Category: 2019

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) INCOME GUIDE FOR ALL PROGRAMS AND REVISIONS TO VA INCOME FOR MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) PROGRAMS 

MANUAL REVISION #53
0805.015.10
0805.015.35
0815.030.05

DISCUSSION:

This memorandum is to introduce the Veterans Administration Income Guide and to announce the revision of MHABD manual sections 0805.015.10 Income Exclusions, 0805.15.35 Income Exemptions/Deductions, and 0815.030.05 Determining Gross Income.

This guide was created to support staff when evaluating and entering Veterans Administration income for all programs.   

Manual section 0805.015.10 Income Exclusions, is revised to remove FAMIS income codes and to describe various VA income sources.

Manual section 0805.15.35 Income Exemptions/Deductions, is revised to address VA medical coverage.

Manual section 0815.030.05 Determining Adjusted Gross Income, is revised to remove FAMIS references and to add clarification to the reference to reduced VA pensions.

Two training guides, Veterans Education Assistance Payment in FAMIS and Veterans Administration (VA) Income Exclusions in FAMIS, have been developed to assist staff with entering information into FAMIS.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

PL/ers

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  GATEWAY TO BETTER HEALTH (GTBH) EXTENSION AND EX PARTE

MANUAL REVISION #52

1600.005.00

1600.030.00

1600.030.05

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized the extension of the GTBH waiver through December 31, 2022.

This memo is to inform staff that ex parte procedures must be followed before closing a GTBH case and to introduce a new section to the GTBH manual, 1600.030.05 Ex Parte Review.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Begin conducting ex parte reviews on GTBH cases.

PL/ers

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  FAMILY HEALTHCARE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS UPDATE

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise the Family Healthcare Programs description on dss.mo.gov has been updated. 

The following has been updated:

• Adding abbreviations for each program
• Removing statements that managed care is provided in all counties beginning 2017 as this is not new information
• Updating the percentage of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to remain eligible for Transitional MO HealthNet from 185% to 196%

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

PL/al

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) MEDICAL REVIEW POLICY CHANGE

MANUAL REVISION #51  

1060.005.00

1060.005.15

1060.005.25

DISCUSSION:

This memorandum introduces revisions to the Disability Section of the December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manual.  The Disability section defines Permanent and Total Disability (PTD), and provides instruction to staff on the Medical Review Team (MRT) role in the eligibility process.

Sections 1060.005.00 Verification of Disability , 1060.005.15 Submitting Information on Cases Previously Reviewed by MRT, and 1060.005.25 Disability Re-determinations have been revised to add a new process for staff when MHABD closes for reasons other than the MRT decision, and the participant reapplies or the case is reopened within 90 days from the closing action date. 

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

PL/vm

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, ACTING DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  MO HEALTHNET OUTREACH PROJECT WITH DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION

FORM REVISION #20

Outreach Flyer – English

Outreach Flyer – Spanish

DISCUSSION:

Senate Bill 583 (2010) requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) to collaborate with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in an effort to reach the uninsured children of Missouri.

Each year, to comply with Senate Bill 583, FSD provides DESE and licensed childcare providers with a flyer that informs parents how to apply:

• On line at https://mydss.mo.gov/. Please send an email to mhnpolicy@dss.mo.gov with subject line “School” to let us know to watch for your application.) 
• By telephone at 1-855-373-9994. When speaking with a representative please tell them this is a “School Application”.
• Request an application from 1-855-FSD-INFO (1-855-373-4636). Please write “SCHOOL” at the top of the application.
• Print an application online at http://dss.mo.gov/fsd/formsmanual/pdf/im-1ssl.pdf. Please write “SCHOOL” at the top of the application. 

The attached fliers, one in English and one in Spanish, are updated with the current income guidelines.  These fliers will be distributed by DESE.

FSD is required to track these applications for reporting.  Each MAGI office and Contact Center (application phone center) is asked to document the receipt of these applications on the attached spreadsheet.  Management should enter all information onto one spreadsheet and submit monthly to Cole.MHNPolicy@dss.mo.gov.

NECESSARY ACTIONS:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Appropriate offices should begin tracking immediately and submitting documentation on the first week of each month.

ATTACHMENTS:

• Spreadsheet for “School” application documentation
• Outreach flyer in English
• Outreach flyer in Spanish

PL/df