2012 Increases in the Community Spouse Asset Allowance (CSAA) and Community Spouse Maintenance Needs Allowance (CSMNA)

Effective January 1, 2012, the Community Spouse Asset Allowance (CSAA) and the Community Spouse Maintenance Needs Allowance (CSMNA) will increase.  The CSAA standard will increase from $109,560 to $113,640.   This is the maximum amount a nursing home resident may transfer to a community spouse.  The actual amount a resident may transfer is determined by deducting non-exempt assets of the community spouse from the $113,640.   The CSAA applies with the Community Spouse is seeking the exempt transfer of non-exempt assets from the spouse residing in a long- term care facility.

The CSMNA standard will increase from $2,739 to $2,841.  This is the maximum amount of monthly income a resident may give to a community spouse.  The actual amount is determined by deducting any gross income of the community spouse from the standard of $2,841.