(a) In determining the eligibility of an institutionalized spouse pursuant to Section 14005.4 or 14005.7, who resides in a medical institution or nursing facility, and who is in a Medi-Cal family budget unit separate from that of his or her spouse, the community property interest of either spouse in the income of the other spouse shall not be considered when determining eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits.
(b) In the case of an institutionalized spouse, income shall be determined in accordance with subsections (b) and (d) of Section 1924 of the federal Social Security Act and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(c) (1) This section shall remain operative only until Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.) is amended to authorize the consideration of state community property law in determining eligibility under this chapter, or the federal government authorizes the consideration of state community property in that determination.
(2) The department shall report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature upon the occurrence of the amendment of federal law or receipt of federal authorization as specified in paragraph (1).
(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1430, Sec. 5.5. Effective October 2, 1989. Conditionally inoperative by its own provisions.)