WAG 07-02-21
The 
resource survey applies only to nursing home (NH) and SLF clients with a community spouse and to medical customers applying for or receiving DoA Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver services with a community spouse.
The term "community spouse" means the spouse of an SLF resident, NH resident, or medical customer applying for or receiving DoA HCBS waiver services. A spouse who lives in an SLF or NH is not considered a community spouse. However, the community spouse may be applying for or receiving DoA HCBS waiver services, as long as they do not also receive regular or spenddown medical assistance (excludes QMB only, SLIB only, and QI-1 only benefits). For persons applying for or receiving DoA HCBS waiver services, the community spouse may be living with or apart from the LTC customer.
When a person enters an NH or SLF or applies for or begins receiving DoA HCBS waiver services, a survey of resources is used to determine the total combined nonexempt resources held by either the LTC spouse, the community spouse, or both. Consider this combined total available to the LTC spouse. From this amount, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) may be deducted and transferred to the community spouse, as provided in PM 07-02-22. The remaining amount is the total amount of resources considered available to the LTC spouse.
Complete a survey only when the spouse of the LTC customer is considered a community spouse. Complete the survey when a person enters an NH or SLF, or when notified that one spouse has applied for or is receiving DoA HCBS waiver services, and any other time when requested by either spouse or by a representative acting on behalf of either spouse.
A new survey is not required if:
- a resident is discharged to the community for a period of less than 30 days and then reenters an NH or SLF;
- a resident enters a hospital and then returns to the facility from the hospital;
- a person stops receiving DoA HCBS waiver services for a period of less than 30 days; or
- a person stops receiving DoA HCBS waiver services due to hospitalization and is then discharged and starts receiving DoA HCBS waiver services again.
In addition to applicants and customers, complete a survey when requested by either spouse even if there is no pending application.
Advise both spouses of any information needed to complete the survey process. Information needed includes proof of ownership and the current value of nonexempt resources.
Notify each spouse of the total amount of the couple's combined resources, as determined by the survey.
