### Question
How is the "institutionalized individual or couple" defined?


### Answer
The term **institutionalized individual or couple** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1396a* as follows -

> an individual or married couple—


(i) who is an inpatient (or who are inpatients) in a medical institution or nursing facility for which payments are made under this subchapter throughout a month, and


(ii) who is or are determined to be eligible for medical assistance under the State plan

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1396a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XIX-GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS**

