Anderson v. Iowa Department of Human Services

SCHULTZ, Justice.

The primary issue in this appeal is whether the intent of the parties in establishing a bank account in joint tenancy may be considered in determining the ownership of the account. Petitioner Dolly Anderson (Dolly) was denied medical assistance benefits for three months by the Department of Human Services 1 because the assets in a joint bank account, held in the names of Dolly and her sisters, exceeded the minimum standard for eligibility for benefits. In its final decision, the agency adopted a hearing officer’s legal conclusion that the intent of a party in establishing a…