IM-15 INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL ACCURACY CLEARINGHOUSE (NAC) MATCHES FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL ACCURACY CLEARINGHOUSE (NAC) MATCHES FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

MANUAL REVISION #
1105.015.15
1125.025.00
1141.010.15

 

DISCUSSION:

The NAC is a system developed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to be used nationwide to compare data between states and prevent duplicate SNAP benefit issuances. It helps states ensure smooth transfers for people who may be moving between states.

The NAC must be searched any time someone applies for SNAP benefits, completes a SNAP recertification, or when a new person is added to the SNAP household. Before checking the NAC, a participant’s social security number, residency, and identity must be verified. If there is a match, the state must inform the household, take action, and inform the other state involved.

If a NAC match is received during a household’s certification period, staff must investigate the information according to SNAP unclear information policy within 10 days of receiving the match and inform the household before taking action. Once a determination has been made, staff must also share the outcome with the other state.

Note: This is a new program from FNS, not all states are currently sharing participant information with the NAC. If a participant reports receiving benefits in another state and a NAC match is not found, staff must still follow the existing procedures for verifying out of state benefits.

Do not disclose any location information to the household. System-generated notices will only communicate the change in household composition, and will not reveal the name of the state matched. If a participant questions a NAC match, staff may provide the following information:

  • Name of the matched individual, and
  • Dates of benefit issuances

This will protect individuals who may be in a vulnerable situation, such as someone staying in a battered women’s shelter or someone who shares information indicating they may be fleeing a dangerous situation.

NAC Web Portal:

All NAC queries for potential SNAP duplicate participation must be completed using the NAC web portal. The NAC web portal will be used to view information on NAC matches at application and to make necessary updates to inform the other state on the status of the match and what action(s) have been taken.

Note: A training will be made available through the Employee Learning Center (ELC) that will provide more details on how to sign up for access to the NAC portal as well as how to conduct searches and make updates.

In order to search the NAC, staff will need the participants’:

  • Name,
  • Date of Birth,
  • Social Security Number,
  • DCN, and
  • Search Reason.
    • Search Reasons include: New Application, New Household Member, Recertification or Other.

When a match is found when searching the NAC portal, the SNAP Participants Search Result section will appear on the bottom of the screen. Clicking on the Match ID will bring up the Match Details screen with more information.

When staff get a new match during a certification, the match notification email will have a Match ID to look up case information. The match notification will indicate the other state, if the participant is a vulnerable individual, and the three most recent month’s benefits issued in the other state.

Note: It is possible to get multiple matches for a single individual; however, at this time, Missouri is one of the first states to join the NAC.

The NAC portal also has fields to update the initial action taken and the final disposition (outcome) on the case. Updating these fields informs the other state of what actions Missouri has taken to resolve the match.

Note: NAC matches on active cases will be tasked in Current. Staff receiving a NAC match Current task will need to login to the NAC portal to review and update the match as necessary.

System Updates:

As of March 18, 2024, the eligibility system was updated with the following:

  • “NAC Y/N” field added to Received Out of State (RECOUTST/FMMW).
  • Two NAC-related verification codes were added:
    • NA—NAC Match Not Verified (Active Case Only)
    • NM—NAC Match Result- Not Living in Missouri
  • A notice of match received (NOMR/FA-601) for NAC Matches.
  • A notice of adverse action (NOAA/FA-510) with NAC match language.

NAC match on Initial, Recertification and Add-A-Person applications:

  • If a NAC match is received for an initial, recertification, or add-a-person application:
    • Enter “Y” in the the “NAC Y/N” field,
    • Enter the date the last benefit was received as it appears on the NAC match in the “Last Recd” field, and
    • Leave the verification code blank in order to request verification from the participant.
      • The eligibility system automatically generates and sends the proper NOMR for the NAC match via an overnight batch process.
        • The NOMR gives the participant 10 days to respond to the match, advises what is needed to resolve the match, and warns what the consequences are for the SNAP case if the household fails to respond.
  • If the household fails to respond to the match, the application will reject.
  • If the participant provides the proper verification to prove their out of state SNAP case has closed, enter “HC” (Hard Copy) to approve the case.
  • If the participant confirms the NAC match, is not living in Missouri, and still intends to receive benefits in another state, resolve the match with the following actions:
    • Remove the “Y” from the “NAC Y/N” field and
    • Enter “NM” (NAC Match Result- Not living in Missouri).

