Allowable medical expenses

Revised date
Purpose statement

This section gives a listing of allowable medical or remedial services and expenses that are allowed to reduce participation or used in MN spenddown. This is not a complete list, but an aid to use to determine whether a claimed medical expense is allowed to reduce participation or used to meet spenddown.

Medical expenses specific to long-term care

WAC 182-513-1350 (6) (b) gives the criteria for allowable medical expenses used to reduce excess resources. DDA waivers, HCS CN waivers, hospice, and participation rules point to this WAC for allowable out-of-pocket medical expenses.

  • Premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance/copayment charges for health insurance and Medicare premiums
  • Necessary medical care recognized under state law, but not covered under the state's Medicaid plan;
  • Necessary medical care covered under the state's Medicaid plan incurred prior to Medicaid eligibility.
  • Expenses for nursing facility care are reduced at the state rate for the facility that the client owes the expense to
  • As long as the incurred medical expenses:
    • Were not incurred more than three months before the month of the Medicaid application.
    • Are not subject to third-party payment or reimbursement.
    • Have not been used to satisfy a previous spend down liability.
    • Have not previously been used to reduce excess resources.
    • Have not been used to reduce client responsibility toward cost of care.
    • Were not incurred during a transfer of asset penalty described in WAC 182-513-1363.
    • Are amounts for which the client remains liable.
  • Expenses not allowed to reduce excess resources or participation in personal care are:
    • Unpaid expense(s) prior to HCBS Waiver eligibility to an adult family home (AFH) or boarding home is not a medical expense.
    • Personal care cost in excess of approved hours determined by the CARE assessment described in 106 WAC is not a medical expense

Covered items under Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare/Medicaid managed care plan is not an allowable deduction from participation

Medical services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or covered under a Apple Health managed care plan is not an allowable deduction from long-term care participation because it is considered "covered".

If the client's medical practitioner indicates an item or service is medically necessary (MN), and the item or service is denied, the client must file an appeal with Medicare, Medicaid, or the Apple Health managed care plan. The reduction of participation is the last resort after all other resources are pursued. Most medically necessary items should be covered by either Medicare, Medicaid fee-for-service or Apple Health managed care under the scope of care. This includes: transportation cost, over the counter items, cough and cold products, vitamins, topical and medical equipment and supplies, incontinent supplies, foot care, hearing aids, that are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Apple Health managed care.

See: Long-term care and Apple Health managed care See: Long-term care insurance and third party resources.

What if a client chooses a non-Medicare/Medicaid contracted provider?

If a client chooses to go to a non-Medicaid contracted provider or outside the Apple Health managed care network, the charge is the client's responsibility as the service is covered under their Medicare, Medicaid, or Apple Health managed care plan. Health Care Authority (HCA) has an agreement to pay for health care services that is signed by the provider and client. HCA 13-879 The exception is when a client has "creditable" insurance coverage through their retirement, pension, employer sponsored plan or COBRA continuation plan. These client's may have copayments. These copayments are an allowable deduction only if Medicaid does not pay the copayments due the provider not having a Medicaid contract. Individuals with creditable insurance coverage are not limited to Medicaid contracted providers. An exception to rule (ETR) may be requested through the HCS Regional Designee for HCS cases or Marcie Birdsall for DDA cases if a client goes out of network due to special circumstances.

What is covered under Medicaid?

See the following pages for information on covered services.

What if the item is covered, but there is no contracted provider in the area?

There are situations where a needed contracted Medicaid provider is not available within a reasonable distance. The most common situation is when a client is unable to find a Medicaid contracted dentist within a reasonable distance.

An exception to rule (ETR) may be requested. The reasoning must be documented. A medical expense is not allowed at the private rate if the care/expense is available under the Medicaid rate.

ETR requests for a medical deduction listed as a covered item under Medicare, Medicaid, or Apple Health must go through the HCS regional financial program manager for HCS offices. For DDA cases, an ETR request to reduce participation for a covered item must go through HCS HQ Marcie Birdsall.

