Q: I've been hearing a lot about the new health care reform regulations and how it does away with asset limits for some people on Medicaid. Is this true, can I stop worrying about asset limits?

A: No, the new health care reform legislation does not eliminate asset limits for the existing categories of Medicaid. So, if you currently receive Medicaid via SSI, 1619 A or B, or other current Medicaid category, your asset limit restriction remains the same. However, the health care reform act does create a new category of eligibility. Commonly referred to as the 133% category, this new eligibility category allows recipients to earn up to 133% of the federal poverty rate and receive Medicaid health care coverage without an asset limit provision. It is crucial to note, however, that the level of Medicaid coverage or the services provided in this new category may be significantly less than the coverage or services provided by other Medicaid categories. Simply put, SSI linked Medicaid will likely provide a higher level of service and coverage than will the yet to be determined level in the 133% category. With the upcoming change in Congress and shifting political landscape, the implementing regulations of the new Affordable Care Act continue to be rather fluid. For a more systematic overview of what we currently know about the Affordable Care Act, along with a very useful time line for implementation, visit http://www.wid.org/affordable-care-act-aca-summary-and-updates