, it depends on which Medicaid program we are talking about.  In the case of New Jersey’s 2 nursing home programs, Medicaid Only and Medically Needy, the applicant’s income is counted for purposes of eligibility but not the spouse’s.  Whoever’s name appears on the check determines whether it counts towards determining eligibility.  Only the applicants Social Security and pension counts, not the spouse’s.  This, however, applies only to the 2 institutional Medicaid programs.  For community Medicaid, what are referred to as the waiver programs, which New Jersey has rolled into its Global Options program,  household income is considered for purposes of eligibility.  That means both spouse’s income counts.