Category: Child Care Home

IM-67 CHANGES TO TRANSITIONAL CHILD CARE (TCC)

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CHANGES TO TRANSITIONAL CHILD CARE (TCC)

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective July 1, 2023 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will no longer pay a percentage of the state base rate for TCC. Participants receiving TCC will now pay a daily sliding fee based on the level of TCC they are receiving:

  • Transitional Child Care 1 (TCC1) – $7.50 per day
  • Transitional Child Care 2 (TCC2) – $8.75 per day
  • Transitional Child Care 3 (TCC3) – $10 per day

This is the sliding fee per day. Full time (FT), half time (HT), and part time (PT) units of care are not considered for TCC.

Note: Any delay implementing this in the eligibility system will not delay payments to the provider.

All participants receiving TCC benefits will receive notice of these changes via Claimant Information Notice (FA601).

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

KE/hd

IM-43 CHANGES MADE TO CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CHANGES MADE TO CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective May 1, 2023, the following changes to the Child Care (CC) policy will take effect:

  • Job search is a valid need at application.
  • CC interviews can be waived in most circumstances.
  • Participant’s statement is acceptable for units of care unless questionable.
  • Only the needs of the applicant must be verified when determining eligibility for two-parent households.

Note: These changes are not retroactive and only apply to change in circumstance or applications processed on or after May 1, 2023.

 

Job Search will be considered as a valid need at application:

At the time of application, job search can be used if the applicant has no other qualifying activity. Use the new code JSP (Job Search at application) on the Child Care Needs (CCNEED/FMAC) in FAMIS. JSP can only be used for a part-time authorization, and is only allowed for a maximum of 90 days and cannot be used for consecutive applications (see examples in chart below). Collateral Contact must be used to verify CCNEED or the application will pend incorrectly.

End date the JSP need on the last day of the month in which the ninetieth (90)-calendar day falls. If the applicant has not found another qualifying activity by the end of 90 days, the child care subsidy will be closed. Eligibility based on job search at application can be regained 14 months from the start date of the last certification period claiming job search as the need.

Application date Start date End date  Regains Eligibility
January 13 January 13 April 30 March 1 of the next calendar year
April 24 April 24 July 31 June 1 of the next calendar year
September 18 September 18 December 31 November 1 of the next calendar year

 

Child Care interviews are waived in most circumstances:

Most households are not required to have an interview. An interview is only required if there is not enough information received to take an application through the FAMIS flow or if the information received is questionable and cannot be acquired or verified utilizing other resources.

Other resources may include:

  • Verification received for other programs and consistent with the participant’s statement,
  • Information in the case record that is consistent with the participant’s statement,
  • Equifax, also known as The Work Number (TWN),
    • Please follow all applicable rules regarding access for CC only applications prior to accessing TWN.
  • IIVE, or
  • IMES.

When taking the application through the FAMIS flow staff must make every effort to review the household’s circumstances through available electronic resources prior to contacting the household. After all efforts to get or clarify information have been used, a Request for Contact (FA-331) is sent to the household and comments made in FAMIS supporting the decision to require an interview. Staff should continue to request verification necessary to support their eligibility decision.

Participant’s statement for units of care is accepted unless questionable:

When income verification and/or other supporting documents provided are consistent, participant’s statement is acceptable to authorize units of care. A schedule only needs to be requested when staff have information that is questionable. Contact the participant to clarify units of care when necessary.

Note: Do not delay approving a CC case if verification is needed for units of care. Units of care authorizations are separate from eligibility determination.

Two-parent households:

The applicant must be engaged in a qualifying activity but the existence and/or verification of a valid need for the second parent is not required. The same qualifying activity verified for the applicant is entered into FAMIS for the second parent. A comment is made on the second parent’s CCNEED screen noting the entries are the same as the applying parent’s since verification of need is not required for the second parent.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

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IM-32 2023 MO HEALTHNET OUTREACH PROJECT WITH DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, LICENSED CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, AND FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: 2023 MO HEALTHNET OUTREACH PROJECT WITH DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, LICENSED CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, AND FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION

 

DISCUSSION:

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

Each year, to comply with Senate Bill 583, the Family Support Division (FSD) provides DESE and licensed childcare providers with a flyer that informs parents how to apply for MO HealthNet (MHN) as follows:

