Assembly Actions -
Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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Jan 04, 2012 |
referred to aging |
Feb 04, 2011 |
referred to aging |
Assembly Bill A4621
2011-2012 Legislative Session
Establishes the New York state compact for long term care
download bill text pdfSponsored By
ENGLEBRIGHT
Archive: Last Bill Status - In Assembly Committee
- Introduced
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- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
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- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
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- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed By Governor
Actions
co-Sponsors
Kevin Cahill
RoAnn Destito
Audrey Pheffer
Rhoda Jacobs
Joan Millman
Crystal Peoples-Stokes
N. Nick Perry
Carmen E. Arroyo
Peter Rivera
Jose Rivera
Sandy Galef
Mark J.F. Schroeder
Margaret Markey
William Colton
William Boyland
Vivian Cook
Michael Benedetto
Ellen C. Jaffee
Alan Maisel
Annette Robinson
Dennis H. Gabryszak
Nettie Mayersohn
Mike Spano
multi-Sponsors
Peter Abbate
James F. Brennan
Alec Brook-Krasny
Robert Castelli
Aileen Gunther
Carl Heastie
Dov Hikind
Earlene Hooper
Hakeem Jeffries
Rory Lancman
Vito Lopez
Donna Lupardo
William Magee
John McEneny
Felix Ortiz
J. Gary Pretlow
Linda Rosenthal
William Scarborough
Michelle Schimel
Robert Sweeney
Darryl Towns
Harvey Weisenberg
Keith L.T. Wright
2011-A4621 (ACTIVE) - Details
2011-A4621 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 4621 2011-2012 Regular Sessions I N A S S E M B L Y February 4, 2011 ___________ Introduced by M. of A. ENGLEBRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Aging AN ACT to amend the elder law and the insurance law, in relation to establishing the New York state compact for long term care THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Article 2 of the elder law is amended by adding a new title 4 to read as follows: TITLE 4 COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE SECTION 260. SHORT TITLE. 261. DEFINITIONS. 262. COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE CREATED; PURPOSES. 263. REQUIREMENT FOR CONSULTATION. 264. IMPLEMENTATION. 265. SELECTION OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. 266. PARTICIPATION AND PLEDGE. 267. BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION. 268. PROTECTED INCOME. 269. IMPOSITION OF LIEN IN CERTAIN CASES. 270. PROHIBITED ACTS. 271. FRAUDULENT PRACTICES. 271-A. PAYMENTS AND DEFAULTS. 272. APPEALS. 273. TREATMENT OF ASSETS. 274. SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING COUPLES. 275. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 276. REQUIREMENT FOR CONFIDENTIALITY. 277. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION. S 260. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "NEW YORK STATE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE". EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD04236-01-1
A. 4621 2 S 261. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS TITLE: 1. "ASSESSMENT" MEANS AN ASSESSMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL IS A CHRONICALLY ILL INDIVIDUAL WHO QUALIFIES AS A PARTICIPANT OR AS A BENEFICIARY IN THE COMPACT, AND TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PLAN OF CARE REQUIRED HEREUNDER FOR SUCH ENROLLEES. AN ASSESSMENT MAY BE PERFORMED ONLY BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER CONTRACTED TO PERFORM SUCH ASSESSMENTS WITH AN INSURER, THE COMMISSIONER, OR THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. THE ASSESSMENT SHALL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY OR WHENEVER A CHANGE IN THE CONDITION OF THE BENEFICIARY OR PARTICIPANT WARRANTS AN UPDATE TO THE PLAN OF CARE. THE COST OF AN ASSESSMENT SHALL BE PAID BY AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING TO ENROLL IN THE COMPACT. 2. "ADVISORY COMMITTEE" MEANS THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. 3. "COMMISSIONER" MEANS THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH. 4. "COMPACT" MEANS THE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE. 5. "COMPACT BENEFICIARY" OR "BENEFICIARY" MEANS A PARTICIPANT WHO BY PAYING HIS OR HER PLEDGE AMOUNT AND MEETING OTHER REQUIREMENTS ESTAB- LISHED BY THIS TITLE HAS BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. 6. "COMPACT PARTICIPANT" OR "PARTICIPANT" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO: (A) HAS APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPACT; (B) IS A STATE RESIDENT RESIDING IN THIS STATE AT THE TIME OF SUCH APPLICATION AND HAS BEEN A STATE RESIDENT FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF APPLICATION; (C) HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY AN ASSESSMENT TO BE A CHRONICALLY ILL PERSON, AND A PLAN OF CARE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED FOR SUCH PERSON; AND (D) HAS AGREED TO PAY A PLEDGE AMOUNT AS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE. A PARTICIPANT SHALL BE DEEMED ENROLLED IN THE COMPACT. 7. "COMPACT RATE" MEANS THE RATE THAT A PROVIDER MAY CHARGE A COMPACT BENEFICIARY FOR A SERVICE PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THE COMPACT. THE COMPACT RATE SHALL BE COMPUTED BY THE COMMISSIONER AT ONE HUNDRED TEN PERCENT OF THE COMPACT SUBSIDY FOR THE SERVICE. 8. "COMPACT SUBSIDY" OR "SUBSIDY" MEANS THE SUBSIDY PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THE COMPACT FOR THE COSTS OF ANY QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICE RECEIVED BY A COMPACT BENEFICIARY PURSUANT TO THE PLAN OF CARE. THE AMOUNT OF THE SUBSIDY SHALL EQUAL THE MEDICAID RATE ESTABLISHED FOR THE SAME OR A SIMILAR SERVICE IN THE REGION IN WHICH THE BENEFICIARY RESIDES. IF THERE IS NO MEDICAID RATE FOR A SERVICE IN A REGION, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ESTABLISH A RATE ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH SHALL BE APPLICABLE IN THE REGION FOR THE SERVICE. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ADJUST THE METHODOLOGY FOR ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF THE COMPACT SUBSIDY ONLY ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 9. "COUNTABLE ASSET" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS THE TERM "ASSETS" IN CLAUSE (I) OF SUBPARAGRAPH ONE OF PARAGRAPH (D) OF SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW APPLICABLE TO TRANSFERS MADE AFTER AUGUST TENTH, NINETEEN HUNDRED NINETY-THREE, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN OR BY RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. COUNTABLE ASSET DOES NOT INCLUDE INCOME. 10. "COUNTABLE INCOME" MEANS INCOME REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE CASE OF A PERSON APPLYING FOR MEDICAID PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HERE- IN OR BY RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. THE FOLLOWING HEALTH CARE EXPENDITURES SHALL BE EXCLUDED FROM COUNTABLE INCOME: EXPENDITURES FOR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE POLICIES MEETING THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTEEN OF THE INSURANCE LAW, EXPENDITURES FOR A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN APPROVED PURSUANT TO PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF A. 4621 3 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND PREMIUMS FOR THE PURCHASE OF LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE. 11. "DIRECTOR" MEANS THE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE OFFICE FOR THE AGING. 12. "FEDERAL ACT" MEANS THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNT- ABILITY ACT OF 1996 OR ANY SUCCESSOR THERETO, AND RULES PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANINGS AS UNDER THE FEDERAL ACT: "QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES"; "LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER"; "ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING"; "CHRONICALLY ILL PERSON." ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTAND- ING, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHALL NOT BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE, ENACT, PROMULGATE, OR ENFORCE ANY REQUIREMENT, RULE, REGULATION OR DEFINITION THAT IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO SUCH TERMS PURSU- ANT TO THE FEDERAL ACT. IN ADDITION: (A) THE FOREGOING TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING AND SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING WHETHER A PARTICIPANT OR A BENEFICIARY IS SUFFERING FROM "SEVERE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT," THE COMMISSIONER SHALL REQUIRE THAT SUCH CONDITION BE CHARACTERIZED BY A DETERIORATION OR IRRE- VERSIBLE LOSS IN INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY THAT REQUIRES SUBSTANTIAL SUPER- VISION TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PARTICIPANT OR OF OTHERS, AND THAT IT SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BY CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND STANDARDIZED TESTS THAT RELIABLY MEASURE: SHORT-TERM OR LONG-TERM MEMORY; ORIENTATION AS TO PEOPLE, PLACE OR TIME; DEDUCTIVE OR ABSTRACT REASONING; AND JUDGMENT AS IT RELATES TO SAFETY AWARENESS. THE MEANS OF DETERMINATION AS TO WHETH- ER A PERSON HAS SUFFERED SEVERE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT SHALL INSOFAR AS PRACTICAL BE THE SAME AS THOSE USED PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL ACT TO DETERMINE SEVERE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT. "SUBSTANTIAL SUPERVISION" AS USED IN THIS TITLE MEANS CONTINUAL OVERSIGHT THAT MAY INCLUDE CUEING BY VERBAL PROMPTING, GESTURES OR OTHER DEMONSTRATIONS BY ANOTHER PERSON, AND THAT IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE PATIENT FROM THREATS TO HIS OR HER HEALTH OR SAFETY. (B) "LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER" SHALL BE LIMITED TO A PHYSI- CIAN, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 1861(R)(1) OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OR A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PERSON IS NOT A FAMILY MEMBER AND FURTHER PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL BE LICENSED, REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED TO WORK IN NEW YORK. (C) ANY LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY THE FOREGOING TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITH- STANDING, "QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES" SHALL INCLUDE ANY EXPENSES FOR LONG TERM MEDICAL CARE AND SERVICES WHICH ARE OR, IN THE CASE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT A TAXPAYER, WHICH WOULD BE DEDUCTIBLE FROM FEDERAL GROSS INCOME FOR SUCH TAXPAYER OR INDIVIDUAL AS LONG TERM CARE SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AND BOTH MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL SERVICES, INCLUDING HOME MODIFICATION AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES COORDINATION REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN OF CARE PREPARED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A PARTICIPANT OR BENEFICIARY IN HIS OR HER OWN HOME, AND SUCH ADDITIONAL SERVICES AS MAY BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO LONG AS THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SATISFIED THAT INCLUSION OF SUCH ADDITIONAL SERVICES DOES NOT PREVENT RECEIPT OF FEDERAL FINAN- CIAL PARTICIPATION UNDER THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OR UNDER THE COMPACT. 13. "FULFILLED PLEDGE" MEANS A PLEDGE AMOUNT THAT HAS BEEN FULLY PAID. ONLY PAYMENTS MADE BY A PARTICIPANT, OR BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY ON BEHALF OF SUCH PARTICIPANT SHALL BE COUNTED AS ELIGIBLE PAYMENTS FOR FULFILLING A PLEDGE. ELIGIBLE PAYMENTS SHALL INCLUDE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES, AND ANY ADDI- TIONAL EXPENSES FOR SERVICES AS MAY BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER UPON A. 4621 4 RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SUCH PAYMENTS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD PRIOR TO AN INDIVIDUAL BECOMING A PARTICIPANT. COUNT- ABLE PAYMENTS MADE FOR A QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICE IN FULFILLING A PLEDGE SHALL NOT BE GREATER THAN THE AMOUNT USUALLY AND CUSTOMARILY CHARGED FOR SUCH SERVICE BY A PROVIDER TO A NON-MEDICAID RECIPIENT. 14. "PLAN OF CARE" MEANS A WRITTEN, INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES DEVELOPED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING TO ENROLL IN THE COMPACT AND AT OTHER SUCH TIMES AS PROVIDED HEREIN. THE PLAN OF CARE SHALL BE DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF AN ASSESSMENT AND SHALL INCORPORATE ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY AN INDIVID- UAL'S PERSONAL PHYSICIAN OR, AS APPROPRIATE, OTHER PHYSICIANS TREATING THE INDIVIDUAL. IT SHALL FAIRLY, ACCURATELY, AND APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS THE INDIVIDUAL'S LONG TERM CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICE NEEDS, AND SHALL SPECIFY THE TYPE, FREQUENCY, AND DURATION OF ALL SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THOSE NEEDS AND THE PROVIDERS APPROPRIATE TO FURNISH THOSE SERVICES. A PLAN OF CARE SHALL BE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME THE ASSESS- MENT IS PERFORMED, AND SHALL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY ON THE BASIS OF THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OR WHENEVER A CHANGE IN THE CONDITION OF THE BENEFICI- ARY OR PARTICIPANT WARRANTS AN UPDATE. THE COST OF THE PLAN OF CARE SHALL BE PAID BY AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING TO ENROLL IN THE COMPACT. 15. "PLEDGE AMOUNT" MEANS THE AMOUNT PLEDGED BY A PARTICIPANT FOR THE COST OF QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES. THE PLEDGE AMOUNT SHALL BE THE LESSER OF: (A) THE "MAXIMUM PLEDGE AMOUNT," WHICH SHALL BE THE AMOUNT EQUAL TO THIRTY-SIX MONTHS OF PAYMENT FOR NURSING HOME SERVICES IN THE REGION IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT RESIDES, AS APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION TO THE COMPACT; OR (B) THE "DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT" WHICH SHALL BE AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO FIFTY PERCENT OF A PARTICIPANT'S COUNTABLE ASSETS. IN THE CASE OF A PARTIC- IPANT WHOSE COUNTABLE ASSETS ARE LESS THAN FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF A DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT OF TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CALCULATE SUCH DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT BY SUBTRACTING SUCH DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT OF TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE PARTICIPANT'S COUNTABLE ASSETS AND THE REMAINDER AMOUNT SHALL EQUAL THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT; PROVIDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ANNUALLY INCREASE OR DECREASE SUCH FORTY THOUSAND DOLLAR ASSET AMOUNT AND SUCH TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT AT THE SAME PERCENTAGE RATE AS THE INCREASE OR DECREASE IN THE REGIONAL RATE FOR NURSING HOME SERVICES FOR THE REGION IN WHICH THE ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL RESIDES. 16. "REGION" MEANS THE FOLLOWING REGIONS: LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY, NORTHERN METROPOLITAN NEW YORK, NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK, UTICA REGION, CENTRAL NEW YORK, ROCHESTER REGION AND WESTERN NEW YORK. 17. "REGIONAL RATE" MEANS THE RATE SET ANNUALLY BY THE COMMISSIONER AT EQUAL TO THE AVERAGE OF ALL RATES, EXCLUSIVE OF MEDICAID RATES, PAID FOR THE SAME OR SIMILAR SERVICES WITHIN A REGION. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL COMPUTE AND ANNUALLY UPDATE REGIONAL RATES FOR EACH REGION OF THE STATE FOR ANY YEAR NOT LATER THAN THE LAST WEEK OF DECEMBER OF THE YEAR PRECEDING SUCH YEAR. S 262. COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE CREATED; PURPOSES. THE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE IS HEREBY CREATED. ITS PURPOSE SHALL BE TO PROVIDE COOR- DINATED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COVERAGE FOR THE EXPENSES OF PROVIDING QUALI- FIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS PURSUANT TO A PLAN OF CARE, A PURPOSE HEREBY DECLARED TO BE IN EVERY RESPECT AN APPROPRIATE PUBLIC PURPOSE CONDUCTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. A. 4621 5 S 263. REQUIREMENT FOR CONSULTATION. ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, AND IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REQUIREMENT IMPOSED BY THIS TITLE, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CONSULT WITH THE DIRECTOR AND WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE PRIOR TO TAKING ANY MATERIAL ACTION CONCERNING POLICY OR PROGRAM MATTERS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED BY THIS TITLE, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT THE FAILURE TO RESPOND TIMELY TO A REQUEST FOR CONSULTATION AND ADVICE SHALL NOT IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSIONER. S 264. IMPLEMENTATION. ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE COMMISSIONER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO AND SHALL IMPLEMENT THE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE AND SHALL SUBMIT SUCH WAIVER APPLICATIONS AND/OR STATE PLAN AMEND- MENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SUCH IMPLEMENTATION, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PROGRAM AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED ONLY IF AND FOR SO LONG AS THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SATISFIED THAT THEY DO NOT PREVENT RECEIPT OF FEDERAL FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION UNDER THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OR UNDER THE COMPACT. IN APPLYING FOR THE WAIVER, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CONSULT WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONCERNING SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE CRITERIA FOR ASSURING THAT A SERVICE IS PROP- ERLY PROVIDED AND MEETS APPROPRIATE STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND COST. S 265. SELECTION OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. 1. THE COMMISSIONER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO AND SHALL CONTRACT WITH A PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY TO ADMINISTER THE COMPACT. THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING A PROGRAM MANAGE- MENT ENTITY TO MANAGE THE COMPACT PROGRAM SHALL BE GOVERNED SOLELY BY THIS TITLE. 2. INSOFAR AS PERMITTED UNDER ANY FEDERAL WAIVERS OR STATE PLAN AMEND- MENTS REQUIRED FOR IMPLEMENTATION, THE COMPACT SHALL BE MANAGED BY A PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY CONTRACTED TO AND SELECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER BY A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ISSUED PURSU- ANT TO THIS TITLE. SUCH ENTITY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING AND MANAGING ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPACT PROGRAM AND LIAISING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, INDIVIDUALS, INSURANCE COMPANIES AND OTHER ENTI- TIES TO ASSURE APPROPRIATE COLLECTION AND VERIFICATION OF DATA, COLLECTION OF PAYMENTS REQUIRED TO BE MADE TO THE STATE PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE, VERIFICATION OF ASSESSMENTS AND CLAIMS TRACKING, AND OTHER SIMI- LAR ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES. THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY SHALL NOT BE AN INSURANCE ENTITY OFFERING AN INSURANCE PLAN UNDER THE COMPACT OR, UNLESS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATION OR AS A CONDITION OF FEDERAL APPROVAL OF ANY WAIVERS OR STATE PLAN AMENDMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE COMPACT, A STATE AGENCY OR A COVERED AUTHORITY AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED IN SECTION TWO-A OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. 3. THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVI- SION OF THE BUDGET, SHALL WITHIN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE WITH RECOMMEN- DATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SELECTION PROCESS. SUCH REPORT SHALL DETAIL: (A) THE CRITERIA TO BE USED IN SELECTING THE ENTITY; (B) THE PROCESS TO BE USED IN THE SELECTION, INCLUDING THE ISSUANCE OF REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS, REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS OR OTHER MEANS; (C) THE NAMES OF ANY ENTITIES ENGAGED TO DEVELOP CRITERIA AND ASSIST IN THE SELECTION; (D) TIMELINESS FOR THE SELECTION OF THE ENTITY AND ISSUANCE OF CONTRACTS; (E) MARKETING PLANS FOR THE PROGRAM; (F) MEANS TO MAKE THE SELECTION PROCESS AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE; (G) MEANS BY WHICH TRADE AND COMPETITIVE SECRETS SHALL BE PROTECTED; A. 4621 6 (H) MEANS BY WHICH INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION RELATING TO ANY PATIENT OR CONSUMER ACQUIRED BY THE PROGRAM SHALL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL; AND (I) ANY OTHER INFORMATION THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET OR THE COMMISSIONER SHALL DEEM PERTINENT. IN PREPARING THE REPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET AND THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CONSULT WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE, AND SHALL ADDITIONALLY CONVENE AN ADVISORY GROUP OF INSURERS AUTHORIZED TO WRITE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE IN THIS STATE TO PROVIDE COMMENTS ON THE REPORT, OR IF CONVENING SUCH GROUP SHALL PROVE IMPRACTICABLE OR INAPPROPRIATE, SHALL SHARE THE REPORT WITH SUCH INSURERS AND INCLUDE ANY WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM SUCH INSUR- ERS AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHEN THE REPORT IS ISSUED TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE. 4. AFTER CONSIDERATION OF ANY COMMENTS THEY MAY RECEIVE CONCERNING THE REPORT, THE COMMISSIONER AND/OR THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET, AS APPROPRIATE, SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR A PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL REFLECT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT INSOFAR AS PRACTICABLE AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSIONER AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET. THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY SHALL BE SELECTED THROUGH ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR IF APPROPRIATE AND APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET, BY ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, AND SUCH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS SHALL INCORPORATE THE CRITERIA AND OTHER CONDITIONS AGREED UPON AS A RESULT OF THE PROCESS REQUIRED IN THIS SECTION. S 266. PARTICIPATION AND PLEDGE. 1. AN INDIVIDUAL WHO MEETS THE CRITE- RIA FOR BECOMING A PARTICIPANT SHALL BE ENROLLED IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM. IN MEETING SUCH CRITERIA, THE INDIVIDUAL SHALL HAVE THE OPTION AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION TO PLEDGE EITHER THE MAXIMUM PLEDGE AMOUNT OR THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT. (A) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO ELECTS TO PLEDGE THE MAXIMUM PLEDGE AMOUNT SHALL PAY OR HAVE PAID ON HIS OR HER BEHALF BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY AN AMOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES THAT IS EQUAL TO THIRTY-SIX MONTHS OF PAYMENT AT THE REGIONAL RATE FOR NURSING HOME SERVICES IN THE REGION IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT RESIDES AS OF THE DATE THE INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT. (B) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO ELECTS TO PLEDGE THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT SHALL PAY OR HAVE PAID ON HIS OR HER BEHALF BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY AN AMOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES THAT IS EQUAL TO FIFTY PERCENT OF A PARTICIPANT'S COUNTABLE ASSETS. SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL SUBMIT: (I) A VERIFIED STATEMENT OF COUNTABLE ASSETS UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY LISTING ALL COUNTABLE CURRENT ASSETS HELD BY THE INDIVIDUAL AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AND ANY ASSET TRANSFERS FOR LESS THAN FULL VALUE DURING THE FIVE YEARS PRECEDING SUCH DATE OF APPLICATION, (II) THE INDIVIDUAL'S FIVE MOST RECENT YEARS OF STATE AND FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURNS, AND (III) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AS THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHALL DEEM REASONABLE AND APPROPRIATE TO VERIFY ASSETS, THE VALUES OF SUCH ASSETS, AND THE VALIDITY OF THE PLEDGE AMOUNT. (C) DOCUMENTATION CONCERNING THE PLEDGE AMOUNT, THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT AND EVIDENCE OF A FULFILLED PLEDGE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY IN A FORM AND MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMIS- SIONER. A. 4621 7 (D) THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITH- STANDING, THE PLEDGE AMOUNT MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT THAT AN INDI- VIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, AS THE COMMISSIONER SHALL DETERMINE, BUT THE DESCRIPTION OR DEFINITION OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL BE ESTABLISHED ONLY UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVI- SORY COMMITTEE. 