ND HB1318

Amends North Dakota Century Code sections 43-10.1-03.1 and 50-24.1-02.3 relating to Medicaid asset exemptions for pre-need funeral service contracts and funeral expenses.

Changes the Medicaid asset exclusion limit from six thousand dollars to an irrevocable itemized funeral contract amount designated by the applicant or recipient, plus any portion of the three thousand dollar asset limitation they designate for funeral expenses.

Allows purchasers of pre-need funeral contracts to make funds irrevocable, with a forty-five day cancellation period, and requires contracts to be fully transferable to other licensed funeral establishments or cemetery associations.

Specifies that designated funeral prepayments and deposits are not considered multiple-party accounts and any unused funds must be returned to the medical assistance recipient's estate for recovery by the department.

Passed the House 90-0 and the Senate 45-0 during the 2019 legislative session.