Medicare Blog

what questions do they ask for medicare waiver income

by Shaina Friesen Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

When a waiver of recovery is requested, the BCRC will send the SSA 632 Request for Waiver form asking for more specific information about the beneficiary’s income, assets, expenses, and the reasons why waiver of recovery should be granted.

Full Answer

What are Medicare waivers and how do they work?

• Replace your Medicare card • Ask about Medicare premiums • Apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescrip-tion drug costs • Appeal a Part B or Part D (Medicare prescrip-tion drug coverage) Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Social Security. 1-800-772-1213 TTY: 1-800-325-0778 socialsecurity.gov

What are the rules for the Medicaid Waiver Program?

On January 3, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2014-7, 2014-4 I.R.B. 445. Notice 2014-7 provides guidance on the federal income tax treatment of certain payments to individual care providers for the care of eligible individuals under a state Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver program described in section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act …

Who do I call if I Have Questions about Medicare?

 · Each carrier has a minimum of one form of health-related questions included in its Medigap application. Some of the questions ask if you’ve EVER had a particular condition; however, others inquire about a more recent time. Commonly, questions about the last couple of years of health history.

Can a provider exclude Medicaid waiver payments from gross income?

 · Medicare and Medicaid work together to make healthcare services available to people with complex health conditions in need of long-term care. The Section 1915(c) HCBS waiver program allows people ...

How to get a refund for Medicare and Social Security?

If you believe social security and Medicare taxes were withheld in error from your payments, such as because one of the exceptions for domestic services applied, you must first contact the agency that withheld the taxes for a refund. However, if the agency indicates an intention not to file a claim or adjust the overpaid social security and Medicare taxes, you may claim a refund of the erroneously withheld social security and Medicare taxes by filing Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement. The requirements for filing a claim for refund of your share of social security and Medicare taxes can be found in the Instructions for Form 843.

What to do if you don't know if you are excludable from gross income?

If you do not have independent knowledge that the payments you make are excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7, you may rely on a written statement by the payee, signed under penalties of perjury, unless you know that the statement is not true. The statement should affirm the facts you need to determine that Notice 2014-7 applies to the payee. For example, a statement may be worded as follows:

What line do you enter 0 on a 1040?

A13. You should enter -0- on line 21 of Form 1040 if you have no other income reportable on line 21. If you have other income reportable on line 21, you should enter the amount of the other reportable income on line 21. You should write “Notice 2014-7” on the dotted line for line 21 on a paper return or enter “Notice 2014-7” on line 21 for an electronically filed return. Because the payments are excludable from income, and because you do not have a trade or business of providing these services, the payments are not self-employment income subject to self-employment tax.

How to report W-2 payments?

A11. You should include the full amount of the payments reported in box 1 of Form W-2 as wages on line 1 of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. You should then subtract the excludable portion of the amount in box 1 on Schedule 1, line 8, “Other income,” of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. If you have other income reportable on Schedule 1, line 8, you should enter the net amount after subtracting the amount excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7 from the other amounts reportable on Schedule 1, line 8. You may need to enter a negative amount on Schedule 1, line 8, if you have no other income reportable on Schedule 1, line 8, or if the amount of other income you must report on Schedule 1, line 8 is less than the amount excludable from gross income. You should write “Notice 2014-7” on the dotted line for Schedule 1, line 8, if you file a paper return, or enter “Notice 2014-7” on Schedule 1, line 8 for an electronically filed return.

What is a 1099-MISC?

Generally, a payer must file Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, to report payments to an independent contractor as compensation for services if the payments are $600 or more during the calendar year. However, if you know that payments to an individual care provider are excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7, you should not file a Form 1099-MISC reporting those payments. If you do not have independent knowledge that the payments are excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7, you may rely on a written statement by the payee, signed under penalties of perjury, unless you know that the statement is not true. The statement should affirm the facts you need to determine that Notice 2014-7 applies to the payee. See Q&A15.

Can federal income tax be withheld from gross income?