2. A PARTICIPANT WHO FULFILLS HIS OR HER PLEDGE SHALL BE DEEMED A BENEFICIARY AND SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. A PARTICIPANT WHO FAILS TO FULFILL HIS OR HER PLEDGE SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A BENEFICIARY, BUT SHALL NOT SURRENDER ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR MEDICAID OR ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR THE COMPACT SUBSIDY IF SUCH PARTICIPANT SHALL LATER BECOME ELIGIBLE. 3. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY SIMILARITY IN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR COMMONALITY IN THE DEFINITIONS OF ASSET, INCOME OR OTHER ITEMS, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, A PARTICIPANT OR BENEFICI- ARY, AS THE CASE MAY BE, SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE RESOURCE TESTS, LIENS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND IMPOSITIONS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE APPLICA- BLE TO PERSONS APPLYING FOR OR RECEIVING MEDICAID. 4. THE PURCHASE OF QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FULFILLING THE PLEDGE SHALL BE RESTRICTED TO THE PURCHASE OF QUALI- FIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES IN THE STATE SO LONG AS THE INDIVIDUAL MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE WITH RESPECT TO FULFILLING THE PLEDGE, AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT A BENEFICIARY MAY ONLY RECEIVE THE COMPACT SUBSIDY FOR SERVICES RECEIVED WITHIN THIS STATE. 5. COUNTABLE PAYMENTS MADE FOR A QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICE IN FULFILLING A PLEDGE SHALL NOT BE GREATER THAN THE AMOUNT USUALLY AND CUSTOMARILY CHARGED FOR SUCH SERVICE BY A PROVIDER TO A NON-MEDICAID RECIPIENT AND SHALL INCLUDE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY EXPENSES PAID FOR SUCH SERVICES, PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT THE COMMISSIONER, ON RECOMMENDA- TION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MAY ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR ASSURING THAT A SERVICE IS PROPERLY PROVIDED AND MEETS APPROPRIATE STANDARDS OF QUALI- TY AND COST. THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO UTILIZE SUCH CRITERIA IN ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS FOR PROPER AND APPRO- PRIATE PAYMENT FOR SERVICES AND ASSURANCES OF QUALITY. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL REQUIRE SUBMISSION TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY OF PERIODIC UPDATES OF PAYMENTS MADE TOWARD FULFILLING THE PLEDGE AND REVIEW OF SUCH PAYMENTS BY THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY FOR ELIGIBILITY. THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY SHALL ADVISE THE PARTICIPANT OF ANY INELIGIBILITY OF ANY SUCH PAYMENTS. 6. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ESTABLISH A SEAMLESS PROCESS FOR TRANSITION OF AN INDIVIDUAL FROM PARTICIPANT TO BENEFICIARY WHEN SUCH INDIVIDUAL HAS FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. SUCH SEAMLESS PROCESS MAY INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, APPLICATION TO RECEIVE THE PUBLIC SUBSIDY AS A BENEFICIARY AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE INDIVIDUAL ENROLLS AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE COMPACT, SO THAT WHEN THE PLEDGE IS FULFILLED, THE INDIVIDUAL AUTOMATICALLY TRANSITIONS TO THE STATUS OF BENEFICIARY ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. INSOFAR AS FEASIBLE, THE TRANSITION SHOULD BE MANAGED BY THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. S 267. BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION. 1. A BENEFICIARY WHO FULFILLS THE PLEDGE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO PRESERVE HIS OR HER RESOURCES AND SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. 2. A BENEFICIARY SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO RESOURCE REQUIRE- MENTS OR LIMITATIONS, OR TO THE RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS MADE BY THE STATE FROM THE ESTATES OF SUCH INDIVIDUALS, OR TO THE IMPOSITION OF LIENS ON THE HOMES OF PERSONS, SUCH AS THOSE WHICH ARE IMPOSED ON BENEFICIARIES OF THE MEDICAID PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX OR A. 4621 8 SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN OR PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. 3. A BENEFICIARY SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO HAVE THE SUBSIDY PAID TO THE PROVIDER OF SERVICES FOR THE COSTS OF QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES FROM ANY WILLING PROVIDER SELECTED BY SUCH BENEFICIARY. 4. A BENEFICIARY SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES AT A RATE CHARGED BY A PROVIDER OF SERVICES WHICH IS NO GREATER THAN THE COMPACT RATE. 5. A BENEFICIARY SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT FOR SUCH QUALI- FIED LONG TERM CARE SERVICES OF ANY AMOUNT GREATER THAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. 6. A BENEFICIARY SHALL ANNUALLY REMIT A PARTICIPATION FEE TO MAINTAIN ELIGIBILITY IN THE COMPACT, EQUAL TO TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH BENEFI- CIARY'S COUNTABLE INCOME. SUCH FEE SHALL BE REMITTED TO THE COMMISSION- ER OR, IF SO DIRECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER, TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE COMMISSIONER. THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHALL MAKE PROVISION TO ALLOW A BENEFICIARY TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON A MONTHLY OR OTHER BASIS, AT THE OPTION OF THE BENEFICIARY. 7. A BENEFICIARY SHALL RETAIN A PROTECTED AMOUNT OF INCOME DURING THE PERIOD IN WHICH THE BENEFICIARY IS RECEIVING THE COMPACT SUBSIDY, AS SET FORTH IN THIS TITLE. 8. A BENEFICIARY SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO HAVE THE ANNUAL COMPACT SUBSIDY PAID FOR NON-INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES FROM ONE OR MORE PROVIDERS FOR UP TO AN AMOUNT THAT IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO THE ANNUAL REGIONAL MEDICAID RATE COMPUTED FOR NURSING HOME SERVICES FOR THE REGION IN WHICH THE BENEFICIARY RESIDES. S 268. PROTECTED INCOME. 1. THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHALL ESTABLISH PROVISIONS TO WAIVE ALL OR PART OF THE PARTICIPATION FEE AND ALL OR PART OF THE REQUIREMENT THAT A BENE- FICIARY PAY ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY IF THE BENEFICIARY'S COUNTABLE INCOME IN ANY MONTH, AFTER DEDUCTION OF THE PARTICIPATION FEE AND PAYMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY AMOUNT WHICH THE BENEFICIARY IS REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SERVICES, SHALL BE LESS THAN THE FOLLOWING PROTECTED INCOME AMOUNTS: (A) FOR AN UNMARRIED BENEFICIARY RECEIVING CARE IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING SUCH AS A NURSING HOME, ADULT HOME, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OR OTHER SIMILAR FACILITY, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTED AMOUNT; (B) FOR AN UNMARRIED BENEFICIARY RECEIVING CARE AT HOME, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE MINIMUM MONTHLY MAINTENANCE NEEDS ALLOWANCE; (C) FOR A MARRIED COUPLE OF WHOM ONE IS A BENEFICIARY RECEIVING CARE IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING SUCH AS A NURSING HOME, ADULT HOME, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OR OTHER SIMILAR FACILITY, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE INSTI- TUTIONAL PROTECTED AMOUNT FOR THE BENEFICIARY AND AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE MINIMUM MONTHLY MAINTENANCE NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR THE SPOUSE WHO IS NOT A BENEFICIARY; (D) FOR A MARRIED COUPLE OF WHOM ONE IS A BENEFICIARY RECEIVING CARE AT HOME, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ONE AND ONE-HALF TIMES THE MINIMUM MONTHLY MAINTENANCE NEEDS ALLOWANCE; (E) FOR A MARRIED COUPLE, BOTH OF WHOM ARE BENEFICIARIES RECEIVING CARE IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING SUCH AS A NURSING HOME, ADULT HOME, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OR OTHER SIMILAR FACILITY, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO AN INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTED AMOUNT FOR EACH BENEFICIARY; AND A. 4621 9 (F) FOR A MARRIED COUPLE, BOTH OF WHOM ARE BENEFICIARIES RECEIVING CARE AT HOME, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ONE AND ONE-HALF TIMES THE MINIMUM MONTHLY MAINTENANCE NEEDS ALLOWANCE. 