(a) Application date.  The date of the application for NF care is most important in determining the date of eligibility.  If the applicant is found eligible for Medicaid, certification may be made retroactive for any service provided on or after the first day of the third month prior to the month of application and for future months.  An applicant approved for long-term medical care under Medicaid as categorically needy is mailed a Medical Identification Card.

(b) Time limited approvals for nursing care.  A medical certification period of a specific length may be assigned for an individual who is categorically related to ABD or AFDC.  This time limit is noted on the system.  It is the responsibility of the nursing facility to notify the area nurse 30 days prior to the end of the certification period if an extension of approval is required by the client.  Based on the information from the NF the area nurse, or nurse designee, determines whether or not an update of the UCAT is necessary for the extension.  The area nurse, or nurse designee, coordinates with appropriate staff for any request for further UCAT assessments.

(c) Certification period for long-term medical care.  A financial  certification period of 12 months is assigned for an individual categorically related to ABD who is approved for long-term care.  When the individual determined eligible for long-term medical care is categorically related to AFDC, a certification period of 12 months is assigned.