Category: 2022

IM-131 MID-CERTIFICATION REVIEWS POLICY UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MID-CERTIFICATION REVIEWS POLICY UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION #
1140.020.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective 10/17/2022, 1140.020.00 Mid-Certification Reviews policy was updated in the SNAP manual to remove the use or acceptance of any other application or form in place of the Mid-Certification Review/Report Form (FA-546, MCR). Staff can also no longer accept a MCR for use as a new application when a participant’s case has been closed and cannot be reopened.

By removing other forms for use in place of the MCR, it will:

  • Ensure all required information is provided to households in order to complete the MCR,
  • Remove confusion as to what forms are acceptable for participants,
  • Streamline MCR processing for Staff,
  • Better align Missouri with Federal SNAP Regulations, and
  • Improve the overall error rate with Quality Control (QC) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Over 75% of QC errors with MCRs involve the agency failing to follow up on incomplete or inconsistent information received on the MCR. SNAP applications rely on an interview and submitting a new application does not provide all of the information requested on the MCR. Staff should no longer accept the FS-1 in place of the MCR.

If the MCR is due and an Application for SNAP (FS-1) is received, review 1120.035.00 Applications More Than 60 Days Prior to Last ATP for how to handle applications received outside of the 60 day timeframe prior to the recertification period. If the application should be rejected, a FA-546 should be reprinted and sent to the participant with the IM-2MCR Mid-Certification Review Request along with the IM-112 Action Taken on Your SNAP Case.

Example 1: Jesse C. submitted an FS-1 online on 10/10/2022. His case is active and the Eligibility Unity Summary (EUSUMM) screen shows his certification is active through 4/2023 with a Mid-Cert Review date of 10/1/2022. As it is not within 60 days of Jesse’s certification end date, his application is desk rejected. An IM-112 is generated with the proper rejection reason. With the IM-112, an IM-2MCR and FA-546 are sent. Upon review of the TA/MA/FS Review History (REINVEST) screen, the IM-2MCR gives Jesse until 10/31/2022 to return the MCR.

Example 2: Cassie S. calls the customer service center on 11/28/2022. She states she just opened her mail and had several notices regarding her SNAP case and the MCR. The automated system told her that her SNAP case is closed. She began filling out a new FS-1 online. Cassie’s SNAP case was closed and her last SNAP benefit was received in 11/2022. Advise Cassie that even though her case is closed, the case can be reopened if she turns in a new MCR before 11/30/2022. If she has her MCR, direct her to fill it out as soon as possible and provide Cassie with the options for returning the form. If Cassie does not have the MCR, a new copy should be generated and mailed to her. If she chooses to complete a new FS-1, it will be used for a new eligibility determination once her interview is completed. The options discussed with Cassie should be noted in the eligibility system.

If a SNAP case is closed due to the MCR not being received, the MCR should no longer be used to help a participant reapply for SNAP benefits if it is received after the timeframe to cancel close the SNAP case. The MCR form does not meet the definition of an application for SNAP benefits since the MCR does not inform participants of the rights they have when applying. Participants needing to reapply must submit a new FS-1.

Example: Pilot S’s SNAP case closed on 10/27/2022 due to failure to return the MCR (reason closing code REI). On 11/2/2022, a completed FA-546 is received. A review of Pilot’s Payment History (PAYHIST) screen shows his last SNAP benefit was issued 10/2022. His case cannot be cancel closed, and an FS-1 should be sent for him to reapply. Case notes should be made noting the receipt of the completed late FA-546 and the sending of a new FS-1.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Effective 10/17/2022, FS-1 and other program applications should no longer be used to complete the MCR, and the MCR should no longer be used to reapply for SNAP benefits.

 

 

 

KE/tl

 

IM-130 UPDATES TO DRUG CONVICTION EXCEPTION VERIFICATION FORMS IM-367 AND IM-368

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO DRUG CONVICTION EXCEPTION VERIFICATION FORMS IM-367 AND IM-368

FORM REVISION #
IM-367
IM-368

 

DISCUSSION:

The Current Probation and Parole/Court Compliance Drug Conviction Exception Verification (IM-367) has been updated with a corrected email address for the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole. The new email address will automatically populate when using the “Email Probation and Parole” button on the form through Adobe.

While no content changes have been made to the Discharged Parolee Drug Conviction Exception Verification (IM-368), the IM-367 and the IM-368 are now only available in the internal forms manual as both forms are only intended to be interagency communications.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Being using IM-367 (revised 9/2022) immediately.

