We need your help! Tell Senator Toomey and Senator Casey to extend the Medicaid HCBS spousal impoverishment protections before they expire in two weeks on March 31st.

The "spousal impoverishment protection" makes it possible for an individual who needs a nursing home level of care to qualify for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) while allowing their spouse to keep a modest income and resources to support their basic needs. Congress extended the protection for three months in January 2019 (H.R. 259), but the spousal impoverishment protection will expire on March 31st unless Congress acts now

It's critical to keep this protection in place as we work towards a permanent solution that ensures married couples have the same financial protections whether they receive Medicaid long-term services and supports at home or in an institution. 

Call Senators Toomey and Casey today at (202) 224-3121.

Here is a sample message you can use:

I am asking the Senator to support legislation to extend the HCBS spousal impoverishment protections before they expire in two weeks on March 31st. Allowing the protections to expire would harm older adults and persons with disabilities who could lose their Medicaid eligibility or be forced to enter a nursing home against their wishes. It would also cause immediate disruption and confusion, and create administrative burden for states who would have to take time to adjust financial eligibility criteria, redetermine eligibility for married HCBS enrollees, and issue notices to affected enrollees. Congress should pass legislation extending the HCBS spousal impoverishment protections before March 31st

Justice in Aging's fact sheet explains the issue and highlights stories of married couples who have Medicaid HCBS because of the protections.

Share This

Contact Us

Justice in Aging
(202) 289-6976
info@justiceinaging.org

View as webpage

Manage Subscription