305.1 General Policy

The County Assistance Office (CAO) must determine which category and program each Medical Assistance (MA) applicant or recipient belongs in. The program is based on the individual’s income and resources. The category for which the applicant or recipient is qualified affects how income and resources are treated.

55 Pa. Code § 178.11
55 Pa. Code 178.12

The following categories are not Medical Assistance (MA) categories:

 

These categories are entered into e-CIS by the appropriate program office for billing purposes only.  Individuals enrolled in these categories do not have MA benefits. CAO staff is not able to update these cases.

Individuals receiving these benefits may apply for and receive Cash, SNAP or MA benefits if the individual is non-financially and financially eligible. If an individual is found eligible for Cash, SNAP or MA, the benefits must be authorized in a new e-CIS case record number.

305.11 MA Categories

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-related.

 

     Public Law 106-170   

Act 2001-77 (P. L. 755)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) -related

 

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)-related

 

General-Assistance (GA)-related

  

Other Programs:

   Public Law 106-354

305.12 MA Category Criteria

The category of MA is based on the following criteria, which are not related to money or income (non-financial):

      Public Law 106-354

305.13 MA Budget Groups

The category of MA identifies a budget group. Each member of the budget group is eligible for the same category.

 

An applicant/recipient group may include one or several budget groups. Separate budget groups may be set up for members of the applicant/recipient group, even if they qualify for the same category.

 

Individuals who are applying together, even if the CAO determines they are in the same applicant/recipient group, may not always qualify for the same category. The CAO must determine each individual’s category separately.

 

 

Updated August 21, 2024, Replacing August 19, 2019