IM-108 REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY (RO) POLICY UPDATED FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

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

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY (RO) POLICY UPDATED FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #
0810.015.00
1805.000.05
1805.015.00
1830.020.00
1805.000.05.05 obsolete

FORM REVISION #
IM-40

 

DISCUSSION:

RO policy for MHN programs is updated to align policy for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) and Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) programs, and to comply with federal regulations.

Changes to MAGI and MHABD policy can be found in section 1805.000.05 Reasonable Opportunity of the MAGI Manual.

  • RO periods are extended to 95 days to allow time for mail.
  • Require a signed attestation of citizenship or immigration status before granting an RO period. A signed application serves this purpose. A new form was also created to meet this need without an application (IM-40 Citizen/National/Eligible Immigrant Attestation), and can be located in the internal forms manual.
  • Allow RO for identity when identity is required for the purpose of verifying citizenship/eligible immigrant status (such as when the participant only provides a birth certificate.)
  • Include specific language on benefit approval letters when a participant’s coverage is approved pending verification of citizenship, nationality, or eligible immigrant status.
    • Changes to the eligibility systems to automate this process are pending. When the changes are complete, Program and Policy will issue an update.
      • Until the changes are complete, send a manual approval letter with the specific language to all participants approved while pending verification of citizenship, nationality, or eligible immigrant status. Refer to 1805.000.05 Reasonable Opportunity for specific language.
    • Save a copy of the manual letter in the electronic case record and document the letter.
  • Do not limit RO periods per participant.

EXAMPLE: Rita attested to citizenship on her application and was given a 95-day RO period to provide her birth certificate. She did not provide the document or request an extension so her coverage closed. She reapplied and was given another 95-day RO period.

1805.000.05.05 has been obsoleted in the MAGI manual.

1830.020.00 Prior Quarter (PQ) and 0810.015.00 Prior Quarter Coverage are updated to allow RO during PQ months, if ongoing coverage is approved.

1805.015.00 Social Security Number (SSN) contains an update for MAGI cases:

  • Do not allow an RO period for a Social Security Number (SSN).

EXCEPTION: Continue to allow an RO period for Newborns without an SSN.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Review FAMIS and MEDES Resources for related guides.

 

KE/ers