A surviving spouse may petition the Department of Social Services for purposes of limiting the financial responsibility of the estate of the surviving spouse. The financial responsibility of the estate of the surviving spouse may not exceed the value of the estate of the surviving spouse as of the date of death of the medical assistance recipient. For purposes of the determination of the financial responsibility, it shall be assumed that the surviving spouse died simultaneously with the medical assistance recipient. The petition for financial responsibility shall be filed with the Department of Social Services within six months of the date of death of the medical assistance recipient.
SDCL 28-6-23.1