NAC match during Certification Period:

The eligibility system automatically shares SNAP participant data with the NAC on a daily basis which is then matched with similar data from other states. Any resulting NAC match received outside of the application period should be treated according to SNAP unclear information policy.

  • If the NAC match is received during the certification period, the RECOUTST screen must be updated.
    • Enter “Y” in the “NAC Y/N” field,
    • Enter the date the last benefit was received as it appears on the NAC match in the “Last Recd” field, and
    • Enter “NA” (NAC Match Not Verified [Active Case Only]) in the “VER” field to generate a NOAA combined with the NAC notice language.
      • The combined NOAA gives the participant 10 days to respond to the match, advises what is needed to resolve the match, and warns what the consequences are for the SNAP case if the household fails to respond.
  • If the household does not respond to the notice, the matched participant will be removed from the SNAP case.
  • If the participant provides the proper verification to prove their out of state SNAP case has closed, enter verification code “HC” (Hard Copy) to approve the case.
  • If the participant confirms the matched individual is not living in Missouri, and is still intending to receive benefits in another state, resolve the match by removing the “Y” from the “NAC Y/N” field and entering “NM” (NAC Match Result- Not living in Missouri) in the “VER” field.

Note: Updates in the eligibility system or Current Tasking system will not automatically update the NAC portal. Once staff complete their system entries, staff must log in and update the NAC portal in order for the information to be communicated to the other state per FNS regulations.

Additional SNAP Manual Updates:

Sections 1105.015.15 Duplicate Participation and 1125.025.00 Steps to Process Expedited Eligible Applications of the SNAP manual were updated to reflect that a NAC match must be resolved prior to the issuance of expedited benefits.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/tl

IM-07 REVISION TO SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) TYPES OF MEDICAL COSTS ALLOWED

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: REVISION TO SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) TYPES OF MEDICAL COSTS ALLOWED

MANUAL REVISION #
1115.035.15.10

 

DISCUSSION:

SNAP policy section 1115.035.15.10 Types of Medical Costs Allowed has been renamed to 1115.035.15.10 Types of Medical Expenses Allowed.

Additional changes are listed below:

  • Policy and terminology is expanded, updated and re-formatted.
  • Note regarding budgeting SMI premium until SMI is no longer deducted from the Social Security payment is removed.
    • Buy-ins now occur in 10 days on average and no more than 30 days.
  • Premiums for prescription insurance and prescription discount plans are now listed as allowable medical expense.
  • Cost of building a ramp for a handicapped person is removed and replaced with adaptive equipment in vehicles and homes.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff

 

 

 

KE/ch

IM-05 UPDATES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) RECONCILIATION – COVERED EARNINGS SECTION

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) RECONCILIATION – COVERED EARNINGS SECTION

MANUAL REVISION #
1105.098.20

 

DISCUSSION:

Some immigrants must have 40 qualifying quarters of coverage under Title II of the Social Security Act or be credited with such quarters to be eligible for SNAP. 1105.098.20 Reconciliation – Covered Earnings of the SNAP manual was updated to match Social Security’s processes and form changes when qualifying quarter discrepancies are reported and to clarify copies of IIVEs cannot be stored in the case record.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/se

IM-03 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) APPLICATION, FS-1, UPDATED

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) APPLICATION, FS-1, UPDATED

FORM REVISION #

FS-1 FS-1 (Dari)
FS-1 (Spanish) FS-1 (Pashto)
FS-1 (Large Print)  

 

DISCUSSION:

The SNAP Application (FS-1) has been updated with the following changes:

  • Instructions to return the form were added,
  • New Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) ages were added,
  • New ABAWD exemptions were added, and
  • Automated calls and texts opt out options were updated.