  • Online at mydss.mo.gov. Please send an email to Cole.MHNPolicy@dss.mo.gov with subject line “SCHOOL” or “FACILITY OUTREACH” to let us know to watch for your application. Include the parent’s name, child’s name, and child’s date of birth.
  • By telephone at 1-855-373-9994. When speaking with a representative please tell them this is a “School Application” or “Facility Outreach Application”.
  • Request an application from 1-855-FSD-INFO (1-855-373-4636). Please write “SCHOOL” or “FACILITY OUTREACH” at the top of the application.
  • Print an application online at https://dssmanuals.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IM-1SSL-Fillable-Secured-6-24-21.pdf. Please write “SCHOOL” or “FACILITY OUTREACH” at the top of the application.

The attached flyers below will be distributed to schools and childcare facilities:

  • Two for DESE – one in English and one in Spanish
  • One for Childcare Facilities in English

FSD is required to track these applications for reporting. Each Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) office, Resource Center, and Customer Service Center is asked to document the receipt of these applications on the attached spreadsheets. School and Facility Outreach spreadsheets should be kept separate. Management should enter all information on the appropriate spreadsheet and submit monthly to Cole.MHNPolicy@dss.mo.gov.

 

NECESSARY ACTIONS:

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

 

ATTACHMENTS:

 

 

 

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IM-143 JANUARY 2023 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI)

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: JANUARY 2023 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI)

MANUAL REVISION #

0410.010.15 APPENDIX B
0805.020.15 APPENDIX D
0865.010.15 APPENDIX E
1030.010.05 APPENDIX J
1030.035.10 APPENDIX K
1030.035.20  
1030.035.25  

 

 

DISCUSSION:

In January 2023, all Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Administration (VA), and Railroad Retirement (RR) participants will receive an 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

The weekend of December 10, 2022, a mass adjustment will be completed in the eligibility system for Child Care (CC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) cases. Income increases for SSA, SSI, VA, and/or RR and other adjustments will be completed. Medicare Premium amounts and federal eligibility standards will also be updated.

Note: The 2023 COLA will have the following effect on SNAP cases:

  • Increase in SNAP benefit reductions for January 2023
  • Increase in SNAP closures for December 2022

SSI Increases

SSI TABLE 2022 AMOUNT 2023 AMOUNT INCREASE
SSI Individual maximum (in own household) $841 $914 $73
SSI Couple maximum (in own household) $1,261 $1,371 $110
SSI Individual in household of another $561 $609 $48
SSI Couple in household of another $841 $914 $73
SSI Essential person/own home $421 $458 $37

 

MHABD Standards Adjustments

NEW MHABD STANDARDS 2022 AMOUNT 2023 AMOUNT
Maximum Allotment of Community Spouse $3,435 $3,716
Minimum Maintenance Standard for Allotments $2,289 $2,289
Maximum Allocation to a child $420 $457
Maximum Allotment to a child $726 $763
Minimum Spousal Share $27,480 $29,724
Maximum Spousal Share $137,400 $148,620
Maximum Home Equity $636,000 $688,000
HCB Maximum $1,470 $1,598
SAB Standard $908 $987

 

Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Premium Adjustment

The standard SMI, commonly known as Medicare Part B, premium will decrease for 2023 to $164.90. The SMI premium for those who begin receiving Medicare in 2023 will be $164.90. Premiums for Medicare participants who pay less than the standard premium amount will not have an increase of more than the amount of the increase in Social Security benefit the individual received.

 

Additional MHABD Program Increases

Resource Limits for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI-1)
For a single individual, the resource limit increases to $9,090 for a married couple, the resource limit increases to $13,630. There is no change in policy regarding how to determine available resources.

Vendor Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard
The 2023 Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard is $3,716.

Minimum and Maximum Spousal Share
The 2023 minimum spousal share is $29,724. The new maximum spousal share is $148,620. Both amounts become effective for any assessment completed on or after January 1, 2023.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SGA monthly amounts increase and are as follows:

  • $2,460 for statutorily blind individuals
  • $1,470 for non-blind individuals

 

Policy and Appendices Updates
The following appendices were updated to show the new amounts:

Manual sections 0410.010.15, 0865.010.15, 1030.010.05 and 1030.035.10 are revised to remove outdated information and reference Appendix J for current information.
Manual sections 0805.020.15, 1030.035.20 and 1030.035.25 are updated to specify that data contained in examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not contain current numbers.

