Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: 2021 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) AND RAILROAD (RR) INCOME
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff that VA and RR participants received a 1.3% COLA for MAGI programs effective January 2021.
NOTE: The Families First Coronavirus Response Action of 2020 (FFCRA) requires that MO HealthNet (MHN) coverage for individuals be maintained at the same level or better for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The eligibility system will not reduce or end MHN coverage due to the COLA changes until the PHE has ended.
Cases Adjusted
Cases that include income types VA and/or RR benefits in the eligibility system were subject to an automatic increase of 1.3% for those income types. The eligibility system end dated the previous income and added a new piece of income evidence that reflected the adjusted income amount.
NOTE: Actions to reduce benefits will not be taken until the COVID-19 PHE has ended.
Cases That Did Not Adjust
Some cases did not adjust during COLA. These cases will require manual intervention from staff to add the increased income amounts. As cases are reviewed, check the income on each case to determine if the current income is entered. Update and verify income as required using established procedures.
Notices
For case updates made as a result of COLA, the eligibility system finalized the decision(s) and sent out the appropriate notices. The reasons and notices that were sent are as follows:
- Cases with no change were sent the IM-33C.
- Cases that resulted in a benefit reduction were sent an IM-80 allowing 10 days for the individual to respond to the proposed case action. The IM-33C was sent after the IM-80 expired.
- Cases that resulted in individuals who no longer qualify were sent an IM-80 PRE allowing 10 days for the individual to respond to the proposed case action. An IM-80PRE and IM-80 were sent, followed by the IM-33C.
NOTE: Adverse Action notices will not be issued until the COVID-19 PHE has ended.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/kg