NC S344

Individuals 65 years of age or older may transfer funds into pooled special needs trusts (conforming with 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)(C)) without triggering Medicaid eligibility penalties, provided the funds will be used for goods and services within the individual's life expectancy

Transfers to qualifying pooled trusts by seniors 65+ will be treated as fair market value transfers for State-County Special Assistance eligibility purposes under the same conditions

The NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, must amend its rules and policies for both Medicaid and State-County Special Assistance to implement these changes

The individual making the transfer must demonstrate the funds are intended to provide goods and services valued at fair market value within their life expectancy

Effective upon becoming law; ratified June 19, 2025, and signed by Governor Josh Stein on June 26, 2025