A16. No. Federal income tax should not be withheld from the payments that are excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7. If you do not have independent knowledge that the payments are excludable from gross income under Notice 2014-7, you may rely on a written statement by the employee, signed under penalties of perjury, unless you know that the statement is not true. The statement should affirm the facts you need to determine that Notice 2014-7 applies to payments made to the employee. See Q&A 15.

Do you have to pay Social Security taxes on W-2?

A18. Yes . Even if payments you make to your employees for their services are excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, they generally are wages for social security and Medicare tax purposes. Thus, generally, you should withhold and pay social security and Medicare taxes, and report the social security and Medicare wages and taxes withheld on the employee’s Form W-2. However, see Q&A 19 below if you pay the individuals but you properly treat them as employees of the care recipients.

What does the way a carrier phrases these inquiries on their specific application determine?

The way a carrier phrases these inquiries on their specific application will determine if you can successfully pass the supplement underwriting.

What to ask a doctor if you are pre diabetic?

Think carefully; if a doctor is telling you that you’re pre-diabetic, you’ll need to ask him what he’s submitting to your file. Was the doctor sugar-coating the health condition during the discussion with you?

How long do you have to wait to apply for cancer insurance?

If you’ve had a recent surgery or you are going through any treatments, you’ll want to wait a couple of years before applying.

Can you keep your Medicare coverage if you have a chronic illness?

Keep Your Coverage if you have a Chronic, Incurable Condition. There are plenty of health issues that can be treated but are still considered incurable illnesses. When you have an illness that requires treatment forever, you’ll see that there are questions on many Medicare Supplement applications that can exclude you.

Does Medigap require a supplement policy?

Oregon and California allow beneficiaries to change their supplement policy within the birthday month with no supplement underwriting. This does require that you have a supplement policy currently active to qualify. Talk to your agent; they can get quotes to check if a lower rate exists.

Do you need to answer questions about your health to qualify for new coverage?

In many states, you need to answer questions about your health and get through underwriting to qualify for new coverage. While medical underwriting can cause some stress, many individuals successfully pass under writing and change coverage annually, so don’t worry. Let’s dive into information about the situations typically resulting in approval.

Is Medicare Supplement underwriting required?

Medicare Supplement underwriting questions aren’t always mandatory. Sometimes, like during your Open Enrollment Period, you receive a waiver for health question requirements. If you’re changing a Medigap plan or miss your OEP, underwriting is likely a must.

What is included in a demand letter for Medicare?

The demand letter also includes information on administrative appeal rights. For demands issued directly to beneficiaries, Medicare will take the beneficiary’s reasonable procurement costs (e.g., attorney fees and expenses) into consideration when determining its demand amount.

What is Medicare beneficiary?

The Medicare beneficiary when the beneficiary has obtained a settlement, judgment, award or other payment. The liability insurer (including a self-insured entity), no-fault insurer, or workers’ compensation (WC) entity when that insurer or WC entity has ongoing responsibility for medicals (ORM). For ORM, there may be multiple recoveries ...

Does a waiver of recovery apply to a demand letter?

Note: The waiver of recovery provisions do not apply when the demand letter is issued directly to the insurer or WC entity. See Section 1870 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395gg).

Can CMS issue more than one demand letter?

For ORM, there may be multiple recoveries to account for the period of ORM, which means that CMS may issue more than one demand letter. When Medicare is notified of a settlement, judgment, award, or other payment, including ORM, the recovery contractor will perform a search of Medicare paid claims history.

Can Medicare waive recovery of demand?

The beneficiary has the right to request that the Medicare program waive recovery of the demand amount owed in full or in part. The right to request a waiver of recovery is separate from the right to appeal the demand letter, and both a waiver of recovery and an appeal may be requested at the same time. The Medicare program may waive recovery of the amount owed if the following conditions are met:

What is a medicaid waiver?

