Opinion ID: 1657412
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Is Ruby's Estate Liable for Medicaid Payments Made on Her Behalf?

Text: As noted above, section 249A.5(2) provides that the provision of medical assistance to an individual creates a debt due the department for such assistance from the individual's estate. By the plain language of the statute, it is the receipt of benefits that gives rise to the repayment obligation. This statute was in effect when the department started paying Ruby's medical and nursing home bills, and it continued in effect to her death. Clearly, then, her estate is liable for the Medicaid benefits paid on her behalf. See In re Estate of Thompson, 586 N.W.2d 847, 852 (N.D.1998) (holding obligation to repay medical assistance benefits arises when recipient receives benefits). The more troublesome question is what assets are includable in her estate for purposes of satisfying this debt. We turn to that question next.