Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: 2023 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) AND RAILROAD (RR) INCOME
DISCUSSION:
Effective January 2023, VA and RR participants will receive an 8.7% COLA. System updates will be made the weekend of December 10, 2022.
Note: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act 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 is ended and a review of the case has been completed.
Cases Adjusted
Cases that include income types VA and/or RR benefits in the eligibility system are subject to an automatic increase of 8.7% for those income types. The eligibility system will end date the previous income and add a new piece of income evidence that reflects the adjusted income amount.
Note: Actions to reduce benefits will not be taken until the COVID-19 PHE has ended and a review of the case has been completed.
Cases That Did Not Adjust
Some cases will not adjust during the 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 will finalize the decision(s) and send out the appropriate notices.
Note: Adverse Action notices will not be issued until the COVID-19 PHE has ended and a review of the case has been completed.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/kg