The revised FS-1 is available in English, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, and Large print. The Online application is also updated with these changes.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Begin using the FS-1 with the revision date of 09/2023 at the release of this memo.

 

 

 

KE/cs

IM-102 UPDATES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CLAIMS PROCESS AND DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF THE CLAIM FOR SIMPLIFIED REPORTING HOUSEHOLDS MANUAL SECTIONS

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CLAIMS PROCESS AND DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF THE CLAIM FOR SIMPLIFIED REPORTING HOUSEHOLDS MANUAL SECTIONS

MANUAL REVISION #
1142.010.00
1142.035.10.05

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective October 1, 2023, the threshold for establishing claims for participating households for Administrative Error (AE) and Inadvertent Household Error (IHE) increased to $250. The threshold for Suspected Program Violation (SPV) and Intentional Program Violation (IPV) claims remain $0. 1142.010.00 Claims Process

1142.035.10.05 Determining the Amount of the Claim for Simplified Reporting Households’ example clarifying the claim period for households that fail to report when their total income exceeds the 130% of poverty amount was revised.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/se

IM-99 JANUARY 2024 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT MAGI MO HEALTHNET

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: JANUARY 2024 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT MAGI MO HEALTHNET

MANUAL REVISION #
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX J
APPENDIX K

 

DISCUSSION:

In January 2024, all Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Administration (VA), and Railroad Retirement (RR) participants will receive an 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

The weekend of December 9, 2023, a mass adjustment will be completed in the eligibility system for Child Care (CC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and Non-MAGI MO HealthNet 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 2024 COLA will have the following effect on SNAP cases:

  • Increase in SNAP benefit reductions for January 2024.
  • Increase in SNAP closures for December 2023.

SSI Increases

SSI TABLE 2023 AMOUNT 2024 AMOUNT INCREASE
SSI Individual maximum (in own household) $914 $943 $29
SSI Couple maximum (in own household) $1371 $1415 $44
SSI Individual in household of another $609 $629 $20
SSI Couple in household of another $914 $943 $29
SSI Essential person/own home $458 $472 $14

 

Non-MAGI Standards Adjustments

NON-MAGI STANDARDS 2023 AMOUNT 2024 AMOUNT
Maximum Allotment of Community Spouse $3,716 $3,854
Minimum Maintenance Standard for Allotments $2,289 $2,465
Maximum Allocation to a child $457 $472
Maximum Allotment to a child $763 $821
Minimum Spousal Share $29,724 $30,828
Maximum Spousal Share $148,620 $154,140
Maximum Home Equity $688,000 $713,000
HCB Maximum $1,598 $1,649
SAB Standard $987 $1,019

 

Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Premium Adjustment

The standard SMI, commonly known as Medicare Part B, premium will increase for 2024 to $174.70. 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 Non-MAGI Program Increases

Resource Limits for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI-1)
For a single individual, the resource limit increases to $9,430 for a married couple, the resource limit increases to $14,130. There is no change in policy regarding how to determine available resources.

Minimum and Maximum Spousal Share
The 2024 minimum spousal share is $30,828. The new maximum spousal share is $154,140. Both amounts become effective for any assessment completed on or after January 1, 2024.

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

  • $2,590 for statutorily blind individuals
  • $1,550 for non-blind individuals

 

Appendices Updates

The following appendices were updated to show the new amounts:

  • MO HealthNet for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Manual
    • Appendix B – Maintenance Standards for Allotments
    • Appendix E – HCB Income Maximums
    • Appendix J – Eligibility Standards for Non-MAGI Programs
    • Appendix K – MO HealthNet eligibility for Non-MAGI Programs
  • December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manual
    • Appendix D – Substantial Gainful Activity

 

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 2024, do not use the “CO” – COLA verification code.

Note: Actions to reduce MHN benefits will take effect after an annual renewal is completed during the transition/unwinding period.