2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ANNUALLY ADJUST SUCH INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTED AMOUNT BY THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE OR DECREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING INDEX, USING THE YEAR IN WHICH THIS TITLE SHALL HAVE BECOME LAW AS THE BASE YEAR. 3. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, "MINIMUM MONTHLY MAINTENANCE NEEDS ALLOW- ANCE" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SUCH TERM IN PARAGRAPH (H) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX-C OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW AND "INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTED AMOUNT" MEANS THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE ADJUSTED BY THE COMMISSIONER ANNUALLY BY THE SAME PERCENTAGE AS THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. 4. WHEN MAKING THE COMPUTATION TO DETERMINE IF A BENEFICIARY'S INCOME WOULD FALL BELOW THE APPROPRIATE PROTECTED INCOME AMOUNT, THE COMMIS- SIONER SHALL SUBTRACT FROM THE BENEFICIARY'S MONTHLY COUNTABLE INCOME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY THAT THE BENEFICIARY IS REQUIRED TO PAY, AND THEN THE PARTICIPATION FEE. IF THE REMAINING COUNTABLE INCOME AFTER SUCH SUBTRACTION IS LESS THAN THE PROTECTED AMOUNT APPROPRIATE TO SUCH BENEFICIARY, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ESTABLISH PROVISIONS FOR: (A) A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF THE PARTICIPATION FEE TO BE PAID BY THE BENEFICIARY, (B) A REDUCTION IN PAYMENT FOR SERVICES BY THE BENEFICIARY OF ANY DIFFERENCE TO BE PAID BY THE BENEFICIARY BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY, AND (C) THE PERIOD OF TIME DURING WHICH REDUCTION OR REDUCTIONS SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, IN ORDER TO ASSURE THAT THE BENEFICIARY SHALL ALWAYS RETAIN THE PROTECTED AMOUNT OF INCOME. ANY SUCH REDUCTION SHALL NOT BE EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD GREAT- ER THAN TWELVE MONTHS IN ANY THIRTY-SIX MONTH PERIOD. 5. ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS TITLE TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE COMMISSIONER MAY ADDITIONALLY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AND UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ESTABLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL BASIS FOR A REDUCTION OF THE PAYMENT FOR SERVICES BY THE BENEFICIARY OF ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY AND OF THE PARTICIPATION FEE TO BE PAID BY THE BENEFICIARY, A FINDING THAT A BENEFICIARY LACKS THE RESOURCES AFTER PAYMENT OF NECESSARY EXPENSES TO REMAIN IN HIS OR HER PLACE OF RESIDENCE AFTER PAYMENT OF SUCH PARTIC- IPATION FEE AND/OR PAYMENT FOR SERVICES, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE BENEFICIARY'S COUNTABLE INCOME EXCEEDS THE PROTECTED INCOME AMOUNT. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER WITH A DEFINITION OF NECESSARY EXPENSES AS USED IN THIS SECTION PRIOR TO THE COMMISSIONER TAKING ANY ACTION AUTHORIZED BY THIS SUBDIVISION. INSOFAR AS PRACTICA- BLE, SUCH DEFINITION SHALL BE QUANTIFIABLE, AND THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ESTABLISH A FORMULA BY RULE AND REGULATION FOR DETERMINING NECESSARY EXPENSES BASED ON SUCH DEFINITION AND FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A BENEFI- CIARY LACKS THE RESOURCES AFTER PAYMENT OF SUCH NECESSARY EXPENSES TO REMAIN IN HIS OR HER PLACE OF RESIDENCE. S 269. IMPOSITION OF LIEN IN CERTAIN CASES. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS TITLE SHALL PREVENT THE IMPOSITION OF A LIEN OR RECOVERY AGAINST THE PROPERTY OF AN INDIVIDUAL ON ACCOUNT OF EXPENSES INCORRECTLY PAID UNDER THE COMPACT SUBSIDY. S 270. PROHIBITED ACTS. NO PERSON ENGAGED IN THE DEVELOPMENT, MARKET- ING, ADVERTISING OR SALE OF ANY INSURANCE PLAN DESIGNED TO SATISFY THE PLEDGE AMOUNT SHALL: 1. GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR OTHERWISE ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW. A. 4621 10 2. ASSUME, USE OR ADVERTISE THE TITLE OF LAWYER OR ATTORNEY AT LAW, OR EQUIVALENT TERMS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR ANY OTHER LANGUAGE, OR REPRESENT OR ADVERTISE OTHER TITLES OR CREDENTIALS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "NOTARY PUBLIC", "ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH" OR "COMPACT CONSULTANT", THAT COULD CAUSE AN INDIVIDUAL TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON POSSESSES SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OR IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE COMPACT; PROVIDED THAT A NOTARY PUBLIC LICENSED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY USE THE TITLE "NOTARY PUBLIC". 3. STATE OR IMPLY THAT THE PERSON CAN OR WILL OBTAIN SPECIAL FAVORS FROM OR HAS SPECIAL INFLUENCE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE ADMIN- ISTRATIVE ENTITY OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY. 4. DEMAND OR RETAIN ANY FEES OR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES NOT PERFORMED OR COSTS THAT ARE NOT ACTUALLY INCURRED. 5. ADVISE, DIRECT OR PERMIT A CUSTOMER TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT, OR IN A DISCUSSION WITH A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, IN A SPECIFIC WAY WHERE SUCH PERSON KNOWS OR HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE ANSWERS ARE FALSE OR MISLEADING. 6. DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION TO, OR FILE ANY FORMS OR DOCUMENTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, ANY OTHER STATE DEPARTMENT OR THE ADMINISTRA- TIVE ENTITY WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT OF THE CUSTOMER. 7. FAIL TO PROVIDE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH COPIES OF DOCUMENTS FILED WITH A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OR REFUSE TO RETURN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS SUPPLIED BY, PREPARED ON BEHALF OF OR PAID FOR BY THE INDIVIDUAL, UPON THE REQUEST OF THE INDIVIDUAL. ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETURNED PROMPTLY UPON REQUEST, EVEN IF THERE IS A FEE DISPUTE WITH THE INDIVIDUAL. 8. MAKE ANY MISREPRESENTATION OR FALSE STATEMENT, DIRECTLY OR INDI- RECTLY. 9. MAKE ANY GUARANTEE OR PROMISE TO AN INDIVIDUAL, UNLESS THERE IS A BASIS IN FACT FOR SUCH REPRESENTATION, AND THE GUARANTEE OR PROMISE IS IN WRITING. S 271. FRAUDULENT PRACTICES. 1. ANY APPLICANT WHO IS FOUND BY THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER NOTICE AND A HEARING, TO HAVE KNOWINGLY MADE A FALSE STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION CONCERNING A FACT MATERIAL TO THE FULFILLING OF A PLEDGE AMOUNT, AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, OR DELIBERATELY CONCEALED SUCH A FACT, SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPACT PROGRAM PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ARTICLE. SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE A PARTICIPANT OR BENEFICIARY OR TO HAVE FULFILLED HIS OR HER PLEDGE AMOUNT, BUT SHALL NOT SURRENDER HIS OR HER ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR MEDICAID. 2. NO PERSON SHALL KNOWINGLY MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION OF A MATERIAL FACT, OR DELIBERATELY CONCEAL A MATERIAL FACT, OR OTHER- WISE SEEK BENEFITS BY IMPERSONATION OR OTHER FRAUDULENT DEVICE, IN THEIR WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS UNDER THIS TITLE. 3. NO PERSON SHALL, WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD, PRESENT FOR ALLOWANCE OR PAYMENT ANY FRAUDULENT CLAIM FOR FURNISHING SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE UNDER THIS TITLE, OR KNOWINGLY SUBMIT FALSE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING GREATER COMPENSATION THAN THAT TO WHICH SUCH INDIVIDUAL IS LEGALLY ENTITLED FOR FURNISHING SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE UNDER THIS TITLE, OR KNOWINGLY SUBMIT FALSE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAIN- ING AUTHORIZATION FOR FURNISHING SERVICES OR MERCHANDISE UNDER THIS TITLE. 4. ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES A BENEFIT PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS TITLE BASED UPON AN APPLICATION WHICH VIOLATES SUBDIVISION TWO OR THREE OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE GUILTY OF A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR. SUCH A FINDING SHALL NOT PREVENT AN ACTION TO RECOVER THE VALUE OF THE BENEFIT PROVIDED A. 4621 11 FOR UNDER THIS TITLE AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED THIS SECTION. S 271-A. PAYMENTS AND DEFAULTS. 1. PAYMENTS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS SHALL BE MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF PARTICIPANTS OR A PERSON OR ENTITY ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE PARTICIPANT. 2. PAYMENTS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO BENEFICI- ARIES SHALL BE MADE BY THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. A BENEFICIARY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE TO PAY ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. PAYMENTS TO SERVICES PROVIDERS SHALL BE MADE NO LESS FREQUENTLY THAN PAYMENTS TO PROVIDERS BY MEDICAID PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW. 3. A BENEFICIARY WHO KNOWINGLY FAILS TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY AS REQUIRED IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS SUCH BENEFICIARY IS EXCUSED PURSUANT TO THE HARDSHIP PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY, WHICH MAY EXER- CISE ANY AND ALL APPROPRIATE REMEDIES FOR COLLECTION OF THE DEBT. A DEBT UNPAID FOR A PERIOD OF NINETY DAYS, EXCEPT IN THE CASE IN WHICH HARDSHIP HAS BEEN DETERMINED, SHALL RESULT IN SUCH BENEFICIARY BEING DECLARED IN DEFAULT AND NO LONGER ENROLLED IN THE COMPACT. 4. A PARTICIPANT WHO HAS FULFILLED HIS OR HER PLEDGE SHALL BE PRESUMED ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SERVICES AS A BENEFICIARY FOR A PERIOD OF SIXTY DAYS FROM THE DATE OF DETERMINATION. IF A PARTICIPANT DETERMINED TO BE PRESUMPTIVELY ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE COMPACT SUBSIDY AS A BENEFICIARY IS SUBSEQUENTLY DETERMINED TO BE INELIGIBLE FOR SUCH ASSISTANCE, THE COMMISSIONER MAY RECOUP FROM SUCH INDIVIDUAL ANY SUMS EXPENDED FOR ASSISTANCE DURING THE PERIOD OF PRESUMED ELIGIBILITY. 5. A PARTICIPANT WHO KNOWINGLY DEFAULTS ON PAYMENT OF THE PLEDGE, OR A BENEFICIARY WHO KNOWINGLY DEFAULTS ON PAYMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMPACT RATE AND THE COMPACT SUBSIDY, AND WHO IS THEREFORE NO LONGER ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM, SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROTECTION OF ASSETS OR INCOME OTHERWISE AFFORDED TO PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE COMPACT. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS TITLE SHALL BE DEEMED TO SHIELD OR OTHERWISE EXCUSE A BENEFICIARY OR A PARTICIPANT FROM PAYMENT OF A DEBT LAWFULLY INCURRED TO A SERVICE PROVIDER. 6. UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE COMMISSIONER MAY ESTABLISH RULES, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITTEN AGREEMENTS, GOVERN- ING THE PAYMENT AND COLLECTION OF DEBT BY PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES TO SERVICE PROVIDERS AND TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY AS WELL AS NOTIFICATION GUIDELINES TO THE BENEFICIARY, OR A PERSON OR ENTITY ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE BENEFICIARY TO ENSURE THAT PAYMENTS MISSED IN ERROR CAN BE CORRECTED WITHOUT PUNISHMENT TO THE BENEFICIARY. S 272. APPEALS. 1. ANY PERSON OR AN INDIVIDUAL AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON BEHALF OF ANY SUCH PERSON MAY APPEAL TO THE COMMISSIONER FROM DECISIONS OF THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY UPON GROUNDS SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION. ANY APPEAL PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE REQUESTED WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE ACTION OR FAILURE TO ACT COMPLAINED OF. 2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL SPECIFY THE GROUNDS AND THE FORUM FOR SUCH APPEALS IN REGULATIONS. (A) SUCH GROUNDS AND FORUMS SHALL INCLUDE PROVISION OF FAIR HEARING FOR THE FOLLOWING AND SIMILAR ISSUES: (I) COMPUTATION OF THE VALUE OF ASSETS OR INCOME; (II) WHETHER EXPENSES ARE ELIGIBLE EXPENSES FOR PAYMENT OF THE PLEDGE, AND WHETHER THE PLEDGE WAS FULFILLED; (III) AMOUNT OF PARTICIPATION FEE OR CO-PAY; (IV) DENIAL OF PAYMENT FOR A SERVICE PROVIDED TO A BENEFICIARY. A. 4621 12 (B) SUCH GROUNDS AND FORUMS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE PROVISION FOR THIRD PARTY REVIEW AND ARBITRATION FOR SUCH ISSUES AS: (I) THE ASSESSMENT AND PLAN OF CARE; (II) PAYMENTS TO PROVIDERS; AND (III) QUALITY OF PROVIDER SERVICES. 3. DECISIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE BINDING UPON THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. SUCH GROUNDS FOR APPEAL SHALL NOT INCLUDE DENIALS FOR ISSUES AND CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE LANGUAGE, PROCESSING OR APPROVAL OF COVERAGE UNDER A LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE POLICY WHICH ARE OTHERWISE THE SUBJECT OF EXTERNAL APPEALS OF ADVERSE DETERMINATIONS OF HEALTH CARE PLANS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS TWO HUNDRED ONE, THREE HUNDRED ONE, ELEVEN HUNDRED NINE, THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED ONE, THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN, THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED SEVENTEEN, THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED SEVENTEEN-A, THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, FORTY-TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE, FORTY-THREE HUNDRED THREE, FORTY-THREE HUNDRED FOUR, FORTY-THREE HUNDRED FIVE, FORTY-THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, FORTY-THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO AND FORTY-THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR, ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN AND ARTICLE FORTY-NINE OF THE INSURANCE LAW AND CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX OF THE LAWS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED NINETY- EIGHT. 4. ANY AGGRIEVED PARTY TO AN APPEAL, OTHER THAN THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY, MAY APPLY FOR REVIEW AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE SEVENTY-EIGHT OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. S 273. TREATMENT OF ASSETS. 1. A PARTICIPANT'S HOMESTEAD SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET IF THE HOMESTEAD WAS PURCHASED MORE THAN FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTIC- IPANT IN THE COMPACT. A HOMESTEAD PURCHASED WITHIN FIVE YEARS OF SUCH DATE SHALL BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET, UNLESS SUCH HOMESTEAD IS A REPLACEMENT FOR A HOMESTEAD SOLD WITHIN ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE DATE, IN WHICH CASE AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SALE PRICE OF THE OLD HOMESTEAD AND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE NEW HOMESTEAD SHALL BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, "HOMESTEAD" MEANS THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BY A BENEFICIARY OR PARTICIPANT AND/OR MEMBERS OF HIS OR HER FAMILY. FAMILY MEMBERS MAY INCLUDE THE BENEFICIARY'S OR PARTICIPANT'S SPOUSE, MINOR CHILDREN, CERTIFIED BLIND OR CERTIFIED DISABLED CHILDREN, A CARETAKER CHILD, AND OTHER DEPENDENT RELATIVES. HOMESTEAD SHALL BE DEEMED TO MEAN AND INCLUDE THE HOME, LAND AND INTEGRAL PARTS SUCH AS GARAGES AND OUTBUILDINGS, AND MAY BE A CONDO- MINIUM, COOPERATIVE APARTMENT OR MANUFACTURED HOME. HOMESTEAD SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO MEAN AND INCLUDE VACATION HOMES, SUMMER HOMES OR OTHER PREMISES NOT USED AS A PRIMARY RESIDENCE. THE FOREGOING TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, TO THE EXTENT THAT A HOMESTEAD PURCHASED MORE THAN FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTIC- IPANT IN THE COMPACT IS DEEMED A RESOURCE UNDER THE RULES OF THE PART- NERSHIP FOR LONG-TERM CARE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN-F OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW, IT SHALL ALSO BE DEEMED A RESOURCE UNDER THE COMPACT. 2. ANY OTHER PROVISION OF ANY OTHER LAW OR OF THIS TITLE TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE COMMISSIONER, ACTING ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MAY EXEMPT CERTAIN INCOME AND RESOURCES OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S SPOUSE FROM INCLUSION AS A COUNTABLE ASSET. 