WAG 09-04-02: Types of Accounts

PM 09-04-02

Crowdfunding

  • If the customer sets up the account themselves and has access to it, it is countable income in the month received and a countable resource the following month.
  • A customer can arrange for the crowdfunding website to make payments directly to a vendor or service provider. An example of an online site that pays their medical bills directly is Help Hope Live.

ABLE/SNT Accounts

  • Resources (funds) held by the trusts are not "countable" for the purpose of establishing medical eligibility.
  • Funds must be written and deposited directly to the SNT or ABLE account.
  • Customers must be careful: if the money goes to the customer first, it will count towards their eligibility.

Ex 1: Suzie's grandmother writes a check for $1,000 to Suzie. Suzie cashes the check and then writes another check to put the money into her ABLE account. This is considered income in the month received and a countable resource the following month.

Ex 2: Suzie's grandmother writes a check for $1,000 to Suzie's ABLE account. This is exempt.

Note: An important consideration is that, upon the individual's death, funds remaining in an SNT, as well as an ABLE account, would be subject to claims by Medicaid for services performed.