 

Adjustments by Program and Mass Adjustment Process
All programs will be adjusted according to program. Review FAMIS Resources for further information about the mass adjustment process.

Senate Bill 577 (2007) authorized the disregard for Social Security COLA increases for certain MO HealthNet (MHN) programs with income eligibility based on federal poverty level (FPL) until the next FPL adjustment in April. All SSA, SSI, VA, and RR income sources will be updated with the new income amount and verification code “CO” for COLA adjustment.

Note: For budget months prior to January 2023, do not use the “CO” – COLA verification code.

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 Public Health Emergency (PHE). There will be no adverse action to reduce or end MHN coverage due to COLA changes until the end of the PHE.

 

Reports with Actions Needed
Reports with action needed will be distributed to the SNAP, TA/CC, and MHN Program Managers for assignment. Follow the instructions in FAMIS Resources on how to process each type of report.

 

Request for Hearing/Continued Benefits
When a fair hearing is requested, follow current fair hearing request procedures.

 

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Search “COLA” or “Adjustment” in FAMIS Resources for processing guidance.
  • State Office will provide the SSA/SSI/VA/RR Needing Review report to designated staff.
  • Allow MHN Policy for “CO” income verification to disregard SSA and SSI COLA Adjustments until the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Adjustment in April.

 

 

KE/mc

IM-133 INCREASE IN CHILD CARE INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES AND PROVIDER RATE INCREASES

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: INCREASE IN CHILD CARE INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES AND PROVIDER RATE INCREASES

 

DISCUSSION:

Income eligibility limits for the child care subsidy program will be adjusted according to the Federal Poverty Level guidelines on October 15, 2022, and are retroactive back to October 1, 2022. Per House Bill 2 a third level of transitional care was added, which increases the maximum income threshold up to 242% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Percentages of the Federal Poverty Level for income guidelines for all levels of child care are as follows:

  • Traditional Child Care 150%
  • Transitional Child Care 1 (TCC1) 151% – 185%
  • Transitional Child Care 2 (TCC2) 186% – 215%
  • Transitional Child Care 3 (TCC3) 216% – 242%

Participants receiving child care at a transitional level will be responsible for paying the sliding fee as well as the remaining percentage after the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) pays their portion.

DESE will be paying the following percentages of the state base rate for TCC:

  • TCC1 80%
  • TCC2 60%
  • TCC3 50%

The new income guidelines and sliding fee chart has been updated and can be found at https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/office-childhood-child-care-eligibility-income-guidelines-and-sliding-fee-chart.

New provider rates are in effect October 1, 2022. The data collected from the 2022 Market Rate Survey in conjunction with House Bill 3002 section 2.505 was used to determine the new rates. Approximately 75% of providers will see an increase in their subsidy rates. Rates are posted on the child care subsidy website at https://dese.mo.gov/childhood.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/hd

IM-112 CHILD CARE (CC) POLICY REVISION TO ALLOW 23 FULL TIME (FT) UNITS OF CARE FOR CHILDREN 4 AND UNDER

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CHILD CARE (CC) POLICY REVISION TO ALLOW 23 FULL TIME (FT) UNITS OF CARE FOR CHILDREN 4 AND UNDER

MANUAL REVISION #
2020.005.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective August 1, 2022, Child Care policy 2020.005.00 AUTHORIZATIONS is updated to allow all children four (4) years old and under to be authorized for 23 full-time day units of care as long as the applicant has a valid need for child care and meets all other eligibility factors.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

KE/hd

IM-109 UKRAINIAN HUMANITARIAN PAROLEE GUIDANCE FOR ALL PROGRAMS

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UKRAINIAN HUMANITARIAN PAROLEE GUIDANCE FOR ALL PROGRAMS

 

DISCUSSION:

Due to section 401 of the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-128), Ukrainian individuals issued an immigration status of Humanitarian Parolee between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023 are considered Qualified Immigrants.

