### Question
How does the law define institutionalized individual or couple?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 1396a*, **institutionalized individual or couple** is defined as:

> 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 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER XIX-GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS**

