IM-048 – 2019 UPDATE OF POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES FOR MAGI MO HEALTHNET PROGRAMS

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Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  2019 UPDATE OF POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES FOR MAGI MO HEALTHNET PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #34

1805.030.20.20.05

1800.000.00 APPENDIX A

1800.000.00 APPENDIX B

1800.000.00 APPENDIX D

1800.000.00 APPENDIX E

FORM REVISION #12

IM-4PRM

DISCUSSION:

Effective April 1, 2019, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income guidelines are increased for:

  • MO HealthNet for Kids (MHK);
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
  • MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women (MPW);
  • Show-Me Healthy Babies Program (SMHB);
  • Uninsured Women’s Health Services (UWHS); and
  • All Presumptive Eligibility programs
    • Temporary MO HealthNet During Pregnancy (TEMP);
    • Show-Me Health Babies Presumptive Eligibility (SMHB-PE);
    • Presumptive Eligibility for Children (PC); and
    • Presumptive Eligibility for Parents/Caretaker Relatives (MHF-PE)

NOTE: New poverty income guidelines for Presumptive Eligibility programs will be provided to Qualified Entities by Income Maintenance Program and Policy.

Any cases in Annual Renewal status on April 1, 2019 will not receive the FPL update until the renewal is completed.

All other MAGI cases will be adjusted in April 2019 based on the new FPL income guidelines and notices sent.

PREMIUM REFUNDS

Premiums paid for April coverage will be refunded to the participant if the FPL causes the case to become eligible as a non-premium case.  The refund process will take approximately 8 weeks to complete.

REQUEST FOR HEARING/CONTINUED BENEFITS

Any household receiving an IM-80 Adverse Action Notice may request a hearing on the adjustment action within 10 days from the date of the notice.

If a household receiving an IM-80 Adverse Action Notice requests a hearing on the adjustment within 10 days of the notice, the household may request benefits continue at the level before the FPL adjustment until the hearing decision is made. Staff should inform the household that if continued benefits are issued and the agency is determined to be correct, a claim will be established for any overpayment.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS AND OTHER RESOURCES

The Internet pages MHK/MHF/TA Income Chart and Do Your Children Need Health Coverage are updated to include the change in FPL income limits.

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Begin using the new federal poverty level income guidelines effective for April 2019 and later.
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

PL/df