 

 

 

KE/tl

IM-129 OCTOBER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MASS ADJUSTMENT FY2023

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: OCTOBER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MASS ADJUSTMENT FY2023

MANUAL REVISIONS #
0815.030.10.10.10
1105.015.04.05
1110.005.00
1115.035.05
1115.035.25
1115.035.25.15
1115.035.25.40
1115.099.00
1130.035.15
1135.010.07.05
1140.005.46
1140.020.00
Appendix B
Appendix J

 

DISCUSSION:

The SNAP Mass Adjustment will go into effect for all applicants and participants as of October 1, 2022.

During the SNAP Mass Adjustment income maximums, resource maximums, utility standards and deductions are updated to reflect changes based on the cost of living. Policy sections were updated along with the following documents:

 

Updates to the Maximums, Utility Standards and Deductions:

Allotment Types Allotment Amounts
Standard Deductions  1-4 Household Members          $193
 5 Household Members             $225
 6+ Household Members           $258
Utility Standards  SUA                                       $441
 NHCS                                     $347
 LUA                                       $142
 Telephone                              $71
Excess Shelter Deduction $624
Homeless Standard Deduction $166.81
Standard Medical Deduction $170
Gross (130%) Maximum Increased
Net (100%) Maximum Increased
FPL (165%) Maximum* Increased

Update to Threshold for Change Reporting: The threshold for reporting required changes for a SNAP household remains at $125.

Update to the Resource Limit: The resource limit changed from $3,750 to $4,250 for households with at least one elderly or disabled member and from $2,500 to $2,750 for all other households.

Update to the threshold for reporting substantial lottery or gambling winnings: Increased from $3,750 to $4,250.

Notices: All households with an allotment increase or decrease will be sent a FA-150 Action Notice dated September 27, 2022. The notice informs the household of the following:

  • The Standard Deduction and Excess Shelter Maximums have changed.
  • The Utility Standard Allowances have changed.
  • The household SNAP allotment for October has changed.

Fair Hearing Request: When a fair hearing is requested, follow current fair hearing request procedures.

Conflict of Actions: FAMIS will adjust active SNAP cases during the mass adjustment, even if the case has a pending adverse action. A conflict of action is created if there is a pending adverse action when the mass adjustment is completed. Staff should void the pending adverse action and process the mass adjustment adverse action following these steps:

  1. Void the first (pending) adverse action on the Action Resolution (FM50 or ACTRES) screen.
  2. Complete the eligibility determination on the Eligibility Determination Resolution screen (FM3Y or EDRES).
  3. Authorize the new action, even if the action is a benefit reduction or closing.

Cases Not Adjusted: Pending applications and cases with pending changes cannot be adjusted during the mass adjustment and require staff to take action. When staff complete the appropriate action, the case will be automatically adjusted.

The following are examples of cases not adjusted:

  • Expedited households that are active with postponed verification (APV status).
  • Any household with an incomplete eligibility determination, such as when there is insufficient data (ISD).
  • Any household in the controlled flow.
  • If an unacceptable or blank verification code is entered for a program element.
  • Any household with pending verification.

MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD):
The SUA or the telephone standard is used in calculating the Community Spouse (CS) allotment for vendor cases. This calculation is completed by the eligibility system based on the shelter expenses and utility standards entered by staff. The MHABD manual has been updated to reflect the new standards in Appendix B, Appendix J, and 0815.030.10.10.10 Determining Allotment to the Community Spouse.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/ks

IM-128 UPDATED AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED SUPPLEMENT (IM-1ABDS)

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATED AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED SUPPLEMENT (IM-1ABDS)

FORM REVISION #
IM-1ABDS
IM-1ABDS (Spanish)
IM-1ABDS (Large Print)

 

DISCUSSION:

The IM-1ABDS has been updated for clarity and to request additional information needed by Family Support Division (FSD) staff to complete an eligibility determination for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) programs.

Changes to the IM-1ABDS include:

  • Updated instructions advising that applicants under the age of 18 years old must also include their parent’s information.
  • Added fields for the name of the participant and spouse, Departmental Client Number (DCN), Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • Updated all questions to clarify that information is requested for the applicant and their spouse.
  • Updated all questions to have consistent Yes or No responses.
  • Added fields identifying household members receiving Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, or neither.
  • Added a field identifying household members requesting assistance to pay their Medicare premiums.
  • Added a field to provide a nursing home or residential care facility’s address.
  • Added fields to provide shelter expense amounts.
  • Moved the question about household members who are blind/visually impaired to appear immediately above the Blind Pension (BP) and Supplemental Aid to the Blind (SAB) declaration questions.
  • Added a field for BP/SAB participants to provide their doctor’s information.
  • Added additional fields to list assets.
  • Updated question regarding life insurance and prepaid burial policy.
  • Added a field for additional information.
  • Added information regarding how to return the form to FSD.