The Medicaid waiver program is one of many ways that Medicare and Medicaid work together to meet the healthcare needs of beneficiaries. Section 1915 (c) of the Social Security Act describes a waiver program that authorizes home and community-based services (HCBS) to provide health and other basic necessities to people who would otherwise be cared ...

How to apply for HCBS waiver?

To apply for services through an HCBS waiver, you’ll need to contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out about the eligibility requirements.

What is HCBS waiver?

Medicaid waiver programs (HCBS waivers) may allow you to get medical care and other services at home or in a facility in your community. Each state includes different conditions in its HCBS waiver programs, so check your state’s Medicaid guidelines to see if you’re eligible. If you or a loved one has a complex health condition requiring ...

How do Medicare and Medicaid work together?

Medicare and Medicaid work together to make healthcare services available to people with complex health conditions in need of long-term care.

What services does Medicaid provide?

Healthcare professionals may also provide services like rehabilitation with a physical therapist or speech and language pathologist. Transportation, meal delivery, and adult day care services may also be included. Because Medicaid is run by state governments, each state’s waiver program operates differently.

What is Medicaid in the US?

Medicaid is a program that’s jointly run by federal and state governments to provide healthcare coverage to people with low incomes and limited resources. People of various ages are enrolled in Medicaid.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers you during short-term, inpatient stays in hospitals and for services like hospice. It also provides limited coverage for skilled nursing facility care and select in-home services.

What is Medicaid waiver?

A Medicaid waiver is a provision in Medicaid law which allows the federal government to waive rules that usually apply to the Medicaid program. The intention is to allow individual states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups such as the elderly or women who are pregnant.

How to apply for HCBS waiver?

To begin the application process for a Medicaid HCBS waiver program, contact your state Medicaid office. You can visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to find the contact information for your state. You’ll then be given information on how to submit an official application.

What is the purpose of HCBS waiver?

As outlined above, the purpose of an HCBS waiver is to let states provide care to certain individuals in the community, rather than putting them into institutional care. Beneficiaries may live in their own home, at a relative’s home, or in a senior living community that isn’t a nursing home.

What is Medicaid Home and Community Based Services?

One such program is Medicaid Home and Community Based Services – a Medicaid waiver that helps people stay in their home instead of receiving care in a nursing home or other institution.

What are the requirements for HCBS?

Those who are accepted into their state’s HCBS waiver program will receive a range of medical and non-medical care, which can vary depending on the individual’s needs and situation, as well as state guidelines. This may include: 1 Personal care services and supervision, at home or in an assisted living facility 2 A home health aide 3 Nursing 4 Medical supplies and medical equipment 5 Chore and homemaking services, such as shopping, laundry, and cleaning 6 Hot meal delivery services 7 Respite care to relieve a primary caregiver 8 Counseling services 9 Home and/or vehicle modifications, such as ramps and safety rails, to increase independence 10 Support and case management 11 Assistance transitioning from a nursing home into the community 12 Access to senior centers or adult group day care 13 Transport to and from non-emergency medical appointments 14 Non-medical transportation services 15 Personal emergency response systems

What is a Section 1115 waiver?

Section 1115 waivers – Often referred to as research and demonstration waivers, these allow states to temporarily test out new approaches to delivering Medicaid care and financing. For these waivers to be approved, they must be budget neutral for the federal government – meaning that the federal government can’t be spending more because of the waiver than they would if it wasn’t in place. As more states look for new ways to utilize the additional federal funding provided with the Affordable Care Act, these waivers have become more popular.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal program that provides health care to all individuals over the age of 65 as well as people with disabilities under the age of 65. Medicaid, on the other hand, is for people with very limited resources and income. Because Medicaid is run by each individual state, the specific eligibility requirements ...

What is Medicaid waiver?

The Medicaid waiver program allows states to choose groups of people with particular needs and health conditions to receive tailor-made healthcare options at home or within the community. For example, some states provide waivers for care relating to developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, AIDS, and substance use disorders.

What is a waiver program?

uses an individualized plan of care centered on the person. A waiver program allows the state to waive some requirements to meet the needs of individuals.

