NC S604

Expands the definition of "estate" for Medicaid recovery purposes to include all real and personal property in which a deceased individual had any legal interest at time of death, including assets transferred through joint tenancy, survivorship, living trusts, or other arrangements for individuals with qualified long-term care partnership policies.

Requires personal representatives of estates for deceased Medicaid beneficiaries to file a release from the Division of Medical Assistance with the court before closing the probate estate, showing either payment of all medical assistance costs, a waiver of claims, or a statement that no amount is due.

Mandates trustees with authority to pay debts of deceased trust beneficiaries notify the Division of Medical Assistance within 90 days if the beneficiary received Medicaid benefits, allowing the Division to pursue claims against any trust deemed an available resource.

Adds five new provider types to Medicaid and Health Choice provider screening categories: portable X-ray suppliers, religious nonmedical health care institutions, and registered dieticians as limited categorical risk; local health departments and nonemergency medical transportation as moderate categorical risk.

Effective date: October 1, 2013.