The revised IM-1ABDS shows a revision date of 8/2022. The IM-1ABDS with a revision date of 7/2021 is now obsolete. The obsolete form may still be accepted as valid, but staff should begin using the revised form and encourage community partners to do the same.

The updated IM-1ABDS is available in large print (IM-1ABDS-LP) and Spanish [IM-1ABDS (Spanish)] for participant and staff use. The IM-1ABDS, IM-1ABDS-LP, and IM-1ABDS (Spanish) have been updated in the public forms manual and the internal forms manual.

The IM-1ABDS and IM-1ABDS (Spanish) can be ordered by designated staff from the E-store.

The online Aged, Blind, and Disabled Supplement form has been edited to reflect the changes made to the IM-1ABDS.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Discard and destroy blank IM-1ABDS forms with 7/2021 revision date.
  • Begin using IM-1ABDS with 8/2022 revision date immediately.
  • Share with community partners and contacts.

 

 

 

KE/cj

 

IM-127 UPDATES TO MO HEALTHNET POLICY REGARDING CERTAIN NATIVE AMERICAN (INDIAN) TRIBAL PROPERTIES AND INCOMES

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO MO HEALTHNET POLICY REGARDING CERTAIN NATIVE AMERICAN (INDIAN) TRIBAL PROPERTIES AND INCOMES

MANUAL REVISION #
0805.015.10
1035.005.05.05
1805.030.20.10

 

DISCUSSION:

A new section, 1035.005.05.05 Native American (Indian) Tribal Lands and Property, is added to the December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manual. This section describes treatment of certain tribal lands and other properties and incomes derived from those lands and properties.

Section 0805.015.10 Income Exclusions in the MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) Manual is updated to exclude certain Native American incomes and to align with Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) policy section 1805.030.20.10 Income Excluded Under MAGI.

Information is added to both updated sections above to explain that payments issued to individual members of a tribe on a per capita basis, such as casino profits, are countable income in the month received.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  •  Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/ers

IM-126 GENERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING MANUAL INTERVIEW POLICY OBSOLETE

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: GENERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING MANUAL INTERVIEW POLICY OBSOLETE

MANUAL REVISION #

0105.000.00 obsolete 0105.025.15.30 obsolete
0105.025.00 obsolete 0105.025.15.35 obsolete
0105.025.10 obsolete 0105.025.15.40 obsolete
0105.025.15 obsolete 0105.025.15.45 obsolete
0105.025.15.25 obsolete 0105.025.15.50 obsolete

 

DISCUSSION:

The General Information Manual sections regarding application interviews are obsolete. Previous revisions removed all programs except MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) from the General Information Manual. An interview is not required for MHABD and therefore the following manual sections are obsolete.

The following sections are obsolete:

  • 0105.000.00 – Application Processing (excluding SNAP, Family MO HealthNet Programs, Temporary Assistance, & Child Care)
  • 0105.025.00 – Interview Process
  • 0105.025.10 – Joint IM and Food Stamp Application Interview
  • 0105.025.15 – Explanation Required of All Programs
  • 0105.025.15.25 – Medical Assistance Program Explanation
  • 0105.025.15.30 – MA Vendor Nursing Facility Explanation
  • 0105.025.15.35 – General Relief Program Explanation
  • 0105.025.15.40 – Supplemental Nursing Care Explanation
  • 0105.025.15.45 – Supplemental Aid To The Blind Explanation
  • 0105.025.15.50 – Blind Pension Program Explanation

All policy previously located in the General Information Manual, Application Processing section, has been relocated or obsoleted.

Program explanations and resources remain available to participants and community partners at myDSS.mo.gov and to Family Support Division (FSD) staff through internal training resources.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/cj

IM-125 APPLICATION PROCESSING POLICY REVISIONS FOR MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: APPLICATION PROCESSING POLICY REVISIONS FOR MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #

0105.005.00 obsolete 0105.040.15 obsolete  0804.005.00
0105.010.00 obsolete  0105.040.20 obsolete  0804.010.00
0105.015.00 obsolete  0105.040.25 obsolete 0804.015.00
0105.030.00 obsolete 0105.040.30 obsolete  0804.020.00
0105.035.00 obsolete  0105.045.00 obsolete 0804.025.00
0105.040.00 obsolete 0105.045.05 obsolete 0835.000.00 obsolete
0105.040.10 obsolete 0804.000.00 0835.010.00 obsolete

 

 

DISCUSSION:

Application policy for MHABD has been revised as MO HealthNet (MHN) uses a single streamlined application and most application policies apply to all MHN programs.