Effective May 21, 2022 these individuals are not subject to the five-year waiting period for MO HealthNet (MHN), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA) and Child Care (CC). If an individual was paroled and entered the United States between February 24, 2022 and May 21, 2022, their date of eligibility for MHN is February 24, 2022 and for SNAP, TA, and CC it is May 21, 2022. If they entered the United States after May 21, 2022, their date of eligibility is their date of humanitarian parole but they are eligible for prior quarter for MHN. Ukrainian parolees who previously applied and were denied benefits may reapply with eligibility determined from the date of reapplication or the corresponding prior quarter dates for MHN.

Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees are treated like refugees and should be coded in eligibility systems as refugees. The following documentation and codes indicate that an immigrant is a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee:

• A form I-94 noting Humanitarian Parolee;
• Foreign passport with Department of Homeland Security / U.S. Customs and Borders (DHS/CBP) admission stamp noting Uniting for Ukraine (U4U);
• Foreign passport with DHS/CBP with a stamp admitting them as a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee (UHP);
• Foreign passport with DHS/CBP admission stamp noting Parolee (DT);
• A Form I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with code C11;
• A Form I-766 EAD with code C11; or
• A non-Ukrainian immigrant who last resided in the Ukraine, can be eligible if they provide one of the above documents AND documentation of their last habitual residence in Ukraine.

NOTE: Applications received for Humanitarian Parolees from the Ukraine must be sent to the FSD Refugee Unit at: FSDREFUGEE@ip.sp.mo.gov. Special entry is required to allow this population to be coded correctly. Do not process these applications.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/hrp

IM-73 UPDATES TO THE LEGAL ASPECTS MANUAL AND FSD-4 CUSTOMER SERVICE FORM

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO THE LEGAL ASPECTS MANUAL AND
FSD-4 CUSTOMER SERVICE FORM

MANUAL REVISION #
0130.010.00
0130.010.05
0130.010.10
0130.010.15
0130.010.15.15

FORM REVISION #
FSD-4 Customer Service

DISCUSSION:

Revisions have been made to the Legal Aspects Manual located within the General Information Manual. The Customer Service Complaints and Comments policy section and the FSD-4 Customer Service form have been updated to include the following language:

• Eligibility Specialist changed to staff
• FAMIS changed to eligibility system
• Individual and Claimant changed to participant
• Food Stamps changed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

NECESSARY ACTION:
• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

KE/mc

IM-72 REVISIONS TO WAIVER OF 10-DAY ADVANCE NOTICE (IM-80A)

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO WAIVER OF 10-DAY ADVANCE NOTICE (IM-80A)

FORM REVISION #
IM-80A

DISCUSSION:

The IM-80A was updated with current Family Support Division (FSD) terms. Other changes were made to allow streamlined use for all FSD programs.

The FSD Staff section, at the bottom of the form, allows staff to provide their name and title and removes the requirement to witness the participant’s signature. This allows the IM-80A to be used by FSD staff interacting with participants by methods other than in person.

The IM-80A shows a revision date of 6/2022 and is available in the public and internal forms manuals.

NECESSARY ACTION:
• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Begin using the revised IM-80A immediately.

KE/cj

IM-60 OBSOLETING EMPLOYER AND STUDENT INCOME VERIFICATION FORMS

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: OBSOLETING EMPLOYER AND STUDENT INCOME VERIFICATION FORMS

MANUAL REVISION #

1102.015.05
1102.015.45

FORM REVISION #

FA-311 obsolete
FA-321 obsolete
IM-12 obsolete
IM12A obsolete
IM-108 obsolete

DISCUSSION:

Effective 5/28/2022, the following employer and student income verification forms are obsolete for all Income Maintenance (IM) programs:

• Manual forms removed from the internal and external forms manuals: IM-12, IM-12A, and IM-108
• System forms removed as options to send by the eligibility systems: FA-311, FA-321, IM-12, and IM-108

The following Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy sections are updated to remove references to the obsoleted forms:

• 1102.015.05 Gross Income
• 1102.015.45 Number of Hours Worked by Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents

To assist participants in obtaining verification staff should do the following:

• Complete a telephone call with the employer and/or participant
• Use electronic sources when applicable
• Communicate what are acceptable documents to be used as verification
     o Language should be clear and concise

When generating a request for information (FA325 or IM31A), the form should be edited to include clear and concise details of the required verification as well as the specific time period needed.

NECESSARY ACTION:
• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

KE/ams