Signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that allows the state of Michigan to sell estates to pay for long term care costs under Medicaid.

Highlights:

- Allows for exemptions from estate recovery based on certain circumstances due to hardship including an exemption of the portion of the estate that is the the primary income-producing asset of the survivors, including, but not limited to a family farm or business. - Prohibits the state from recovering assets from the home of a medical assistance recipient if specific individuals specified within the bill text have been lawfully residing in that home immediately prior to the recipients medical assistance: -A spouse -Children under the age of 21, or blind or totally disabled children -A caretaker relative who resided in the home for a least two years prior the medical assistance recipient admission to a medical institution. -A sibling who has an equity interest in the home and has been residing there for at least one year prior to the medical assistance recipient's admission to a medical institution. - Applies only to medical assistance recipients who begin long-term care after the effective date. - Requires the enactment of SB 204, which amends the Estates and Individuals Code to include Medicaid payments subject to recovery under the Social Security Act in the order of priority of payment of claims and allowances from an estate, to go into effect.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that allows the state of Michigan to sell estates to pay for long term care costs under Medicaid.

Highlights:

- Allows for exemptions from estate recovery based on certain circumstances due to hardship including an exemption of the portion of the estate that is the the primary income-producing asset of the survivors, including, but not limited to a family farm or business. - Prohibits the state from recovering assets from the home of a medical assistance recipient if specific individuals specified within the bill text have been lawfully residing in that home immediately prior to the recipients medical assistance: -A spouse -Children under the age of 21, or blind or totally disabled children -A caretaker relative who resided in the home for a least two years prior the medical assistance recipient admission to a medical institution. -A sibling who has an equity interest in the home and has been residing there for at least one year prior to the medical assistance recipient's admission to a medical institution. - Applies only to medical assistance recipients who begin long-term care after the effective date. - Requires the enactment of SB 204, which amends the Estates and Individuals Code to include Medicaid payments subject to recovery under the Social Security Act in the order of priority of payment of claims and allowances from an estate, to go into effect.

Full Bill Text