A new section was created in the MHABD Manual, 0804.000.00 – Application Processing that explains which application policies apply to all applications and provides links to existing policy in the Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) Manual. This policy section also provides links to new MHABD policy sections that provide information for MHABD specific policy.

New MHABD specific policies include:
0804.005.00 – MHABD Application Timeframes
0804.010.00 – Voluntary Withdrawal
0804.015.00 – Rejection before the End of the Timeframe
0804.020.00 – Canceling a Rejection
0804.025.00 – MO HealthNet Application Concurrent with MHABD Cash Programs

The MHABD Manual has been revised to obsolete 0835.000.00 Application Timeframes for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Programs as this information is now available in 0804.005.00 Application Timeframes. Section 0835.010.00 Canceling a Rejection has been revised and renumber and is now located at 0804.020.00 Canceling a Rejection.

The General Information Manual, Application Processing Manual (excluding SNAP, Family MO HealthNet Programs, Temporary Assistance, & Child Care) has numerous sections that are now obsolete. All relevant policy information has been replaced by the new MHABD policy sections above, or has been identified as following existing MAGI policy.

Obsolete sections:
0105.005.00 – Requests for Assistance
0105.010.00 – Signing the Application
0105.015.00 – Dating the Application
0105.030.00 – Voluntary Withdrawal of Application
0105.035.00 – Notification of Application Decision
0105.040.00 – Specialized Application Procedures
0105.040.10 – Re-Applications
0105.040.15 – Death After Application
0105.040.20 – Application for Deceased Persons
0105.040.25 – MO HealthNet Application Concurrent with Cash Programs
0105.040.30 – MO HealthNet Application for Inmates in Custody of Department of Corrections
0105.045.00 – Delays in Processing IM Applications
0105.045.05 – Reasons for Delay of Application Processing

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/cj

IM-124 MANAGED CARE PLANS ADDRESS UPDATE FLEXIBILITY APPROVED FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MANAGED CARE PLANS ADDRESS UPDATE FLEXIBILITY APPROVED FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #
0895.005.00
1895.005.00

 

DISCUSSION:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Missouri Department of Social Services’ (DSS) request to implement the following address change flexibility to promote retention of eligible MHN individuals. This flexibility will remain in effect through the Public Health Emergency (PHE) unwinding period.

Partnering with Managed Care Plans to Update Beneficiary Contact Information

Accept updated participant in-state contact information received directly from managed care plans without additional confirmation from the participant. In-state address changes reported by a managed care plan should be updated without first sending a notice to the participant address on file.

Address changes due to Managed Care Plan reports will be handled by MO HealthNet Division (MHD) staff. Family Support Division (FSD) staff may see comments made by contracted staff in the eligibility system regarding an address change.

Note: This flexibility does not apply to out-of-state address changes. FSD will process out-of-state address changes using current procedures.

Managed care providers can go to the Information for Managed Care Health Plans website to update a participant-reported address change using a new online form. Participants and their representatives should continue to use the Report a Change online form.

The MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind and Disabled manual section 0890.005.00 Unwinding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE) and the Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) manual section 1895.005.00 Unwinding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE) have been updated to add this memo.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

KE/sh

IM-123 DECEASED PERSONS AND DIGITAL ASSETS POLICY MOVED TO LEGAL ASPECTS MANUAL

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: DECEASED PERSONS AND DIGITAL ASSETS POLICY MOVED TO LEGAL ASPECTS MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION #
0105.040.23 – Obsolete
0130.005.05.35

 

DISCUSSION:

The General Information Manual provides information regarding various Legal Aspects that are applicable to all Family Support Division (FSD) programs.

A new section was created in Legal Aspects of the General Information Manual, 0130.005.05.35 Deceased Persons and Digital Assets. This section provides information for authorized individuals to access digital information after a participant’s death.

Previously, this information was available in Application Processes section 0105.040.23 of the General Information Manual. This section is now obsolete. Section 0130.005.05.35 provides the same information with updated links to current MO HealthNet authorized representative policy.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/cj

IM-122 UPDATES TO IM-112 ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CASE FORM

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO IM-112 ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CASE FORM

FORM REVISION #
IM-112
IM-112 (Spanish)

 

DISCUSSION:

The Action Taken on Your SNAP Case (IM-112) form has been updated with the action/reason: “Your application has been rejected because you are not a Missouri resident. CFR 273.3(a)”. The “From” field where the agency/office information was previously entered at the top of the form has been removed.

A Spanish version of the form has been created. The form name and number have not changed. The IM-112 can be found in the internal forms manual.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  •  Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Discard any old versions of the form (3/2022 or earlier) and begin using the new version (7/2022) immediately.

 

 

 

KE/tl