[Hilary]

It's official - there will be no increase to the LIS/Extra Help assets limits in 2010. The asset limits for LIS/Extra Help will remain the same in 2010 as they are now in 2009.

Full LIS/Extra Help Asset Levels (including $1,500 for burial)

Single 2009 LIS Asset Limit
$8,100

2010 LIS Asset Limit
$8,100

Married 2009 Asset Limit
$12,910

2010 Asset Limit
$12,910

Partial LIS/Extra Help (including $1,500 for burial)

Single 2009 LIS Asset Limit
$12,510

2010 Asset Limit
$12,510


Married 2009 Asset Limit
$25,010

2010 Asset Limit
$25,010

These asset levels will also be used in every state for Medicare Savings Programs eligibility determinations in 2010, when MIPPA requires that the full LIS/Extra Help assets limits be used as eligibility criteria for the Medicare Savings Programs.

Read the CMS Memorandum here.

Additional Considerations for Medicare Savings Programs - Burial Funds

Many states have burial fund limits that are different from the LIS/Extra Help $1,500 rule. Moreover, many states have stricter rules about how monies to be used for burial must be kept. For example, while for LIS/Extra Help, your clients need only state that they intend to use $1,500 for that purpose, many states have stricter rules, such as requiring that the money be kept in a separate bank account. Check for such rules with your Medicaid office.

Training Opportunities

Learn more about Part D and additional changes that will affect you and your clients in 2010

CMS National Medicare Training Program

Today - Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 2:30 PM Eastern

Topics include CMS's program of oversight over Medicare drug (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans, important dates during this enrollment season and the LINet program that will take over responsibility for auto-enrollment of people new to LIS/Extra Help, point-of-sale enrollment and more.

December 4, 9 and 11, 2009
National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment
MIPPA and Your Clients

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) includes many important changes that will affect you and your clients (especially those with limited incomes and resources) and that will go into effect in January 2010. As the end of 2009 draws near, our November/December training – MIPPA and Your Clients – will offer an overview of the changes that this law will bring about.

More info here

Recordings and Follow-Up Q & A for September and October National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment Webinars Now Available

LIS in 2010 - September 2009

Part D in 2010 - October 2009