How Should Benefits Be Used If A Beneficiary Is Institutionalized?
When a beneficiary resides in an institution, you should allot a reasonable share of benefits for the institution’s customary charges. An institution’s customary charges and the beneficiary’s other current needs should be taken into account. You should not pay an amount for current maintenance in excess of the legal maximum charge established by the State. If a beneficiary is receiving care in a State, Federal, or private institution not receiving Medicaid funds on behalf of the beneficiary, you should give highest priority to the beneficiary’s current maintenance. Current maintenance is not limited to the usual institutional charges but includes expenditures for items that will aid in the beneficiary’s recovery or release from the institution or improve the beneficiary’s condition while in the institution. Any benefits remaining should be conserved or invested except as they may be otherwise properly used. This includes temporarily maintaining the beneficiary’s residence outside the i