Example

An exception to rule (ETR) can be considered for any medically necessary (MN) expense to reduce participation if an item is needed right away and the client has requested an appeal through Health Care Authority, Medicare or the Apple Health managed care plan.

Incontinence supplies

A common expense turned in as a participation deduction is incontinence supplies.

Incontinence supplies are covered under Medicare/Medicaid. If the client is in need of more supplies than normally allowed, a medically necessary justification may be requested by Medicare or the Health Care Authority (HCA) in order to authorize more supplies.

Do not allow incontinence supplies as a participation deduction.

Medication organizers/bubble packing

Bubble-packing prescription drugs is not an allowable expense from participation.

Facilities such as adult family homes, assisted living, and nursing facilities have specific regulations that ensure the proper labeling and organizing of a client's medication.

If a facility chooses to send the medications to a vendor to be bubble-packed, it is not an allowable deduction from participation.

What does Medicare cover?

Individuals on Medicare and Medicaid are called Full Benefit Dual Eligible (FBDE). Individuals on institutional Medicaid and HCB waivers do not have copayments toward Medicare services.

Individuals on institutional and HCBS waiver services on Medicare D for prescription drugs may have a premium cost that is an allowable medical deduction if the client has chosen a non-benchmark Medicare D PDP.

Drugs that are allowed under ANY PDP formulary under Medicare D, but not allowed in the specific PDP the client has chosen is not an allowable deduction from participation. Guidance from CMS has indicated if the drug is in any formulary it is a covered item.

Individuals on "credible coverage" for prescriptions are not enrolled in Medicare D. Prescription copayments due to credible coverage insurance is an allowable medical deduction from participation.

If you have an institutional or HCB Waiver client being charged a Medicare D copayment, refer them back to the provider and indicate if the provider doesn't refund the copayment, the client will need to call the 1-800-MEDICARE helpline.

LTC and Medicare C and D charges

Medicare premiums and LTC overview

Once a LTC client is eligible for Medicaid, the Medicare premiums are paid.

Allow a Medicare premium deduction that is considered out-of-pocket to the client. Don't allow a Medicare premium that will be covered under a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or a state buy-in program.

S05/SLMB eligibility is effective up to 3 months prior to the date of application if eligible.

S03/QMB eligibility is effective the first of the following month the client is determined eligible. Allow the Medicare A/B premium as a participation reduction in the month(s) prior to the S03 opening.

Medicare D/Low income subsidy is for all active MSP or Medicaid clients. It is effective immediately. Client's can choose a nonbenchmark plan which may have additional premium costs that is allowed as a participation deduction. Institutional and HCB Waiver clients have no Medicare D copayments.

For individuals not eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), it takes approximately two months before the department begins paying state buy-in. Allow the Medicare A/B premium as a participation reduction. This should only occur when there is a retro or historical opening prior to MSP eligibility.

For questions related to insurance or Medicare premium payments, contact HCA Coordination of Benefits online via secure form, or call 1-800-562-3022, ext. 1-6129.

If using the contact us form, use the Client button. Indicate your contact information and question. Indicate you are a financial worker and your office. Include the ACES client ID.

HCA no longer pays Medicare C premiums with the exception of a small existing caseload subject to funding (these cases were grandfathered for Medicare C payment).

Spenddown

For more information on medical spenddown such as base periods, medical transportation, public programs and ACES screens, see the Apple Health for medically needy and spenddown overview page.

The spenddown clarifying information gives guidance as to allowable medical expenses, including

  • Expenses paid with a credit card.
  • Expenses sent to a collection agency.

What are the differences between expenses allowed to reduce participation and those used in medically necessary (MN) spenddown?

The medical expense chart used for MN spenddown is the same basic guideline used to reduce participation for LTC programs.

There are situations that are unique to long term care programs.

