The New York State Department of health has issued a General Information System (GIS) message clarifying the impact of COVID-19 related payments on Medicaid eligibility determinations.
The GIS confirms that pursuant to sections 2104 and 2201 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 certain pandemic-related payments will not impact Medicaid eligibility.
Pandemic Unemployment Benefits will be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid. The Stimulus Payments provided under the CARES Act are not countable as income for both Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and non-MAGI determinations. Additionally, the Stimulus Payment is an exempt resource for non-MAGI applicants for 12 months.
Additionally, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefits and Stimulus Payments are exempt from the income spend-down requirements and do not have to be contributed to the cost of care.