3. (A) WITH RESPECT TO ANNUITIES, (I) THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ANY ANNUITY SHALL BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET IF SUCH ANNUITY IN PERMANENT PAYOUT STATUS WAS PURCHASED WITHIN FIVE YEARS OF THE DATE AN INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT ANY PAYOUT AMOUNTS SHALL NOT BE TREATED AS INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF THE INCOME CALCU- A. 4621 13 LATION; (II) THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ANY ANNUITY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET IF A LEVEL PAYMENT SCHEDULE HAS BEEN IN FORCE FOR THREE YEARS OR MORE PRIOR TO THE DATE AN INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT, AND NEITHER THE INDIVIDUAL NOR A PERSON ACTING ON SUCH INDIVIDUAL'S BEHALF HAS THE ABILITY TO WITHDRAW AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF SCHEDULED PAYMENTS, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT IN SUCH CASE, ANY PAYOUT AMOUNTS SHALL BE COUNTED AS INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF THE INCOME CALCU- LATION; AND (III) AN ANNUITY NOT IN PERMANENT PAYOUT STATUS FOR FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE AN INDIVIDUAL APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM SHALL BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET. (B) THE VALUE OF AN ASSET TRANSFERRED INTO AN IRREVOCABLE TRUST FOR LESS THAN FULL CONSIDERATION WITHIN FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF APPLICATION TO THE COMPACT PROGRAM SHALL BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET. (C) PRE-PAID FUNERALS PURCHASED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BECOMES A PARTICIPANT OR A BENEFICIARY, A SPOUSE OR FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED AS A COUNTABLE ASSET, IF MADE PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH THE PARTICIPANT FULFILLS THE PLEDGE AMOUNT. (D) THE VALUE OF ANY DEBTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO OUTSTANDING DEBT ON CREDIT CARDS, AUTO PAYMENTS, MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS, HOME EQUITY LOANS, REVERSE MORTGAGES AND ANY OTHER SUCH SIMILAR DEBT INSTRU- MENTS SHALL BE DEDUCTED WHEN CALCULATING THE TOTAL VALUE OF COUNTABLE ASSETS. (E) THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF A MORTGAGE ON A HOMESTEAD SHALL NOT BE DEDUCTED IF THE HOMESTEAD IS NOT DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT PAYMENTS MADE TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ANY SUCH MORTGAGE SHALL BE DEDUCTED WHEN CALCULATING THE TOTAL VALUE OF COUNTABLE ASSETS. IF THE HOMESTEAD IS DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET, THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE MORTGAGE SHALL BE DEDUCTED WHEN CALCULATING THE TOTAL VALUE OF COUNTABLE ASSETS. (F) IN ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING, THE FOLLOWING SHALL NOT BE CONSID- ERED AS INCOME OR ASSETS: (I) ANY GIFT OR GIFTS MADE BY AN INDIVIDUAL OR AN INDIVIDUAL'S SPOUSE THAT TOTAL LESS THAN TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ANNUALLY ADJUST SUCH AMOUNT BY THE SAME PERCENTAGE AS THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX; (II) EXPENDITURES TO AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OR MEDICAL FACILITY ON BEHALF OF A SPOUSE OR CHILD, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT THESE SHALL BE REASONABLE EXPENDITURES FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OR EDUCA- TION; (III) GIFTS THAT QUALIFY AS A CHARITABLE DEDUCTION ON THE INDIVIDUAL'S FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN; AND (IV) THE AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM A REVERSE MORTGAGE IF EXPENDED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE TIME IN WHICH RECEIVED. AN AMOUNT FROM A REVERSE MORTGAGE THAT IS HELD FOR LONGER THAN SUCH THIRTY DAY PERIOD SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS COUNTABLE INCOME, UNLESS USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF LONG TERM CARE SERVICES AS DEFINED IN THIS TITLE. (G) THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHALL ESTABLISH CRITERIA TO DETERMINE WHETHER EXPENDITURES AND GIFTS MADE PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION ARE DISALLOWABLE TRANSACTIONS. S 274. SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING COUPLES. 1. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE CONCERNING DISCLOSURE OF ASSETS SHALL BE DEEMED TO MEAN AND INCLUDE DISCLOSURE OF ALL ASSETS, INCLUDING ALL ASSETS OF A MARRIED COUPLE, WITHOUT DISTINCTION AS TO OWNERSHIP BY OR BETWEEN SPOUSES. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, IF THERE IS A PRE OR POST-NUPTIAL AGREE- MENT WHICH HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE THREE OR MORE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF ENROLLMENT IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM, THE VALUE OF THE ASSETS OF THE SPOUSE A. 4621 14 NOT ENROLLED IN THE COMPACT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET AND SHALL NOT REQUIRE DISCLOSURE TO THE COMMISSIONER OR PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY. 2. IF ONE SPOUSE ENROLLS IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM AND THE OTHER DOES NOT, AND (A) THE ENROLLING SPOUSE BECOMES A BENEFICIARY AFTER MEETING THE MAXI- MUM PLEDGE AMOUNT, THE COUPLE'S ASSETS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM CONSIDER- ATION AS A COUNTABLE ASSET. (B) THE ENROLLING SPOUSE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT PLEDGING A DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT, ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE COUPLE'S ASSETS SHALL BE EXCLUDED FROM CONSIDERATION AS A COUNTABLE ASSET BEFORE ANY OTHER CALCULATIONS AS TO THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO MEET A DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT. (C) THE NON-ENROLLING SPOUSE SUBSEQUENTLY APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTIC- IPANT IN THE COMPACT, SUCH INDIVIDUAL MAY PLEDGE EITHER THE MAXIMUM PLEDGE AMOUNT OR THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT. FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING THE DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT IN SUCH CASE, THE COUNTABLE ASSETS OF SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL MEAN, BEFORE ANY OTHER CALCULATIONS AS TO THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO MEET A DOLLAR PLEDGE AMOUNT, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REMAINING ASSETS OF THE COUPLE LESS ANY AMOUNT STILL REQUIRED TO MEET THE PLEDGE AMOUNT OF THE INITIAL ENROLLING SPOUSE. 3. A TRANSFER OR BEQUEST OF A PROTECTED AMOUNT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A COUNTABLE ASSET OF THE NON-ENROLLING SPOUSE, NOR SHALL INCOME OR GROWTH ON SUCH INCOME BE COUNTED IF SUCH INCOME WAS PART OF A PROTECTED AMOUNT AND HAS BEEN KEPT IN A SEPARATE ACCOUNT. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, A PROTECTED AMOUNT IS THE AMOUNT REMAINING AFTER A PLEDGE HAS BEEN MET. 4. A SURVIVING SPOUSE WHO APPLIES TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT, OR WHO IS A PARTICIPANT OR BENEFICIARY IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO EXERCISE A RIGHT OF ELECTION UNDER SECTION 5-1.1-A OF THE ESTATES, POWERS AND TRUSTS LAW. S 275. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 1. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CONVENE AN ADVI- SORY COMMITTEE TO THE COMPACT PROGRAM, CONSISTING OF ELEVEN PERSONS AS FOLLOWS: TWO FROM THE ELDER LAW SECTION OF THE NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSO- CIATION TO INCLUDE THE CHAIR OF SUCH SECTION OR A DESIGNEE APPOINTED BY THE CHAIR WHO SHALL SERVE EX OFFICIO; TWO FROM STATEWIDE ADVOCACY GROUPS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH SENIOR ISSUES; FOUR FROM PROVIDERS OF SERVICES, INCLUDING TWO REPRESENTING INSTITUTIONAL PROVIDERS OF SERVICES AND TWO REPRESENTING NON-INSTITUTIONAL PROVIDERS; TWO FROM INSURERS SELLING LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE IN THE STATE WHO SHALL BE PERSONS WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PRODUCTS AND WHO ARE OR WHO SHALL HAVE BEEN, SO FAR AS SHALL BE PRACTICABLE, IN EXECUTIVE POSITIONS; AND ONE WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS ACTUARIAL EXPERI- ENCE IN LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE MATTERS. MEMBERS SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR SERVICES, BUT SHALL BE ALLOWED THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES HEREUNDER. 