  • Expenses incurred during a LTC transfer penalty are not allowed to reduce participation.
  • For LTC, a medical expense prior to eligibility must be unpaid. For spenddown, expenses incurred and paid 3 months prior to the application can be used.
  • Private personal care cost in excess of approved hours determined by the CARE assessment described in 106 WAC is not a medical expense.
  • Unpaid expenses prior to HCBS Waiver eligibility to an adult family home (AFH) or boarding home is not a medical expense. This applies to both participation and MN spenddown. These facilities are not medical facilities. Another term for AFH and boarding homes is alternate living facility (ALF).
  • Expenses of the community spouse or family members. This includes health insurance premiums. If the health insurance premium is for the couple, we allow one half of the expense for the LTC recipient if we are unable to determine the amount of the LTC recipient's share.
  • Health insurance premiums paid by a 3rd party including HCA COB unit are not used to reduce participation. Health insurance premiums paid on a client's behalf by COB are considered an income deduction for the MN Spenddown program.
  • Medical expense deduction from participation that is a covered item under the state plan is not allowed as a deduction if the client was on Medicaid during the date of service.
  • Medical expense deduction for copayments or deductibles from participation that is a covered item under Medicare is not allowed as a deduction if the client was on Medicaid and QMB during the date of service.
  • Medical expense deduction from participation that is a covered item under the Apple Health managed care plan is not allowed as a deduction if a client chooses the service outside of the network.
  • Liquid supplements (such as Ensure, Resource) are covered by Apple Health when medically necessary. Liquid supplements (enteral nutritional products) not approved by HCA are not considered a medical expense used to reduce participation even if the client has a medical prescription.
  • Effective 11/22/2012 reasonable limits on allowable medical expense deductions described in WAC 182-513-1350 was final.
    • Expenses for nursing facility care are reduced at the state rate for nursing facility care that is owed by the client prior to Medicaid eligibility. It is based on the state rate for the particular facility the bill was incurred.
    • Medical expenses incurred more than three months before the month of application is not an allocable medical deduction to reduce participation.

Expenses allowed only once

If an expense was used to meet a prior spenddown or to reduce excess resources for LTC programs, it cannot be used to reduce participation. This is the same rule as the spenddown program. An expense is allowed once.

Expenses of a medically necessary service animal

A description of service animals is described in WAC 388-473-0040 food for service animals as an ongoing additional requirements. Although this section describes when to authorize food for services animals of an SSI or TANF recipient, it can also be used as a guideline when determining if expenses related to a service animal can be used as a medical expense.

In order for expenses related to a service animal to be used as a medical expense:

Consult CARE and the client's social service specialist/case manager as to whether the service animal is medically necessary. If the social service specialist is unable to determine if the service animal is medically necessary get a statement by the client's physician/practitioner as to why the expense is medically necessary.

The service animal must be performing a task that is necessary for the health and safety of the individual.

For LTC recipients with service animals that are on SSI, consider food for service animals as an ongoing additional requirement. If authorized, do not allow the food as a medical expense to reduce participation.

Medical expenses and room and board

Noncovered necessary medical expenses is an allowable deduction to determine the client's participation. For HCBS waiver clients residing in alternate living facilities, it is not an allowable deduction from room and board without an exception to rule (ETR).

Submit an ETR request to the HCS regional designee for a medical expenses that would have been used to reduce participation if there had been available participation.

Room and board for ABD cash recipients is not reduced by medical expenses. Do not refer ABD cash cases for an ETR.

Reducing room and board is the last resort as it is state funded. If the expense can be deducted through participation, but takes a few months because of low participation, use that method rather than an ETR to reduce room and board.

Medicare supplements, called Medigap are not an allowable ETR from room and board if the client is eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), this is because MSP covers the same thing as a Medigap plan. For more information, see "What about Medicare Insurance Supplements, also called Medigap plans?" on the Medicare and long-term services and supports (LTSS) webpage (scroll down to find this section).

See also: HCS waivers, room and board, ETRs and bed holds.

DDA waiver has a process to reduce room and board for necessary medical expenses and guardianship fees. DDA has authorized the case manager as the designee to approve these costs from room and board. DDA case-managers notify the financial worker via the DSHS 15-345.

Any deduction from room and board must be coded as an ETR in ACES 3G in the decision tree under the Institutional Care/Expenses.

TPL, COB, Premium Assistance program

When to allow medical expenses

Changes including medical expenses must be reported within the timeframes outlined in WAC 182-504-0110. Changes that must be reported will be used for all medical including institutional medical programs. See WAC 182-504-0105.

