• a parent is always financially responsible for the minor (under age 18) natural/adopted, non-emancipated child,

• a spouse is always financially responsible for a spouse,

• unmarried partners with a mutual child (child in common) are always financially responsible for the child. Neither partner is responsible for the other, even though both parents are responsible for their mutual child.

NOTE: The parent, spouse, or partner may be excluded from the poverty level budget unit if he or she is receiving assistance under another Medicaid group.

• Pregnant woman and unborn child(ren) Note: Pregnant women count as at least two family members in determining the budget unit size in all cases. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with a multiple pregnancy, this must be verified to adjust the budget size accordingly.

• The spouse If the income of the stepparent makes some of the stepchildren ineligible, do not count the stepparent income. The stepparent and his or her own children remain in the budget unit.

• Unmarried partners if the couple have a child for whom they have assumed parental-like responsibility. The child and the unmarried partners will first be included in the budget unit. An unmarried partner (who is not the parent of the child) must be excluded when his or her income makes the child or the other unmarried partner ineligible.

• Include both unmarried partners when determining the eligibility of a mutual child.

• Other natural or adopted children under age 18 that both parents have in common. Families have the choice of including or excluding siblings. If a child has income, include the child with income in the budget unit, but do not count that child’s income when determining the eligibility of the siblings, the parents, or other individuals in the budget unit. The child’s income is counted when determining his or her own eligibility. Please note that the income of a child who is a minor parent is counted when determining the eligibility of his or her own child, unless the income is otherwise excluded.

• Other related or unrelated children under age 18 (such as a niece, cousin, friend's child, minor sibling of adult). This is permissible because there is no technical requirement that the child be living in the home of a specified relative. If the children are ineligible in the big budget unit, place them in a separate budget unit. Include the adult sibling who has assumed parental-like responsibility for a minor sibling in the budget unit. If the income of the adult sibling renders the minor ineligible, place the minor in a separate budget unit.

• The parents of a pregnant minor living together in the same home. Do not include her parents if the pregnant minor is considered emancipated. See technical eligibility for an explanation of emancipation.

• Individuals who are recipients of SSI. Individuals who are recipients of TANF, GA, Medicaid only, QMB, SLMB, may be included or excluded in the budget unit.

• Parents of the father of a baby when the minor's girlfriend is living there with his parents. We will include the parents of the father if he is under age 18 and is applying for Medicaid.

• Related adults age 18 or over. For example, two sisters age 18 or over who live together will be in a separate budget unit.

• Unrelated adults age 18 or over. Single adults and unmarried partners will not be budgeted together unless they have children. If an unmarried couple is living together and they have a child for whom they have assumed parental-like responsibility, the child and the unmarried partners may be placed in the same budget unit.

NOTE: An unmarried partner (who is not the parent of the child) must be excluded when his or her income makes the child or the other unmarried partner ineligible.