2. THE PURPOSE OF SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE TO PROVIDE ADVICE, CONSULTATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON SPECIFIC ISSUES CONCERNING THE COMPACT PROGRAM AND ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SUCH ISSUES AS THE DEFINITION OF HARDSHIP AND THE TREATMENT OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP UNDER THE COMPACT, THE TREAT- MENT OF ASSETS OF PERSONS WHO ARE LIVING SEPARATELY BUT NOT DIVORCED, LOSS OF INCOME OR ASSETS AFTER A PARTICIPANT HAS AGREED TO A PLEDGE AMOUNT, SPOUSAL PROTECTIONS, AND ANY OTHER ISSUES WHICH THE COMMISSIONER OR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL DEEM NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO THE OPERATION OF THE COMPACT. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL ADDITIONALLY CONSIDER ISSUES RELATED TO CONTINUITY OF CARE BY PROVIDERS AND ANY ISSUES RELATED TO SHIFTING OR FAILING TO PROVIDE SERVICES OR DROPPING A. 4621 15 PARTICIPANTS FROM COVERAGE WHEN THEY BECOME BENEFICIARIES. IN PROMULGAT- ING REGULATIONS PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL CONSULT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT FAILURE TO RESPOND TIMELY BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A DEFECT IN THE PROMULGA- TION OF SUCH REGULATIONS. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAY REQUEST AND SHALL RECEIVE FROM THE COMMISSIONER SUCH DATA AND ANALYSIS, OR MAY MAKE SUCH ANALYSIS OF SUCH DATA, AS SHALL ENABLE IT TO FULFILL ITS MISSION PURSU- ANT TO THIS TITLE. 3. THE COMMITTEE SHALL ANNUALLY, OR MORE OFTEN IF THE COMMITTEE SHALL SO DECIDE, REVIEW THE METHODOLOGY FOR SETTING THE AMOUNT OF THE COMPACT SUBSIDY AND SHALL MAKE SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE TO THE COMMIS- SIONER AS IT SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE AND IN KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT AND INTENT OF THIS TITLE. 4. THE COMMITTEE SHALL ANNUALLY, OR MORE OFTEN IF THE COMMITTEE SHALL SO DECIDE, REVIEW THE CONDUCT OF PROVIDERS OF SERVICE TO PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES AND MAY RECOMMEND TO THE COMMISSIONER THE ESTABLISH- MENT OF REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING SUCH CONDUCT TO PREVENT ABUSES. IF THE COMMITTEE SHALL MAKE SUCH RECOMMENDATION, THE COMMISSIONER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO AND SHALL PRESCRIBE SUCH REQUIREMENTS BY RULE AND REGU- LATION. 5. IN ADDITION TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE COMMISSIONER AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR SHALL ESTABLISH A TEN MEMBER CONSUMER ISSUES AND INTEGRITY COMMITTEE, WHOSE PURPOSE SHALL BE TO EXAMINE THE IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPACT WITH RESPECT TO CONSUMER ISSUES. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL INCLUDE PERSONS WITH DISABILI- TIES, SENIORS, ADVOCATES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIORS, AND INDIVIDUALS FROM THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY WITH EXPERTISE IN LONG TERM CARE POLICY, HEALTH POLICY AND SOCIAL POLICY. THE COMMITTEE SHALL ADDRESS ISSUES REFERRED TO IT BY THE COMMISSIONER OR BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND MAY ENGAGE IN STUDIES OF ISSUES AT ITS OWN DISCRETION. THE COMMIS- SIONER SHALL DESIGNATE A CHAIR FOR THE COMMITTEE. THE CONSUMER ISSUES AND INTEGRITY COMMITTEE SHALL MEET IN A PUBLIC SETTING AT LEAST FOUR TIMES PER YEAR AND AT SUCH OTHER TIMES AS THE COMMISSIONER OR THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE. S 276. REQUIREMENT FOR CONFIDENTIALITY. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, ALL INFORMATION GATHERED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING ENROLLMENT IN THE COMPACT PROGRAM SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL, WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: 1. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION BASED UPON LEGITIMATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PURPOSES, AS SUCH TERM SHALL BE DEFINED IN REGULATION BY THE COMMISSION- ER; 2. JUDICIAL SUBPOENAS; 3. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION BY THE VICTIM OR CLAIMANT OR HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE; AND 4. FOR PURPOSES NECESSARY AND PROPER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS TITLE. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY PERMITS THE RELEASE OF ANY SUCH DATA AND INFORMATION NOT PERMITTED BY THIS TITLE SHALL BE GUILTY OF A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGU- LATIONS INSURING THE TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISPOSITION OF SUCH DATA AND INFORMATION. S 277. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION. THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE, THE DIRECTOR AND THE COMMISSIONER, IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED, WITHIN AMOUNTS APPRO- PRIATED THEREFOR AND OTHER FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, TO ESTABLISH AN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM CONCERNING THE A. 4621 16 COMPACT PROGRAM OR TO COORDINATE SUCH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM WITH ANY SIMILAR PUBLICLY SPONSORED PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF INFORMING AND EDUCATING THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE AVAILABILITY AND ADVANTAGES OF THE COMPACT PROGRAM BY MEANS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS IN PRINT, AUDIO, VISUAL, ELEC- TRONIC OR OTHER MEDIA; PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS, ADVERTISEMENTS, MEDIA CAMPAIGNS, WORKSHOPS, MASS MAILINGS, CONFERENCES OR PRESENTATIONS; ESTABLISHMENT OF A TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE HOTLINE AND ELECTRONIC SERVICES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION; AND MEETINGS CONDUCTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE COMMISSIONER AND THE DIRECTOR WITH ESTATE PLANNERS, ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS CONCERNING LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE, INCLUDING THOSE POLICIES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP FOR LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM. IN EXERCISING ANY POWERS UNDER THIS SECTION, THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENTITY MAY CONSULT WITH APPROPRIATE AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS OF LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE OR ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING THEM. IN ADDITION TO STATE FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR PROGRAMS UNDER THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSIONER AND THE DIRECTOR MAY ACCEPT FUNDING FROM PUBLIC SOURCES FOR PROGRAMS UNDER THIS SECTION AND MAY UNDERTAKE JOINT OR COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES OR PRIVATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS WHICH ARE NEITHER PROVIDERS NOR REGULATORS OF LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE OR AFFILIATES OR UNITS OF SUCH AGENCIES OR CORPORATIONS. S 2. The insurance law is amended by adding a new section 3229-a to read as follows: S 3229-A. LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PLANS QUALIFYING TO PROVIDE COVER- AGE UNDER THE NEW YORK STATE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE. ANY OTHER PROVISION OF ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, ANY TAX QUALIFIED LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PLANS MAY BE USED TO MAKE PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO MEET PLEDGE AMOUNTS PURSUANT TO THE NEW YORK STATE COMPACT FOR LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM ESTAB- LISHED PURSUANT TO TITLE FOUR OF ARTICLE TWO OF THE ELDER LAW. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ADDITIONALLY APPROVE INSURANCE PLANS THAT PROVIDE OR INCLUDE TOTAL BENEFITS IN AN AMOUNT WHICH WILL ALLOW THE INDIVIDUAL TO MEET THE PARTICIPATION FEE AND THE CO-PAY REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMPACT. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "TAX QUALIFIED" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS UNDER SECTION 7702B(B) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED. S 3. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. S 4. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
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