An applicant for medical assistance may be eligible for up to 3 months prior to the date of application if the person would have been eligible for medical assistance at the time he or she received the services if he or she had applied, regardless of whether the individual is alive when the application for medical assistance is made. In determining financial eligibility for medical assistance for retroactive months, the Department shall consider the amount of income and resources and exemptions available to a person as of the first day of each of the backdated months for which eligibility is sought.