Simpson v. State, Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services

Lewis, J.:

Margaret A. Simpson resides in a care home in Osborne. After admission to the home, Margaret applied for public medical assistance. Her application for assistance was denied by a Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) hearing officer and by the State appeals committee. These denials were appealed to the trial court, which reversed the decision of the administrative agency and granted Margaret’s application for benefits. SRS appeals. The question on appeal is whether Margaret’s status as beneficiary of a discretionary trust makes her ineligible for public medical assistance.

Margaret…