If a medical expense is not reported within required time frames, we are not able to use the expense as a post eligibility deduction for institutional Medicaid. For HCBS Waiver, we may allow a medical expense if unpaid as long it meets the criteria in WAC 182-513-1350 (6) and (7).

If a medical expense increases and is not reported within time frames, we can't go back historically and change the amount. If a medical expense ends, (such as a health insurance premium), and it is not reported timely, it is an overpayment.

In order to allow a medically necessary noncovered item, we will need verification:

  • Of the cost
  • Item is prescribed by an allowable practitioner and is considered a medically necessary item
  • Item is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Apple Health managed care. Most medically necessary items should be covered for individuals receiving long-term care. Any item indicated on the pharmacy covered list, including over the counter items such as cough/cold medications or vitamins cannot be allowed as a participation deduction.
  • For medical equipment and supplies (MES) or environmental modifications, check with the social worker/case manager as to whether it should be covered under the HCBS waiver? Most MES is covered under the Medicaid scope of care or HCBS waiver. HCBS MB H13-030 dated June 24, 2013 has more information regarding MES vendors.

If the reported expense appears to be covered, send a letter explaining why the expense is not allowed using the text templates that include the rule.

Send the medical expense fact sheet to all new openings and clients that turn in expenses that are not allowed as a participation reduction.

Noncovered allowable medical expenses. Differences in how we apply the medical deduction in institutional medical and HCBS Waiver

Once it is determined the medically necessary expense is allowed as a deduction, there is differences in institutional and HCBS Waiver cases on when we allow the medical deduction.

Post eligibility participation (WAC 182-513-1380, WAC 182-515-1509, WAC 182-515-1514)

There are three methods of allowing expenses in post eligibility described in WAC 182-504-0120 (11) for institutional programs and WAC 182-504-0120 (12) for HCB Waivers. Federal guidance allows Method 1 or Method 2 for institutional cases (those residing in medical institutions). Federal option allows Method 3 for HCBS Waivers.

  • Method 1: Allow the expense in the month it was incurred; or
  • Method 2: Estimate medical expense incurred in the preceding period, not to exceed 6 months if the expenses are expected to continue.
    • At the end of the prospective period, or if there is a significant change of 25%, the expense is reconciled for the next time period.
    • A reconciliation is required, at least every 6 months when using Method 2. Use barcode ticklers to track the expenses and reconciliation period.
    • Use the Method 2 training instructions and calculator and document that Method 2 is being used to estimate medical expenses.
  • Method 3: When there is a change in income, or allowable expenses, that changes the amount of the cost of your care for a home and community-based waiver or service, we calculate the new participation amount effective the first of the month following the date the change was reported, except that the new participation amount will be effective the month the change occurs if the change is the loss of an income source that you report within thirty days of the change.

For additional information on Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3 go to the financial SharePoint site. See financial training under the policy and program changes.

What if a provider appears to be charging a client extra?

If a Medicaid or Medicare/Medicaid client is turning in medical expense charges that appear to be covered, or the client is being charged the difference between the Medicaid or Medicare rate, you may need to refer the situation for an investigation.

  • Nursing facility, assistance living, group homes or adult family homes contact: Residential Care Services (RCS) complaint email box Complaint Resolution Unit (DSHS/RCS).
  • All other Medicaid providers contact the Health Care Authority. Include your name, phone number, client and provider information and what the issue is.
  • Refer complaints regarding Medicare claims to 1-800-Medicare
  • If provider fraud is suspected, follow the procedures in HCS MB H13-011 issued 3/5/2013: procedures for report suspected fraud.