How old do you have to be to get medicare?

Medicare is a federal program. To be eligible for Medicare, a person must be age 65 years or above. People younger than age 65 years may also be eligible, but only if they have specific health conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health benefits for those who meet the eligibility requirements.

What is a copayment for Medicare?

Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount that an insured person pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.

Is Medicaid a federal or state program?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program . Medicaid waiver programs help people who qualify for inpatient care to receive healthcare services at home. Each state can develop its own waiver programs, so some rules and eligibility criteria may vary. However, some rules are the same in each state.

Can you get Medicaid if you don't qualify?

People who do not qualify for a Medicaid waiver program may still be eligible for help from resources such as the PACE or SSI.

Can HCBS be waived?

Following federal guidelines, individual states can implement home- and community-based service ( HCBS) waivers. States can choose how many HCBS waivers they would like and must demonstrate that the waiver service:

What is a medical waiver?

If an employee chooses a medical waiver they could receive an extra yearly payment that would be a percentage of what the company pays for the employee's insurance coverage.

What is a waiver for health insurance?

Definition: A health insurance waiver is a document that when signed provides the option to opt-out of a health insurance plan offered to you by making a formal request. This could apply to health insurance group plan that you are being offered as part of a program, your employer, school or other organization.

Why sign a health insurance waiver?

Signing a Health Insurance Waiver as a Strategy to Save Money or Gain Income. The health Insurance waiver is sometimes viewed as an employee benefit because by waiving insurance, some employers have offered to compensate the employee for the financial value of the cost of insurance.

Why are health insurance waivers being cut back?

Because of tough economic times, many companies are cutting back on health insurance waivers or eliminating them altogether. Health insurance waivers used to be popular among employers attracting employees. This was when companies offered health insurance benefits free to their employees.

Why is my employer not requiring my health insurance?

When your employer health insurance plan or student health insurance plan is not required because you already have insurance through another plan. For example, if your spouse has a health insurance plan that already covers you, you might request a health insurance waiver because you do not need the coverage your school or employer is offering you since you are already insured elsewhere.

Can you pick who is covered by a health insurance waiver?

Carefully read the waiver to make sure you understand what you are signing off on. A health insurance waiver usually applies to the person signing the waiver and their dependents, you can not pick and choose who will be covered or waived.

Is medical insurance waiver common?

Now that most employees pay a portion of their health insurance and that companies are on a tighter budget, medical insurance waivers are not as common. The cost of medical insurance waivers is now hurting employers more than being a benefit to an employee.

Medicare’s Demand Letter

  • In general, CMS issues the demand letter directly to: 1. The Medicare beneficiary when the beneficiary has obtained a settlement, judgment, award or other payment. 2. The liability insurer (including a self-insured entity), no-fault insurer, or workers’ compensation (WC) entity when that insurer or WC entity has ongoing responsibility for medicals ...
See more on cms.gov

Assessment of Interest and Failure to Respond

  • Interest accrues from the date of the demand letter, but is only assessed if the debt is not repaid or otherwise resolved within the time period specified in the recovery demand letter. Interest is due and payable for each full 30-day period the debt remains unresolved; payments are applied to interest first and then to the principal. Interest is assessed on unpaid debts even if a debtor is pu…
See more on cms.gov

Right to Appeal

  • It is important to note that the individual or entity that receives the demand letter seeking repayment directly from that individual or entity is able to request an appeal. This means that if the demand letter is directed to the beneficiary, the beneficiary has the right to appeal. If the demand letter is directed to the liability insurer, no-fault insurer or WC entity, that entity has the ri…
See more on cms.gov

Waiver of Recovery

  • The beneficiary has the right to request that the Medicare program waive recovery of the demand amount owed in full or in part. The right to request a waiver of recovery is separate from the right to appeal the demand letter, and both a waiver of recovery and an appeal may be requested at the same time. The Medicare program may waive recovery of the amount owed if the following con…
See more on cms.gov

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