 

Reports with Actions Needed

Reports with action needed will be distributed to the appropriate teams. 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/cj

IM-97 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UPDATE REMOVING LINKS TO OBSOLETE FAMIS USER GUIDES

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UPDATE REMOVING LINKS TO OBSOLETE FAMIS USER GUIDES

MANUAL REVISION #
1102.000.00
1102.005.02
1102.015.55
1115.015.00
1115.035.30 
1135.010.10

 

DISCUSSION:

The SNAP manual is updated to remove links to obsolete charts and guides. Access FAMIS Resources for information previously found in the obsolete charts and guides. Additionally, policy and terminology is revised to align with current processing methods.

Changes are summarized below:

1102.000.00 Verification

  • The following obsolete charts and guides are removed:
    • Comments Quick Reference Chart,
    • Editing and Adding Text to the FA-325 user guide, and
    • Allowable FAMIS Verification Codes.
  • Link to Verification/Evidence Matrix added.
  • Link to FAMIS Resources added.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.

1102.005.02 Documentation of Verification

  • The definition of documentation expanded.
  • Comments Quick Reference Chart removed.
  • Link to FAMIS Resources added.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.

1102.015.55 Income Maintenance and Employment Security Interface (IMES)

  • Manual header section updated to Income Maintenance and Employment Security Interface (IMES), previously Employment History (IMES)
  • Comments Quick Reference Chart removed.
  • Updated policy to incorporate current process of retaining copies of IMES in the participant’s case record.
  • Added Note regarding when to request verification.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.

1115.015.00 Income Exclusions

  • Comments Quick Reference Chart removed.
  • FAMIS system references removed.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.

1115.035.30 Calculating Income Deductions

  • Comments Quick Reference Chart removed.
  • FAMIS system references removed.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.
  • Example added on averaging expenses.

1135.010.10 Changes Reported by Eligible Striker Household

  • Manual header section updated, changed Eligibility Unit to Household
  • Comments Quick Reference Chart removed.
  • FAMIS system references removed.
  • Policy regarding Comments or Notes updated.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

 

KE/ch

 

IM-96 REPORTING CHANGES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) PARTICIPANTS FLYER UPDATED

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: REPORTING CHANGES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) PARTICIPANTS FLYER UPDATED

FORM REVISION #
IM-4Reporting Changes for SNAP
IM-4Reporting Changes for SNAP – Spanish

 

DISCUSSION:

The English and Spanish versions of the Reporting Changes for SNAP Participants Flyer have been updated in the internal and public forms manuals.

The age range for the Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) requirement to report a reduction in work hours below 20 hours per week has been updated to age 18 through 52.

The new flyer has been ordered and a supply will be mailed to each office for use in Resource Centers and for community outreach.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Discard flyers with a revision date prior to 11/2023 and begin using the new version upon receipt.

 

 

 

KE/mn

 

 

IM-94 UPDATED ONLINE CHANGE REPORT FOR FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION (FSD) PROGRAMS

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATED ONLINE CHANGE REPORT FOR FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION (FSD) PROGRAMS

 

DISCUSSION:

The online change report was updated to make the form easily accessible to participants and to capture information allowing FSD to complete many changes without requesting more information from participants. Participants can access the change report online at mydss.mo.gov.

The updated online change report form has clearer defined questions on the left menu to help participants provide more complete information related to reporting a new pregnancy, requesting to explore a different MO HealthNet program, and claiming good cause to be exempt from pursuing child support.

Changes to the online change report now match changes made to the Change Report (IM-145) that were completed in September 2023.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Share with community partners.

 

 

 

KE/cj

IM-93 CLARIFICATION FOR WHEN TO ACT ON UNCLEAR INFORMATION

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CLARIFICATION FOR WHEN TO ACT ON UNCLEAR INFORMATION

MANUAL REVISION #
1141.005.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Due to feedback received from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), section 1141.005.00 When to Act on Unclear Information of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy manual was updated to remove all references to the date of receipt in relation to unclear information. Unclear information should always be reviewed relative to the current month of participation.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/tl