(Revised 10/00 ML #2629)
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Medical expenses incurred by any member of the household may be considered when calculating medical deductions. A medical expense may be deducted only if it has been paid, OR there is an agreement with the medical vendor for a specific payment plan.
Projected medical expenses can be deducted from the income. The amount of projected expenses can be determined by using previous months bills or receipts to estimate an average monthly cost.
If an incurred expense may be reimbursed by an insurance policy, it cannot be deducted as a medical expense for this program until the insurance company has denied payment and the household has a specific payment plan with the medical vendor or has paid the bill. This would include reimbursement from the Veteran's Administration or private insurance for pharmaceutical expenses.
Similarly, medical costs and/or Medicare premiums which will have been paid by the Qualified Medical Beneficiary Program may not be deducted from income as a medical expense to the household.
Only payments made or scheduled between the previous June 1 and the following May 31 may be included.
The following list of allowable medical expenses is all-inclusive:
Medical and dental care, including psychotherapy and rehabilitation services.
Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, nursing care, and nursing home care, including payments by the household for an individual who was a household member immediately prior to entering a hospital or nursing home.
Prescription drugs and other over-the-counter medication (including insulin) when approved by a qualified health professional. Additionally, costs of medical supplies, sickroom equipment (including rental) or other prescribed equipment are deductible.
Health and hospitalization insurance premiums (includes nursing home insurance) but NOT disability or accident policies that are primarily for income maintenance. Premiums for other insurance to protect against the medical expenses defined in this section may be allowed, but consult with the state office. Only one premium for the same type of protection can be allowed.
Medicare premiums and any cost-sharing.
Dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics.
Securing and maintaining a seeing eye or hearing dog, including the cost of dog food and veterinarian bills.
Eye glasses.
Reasonable cost of transportation and lodging to obtain medical treatment or services. (Use the rate Medicaid is using for "Non-Emergency Transportation Rates.")
Maintaining an attendant, homemaker, home health aide, or child care services or housekeeper necessary due to age, disability or illness.
