Medicaid program payments to institutions--HCFA. Final rule.

This final rule (1) provides greater flexibility to States by amending regulations that specify how much of an institutionalized individual's income must be applied to the cost of care in the facility; and (2) requires that States electing to use the special income eligibility standard for institutionalized individuals apply that standard beginning with the first day of a period of not less than thirty consecutive days of institutionalization. These final rules are designed to clarify regulations, delete unnecessary or burdensome requirements, and provide maximum flexibility to States while maintaining patient health and safety.