Practitioners

Allowable practitioners
  • ARNP advanced registered nurse practitioners
  • CRN certified registered nurses
  • DC chiropractors
  • DDS dentists, denturist, orthodontist, periodontitis
  • Dental hygienists
  • DO osteopath
  • DPM podiatrists
  • Electrotherapist
  • Hydro therapist
  • Inhalation/respiratory therapists
  • MD physicians
  • Midwives
  • OD optometrist
  • Opticians
  • PA physicians assistants
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Psychologists/psychiatrists
  • Speech therapists
  • X-ray technicians
Allowable practitioners with a documented referral from an M.D., D.O., D.D.S., OR A.R.N.P.
  • Acupuncturist
  • Dietitians
  • Licensed massage therapist
  • Naturopaths
Nonallowable practitioners
  • Herbalists
  • Holistic healers
  • Homeopaths
  • Hypnotists
  • Masseurs or manipulators
  • Medical cannabis distributor
  • Practitioners not licensed under Washington State law
  • Psychic or faith healers
  • Sanipractors
  • Veterinarians (unless the expense is for a medically necessary service animal)
Nonallowable expenses, services, and supplies
  • Services obtained out of the US
  • Interest and fees incurred on an unpaid medical bill
  • Durable medical equipment or modification approved under the HCBS Waiver program for individuals receiving Waiver services is not an allowable participation deduction
  • Insurance premiums for policies that pay a cash benefit to the insured and the benefit is not intended to reimburse a provider.

    These premiums are not health insurance but pay directly to the insurance holder under certain conditions. (usually a daily rate when the client is unable to work, in the hospital or has a certain type of medical condition).

    • Contact the carrier to find out if it is a health insurance or one of these policies that pay a cash benefit to the client and not a provider because of a health condition.
    • This does not include LTC insurance. LTC insurance premiums are an allowable deduction.
    • LTC insurance policies waive the premiums when the client starts receiving benefits from the LTC insurance. Once the client is accessing LTC insurance, remove the premium as a deduction.
  • In home cooking/cleaning services/yard work/property maintenance
  • Telephone charges including long-distance charges
  • Commercial diet clinics, gyms and pools that are not monitored by a licensed physical therapist
  • Toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, personal grooming products
  • Private alternate living facility (ALF) charges are not considered a medical expense.
    • See WAC 182-513-1205 for possible eligibility of Medicaid using rules for individuals living in state contracted ALFs.
  • Drugs not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Out of state billings for medical services not recognized under Washington State law.
  • Items covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or an Apple Health managed care plan is not an allowable deduction from long-term care participation. If a client chooses to go to a non-Medicaid/Medicare contracted provider or outside the healthy options managed care network, the cost is their responsibility.
  • Food/special diets is not a medical expense
  • Nutritional supplements unless prescribed as medically necessary. Examples are enteral liquid and powdered supplements.
  • For active Medicaid clients, liquid supplements that are medically necessary are covered by Health Care Authority (HCA). Liquid supplements (enteral supplements) not approved by HCA are not considered a medically necessary expense to be used to reduce participation.
  • Food items are covered under the basic food program, consider eligibility for basic food for individuals not in a facility claiming food items as a medical expense.
    AFH, Assisted living facilities, NF and RHCs are required to provide meals taking into account an individuals special dietary needs. Meals are included in the daily rate.
  • Over the counter drugs and medications not prescribed or considered not medically necessary. Many over the counter drugs, medications and vitamins are covered by Medicaid.
  • Health camps, trips or retreats
  • Medical cannabis. Cannabis is not an approved prescription drug under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and has not been approved by the FDA for treatment.
  • Unpaid participation incurred while active on a Medicaid program
  • Dietetics
  • Spouse's unpaid medical expenses are not allowed to reduce participation.

Where to indicate medical expenses

LTC medical expenses are indicated on the LTCX screen. The MEDX screen is used for recipients on other programs such as food assistance. Non-Medicare health insurance premiums are indicated on the MEDX screen for noninstitutional spenddown cases. Make sure the medical expense is indicated on the LTCX and MEDX screen when a LTC recipient is on food assistance.

ACES and medical expenses

Institutional Care in ACES 3G decision tree used in institutional Medicaid programs to indicate medical expenses.

Expenses in ACES 3G decision tree used to indicate health insurance premiums for spenddown. Used to indicate all medical expenses for food assistance including COPES HCBS Waivers participation.

ACES on line summary and detail used to indicate medical expenses for spenddown.

ACES-LTC

ACES-Medical expenses as a deduction

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