Category: IM Memo

IM-24 INTRODUCING STEADYIQ’S INCOME PASSPORT

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FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: INTRODUCING STEADYIQ’S INCOME PASSPORT

MANUAL REVISION #

11.7 Electronic Verification Service (EVS)

 

DISCUSSION:

SteadyIQ’s Income Passport is unlike any other electronic verification source currently used by the Family Support Division (FSD). The participant gathers their own verification using a consent-driven process which results in a clear, consistent income verification report being returned to FSD.

Income Passport organizes information from bank accounts, gig platforms (like Uber or Instacart), and payment apps (like PayPal or Venmo) to make self-employment and contribution income verification faster and more accurate.

FSD has an anticipated implementation date of May 1, 2025, to begin using Income Passport to assist participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and MO HealthNet (MHN) programs.

Staff must offer the use of Income Passport to participants who have self-employment income, so please be sure you have thoroughly reviewed the SteadyIQ Income Passport Guide and are ready to deploy this new resource in telephone or face to face customer interactions. SteadyIQ is currently only available during telephone or face to face customer interactions because FSD must ask the participants for their permission before sending them the invitation link.

NOTE: Participants can still choose to submit verification using previously existing formats such as tax returns or income and expense logs.

MAGI MHN Exception: Self-attestation is still acceptable for self-employment income and expenses for the MAGI program.

FSD’s Training and Development team has developed an online lesson and user guide for specific instructions on how to use SteadyIQ’s Income Passport.

The following manual section has been updated:

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

 

 

 

MA/rnr

IM-23 INTRODUCING THE COMBINED INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) POLICY MANUAL

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FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: INTRODUCING THE COMBINED INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) POLICY MANUAL

 

DISCUSSION:

The Family Support Division has launched a new Combined IM Policy Manual, containing policies for all IM programs:

  • MO HealthNet Programs
  • Temporary Assistance
  • SNAP
  • Aged, Blind, & Disabled Cash Programs

No changes to program policy were made with the transition to the Combined Manual, but the policy wording was re-written with plainer, less-technical language.

Shared policy sections were created for topics that have similar eligibility factors for all IM programs, such as Applications, Non-Financial Eligibility, Financial Eligibility, and Hearings, with program-specific differences noted throughout the sections. Program-specific eligibility factors can be found in separate policy sections for MO HealthNet, Temporary Assistance, and SNAP.

The integrated search function allows users to search by keyword or topic and see how that item is treated by each program. Policy is further streamlined by utilizing charts to organize details, such as types of income and resources or income limits, where possible.

A total of 16 individual manuals have been combined into the new manual, with SuN Bucks set to be added in the future. The current manuals will all be archived April 23, 2025. Memos, e-mail memos, and Hot Tips from 2024 and prior will also be archived.

The Combined Manual can be accessed the same way as the prior manuals – a link to the Combined IM Policy Manual has been added to dssmanuals.mo.gov. The Forms Manual, National Voter Registration (NVR) Manual, and manuals for other DSS divisions remain here as well.

An introduction video with an overview of the layout of the manual as well as how to navigate and search the manual is available here.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Staff questions and concerns should be sent through normal supervisory channels.

 

 

 

MA/mn

IM-22 UPDATED DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT (NDS) ADDED TO FORMS AND NOTICES

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATED DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT (NDS) ADDED TO FORMS AND NOTICES

FORM REVISION #

FA-110 FA-334 FA-544
FA-150 FA-335 FA-546
FA-325 FA-510 FA-601
FA-331 FA-520  

DISCUSSION:

An updated DSS NDS has been added to the system-generated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) forms and notices listed below:

  • FA-110 Expedited Service Notice
  • FA-150 Claimant Action Notice
  • FA-325 Request for Information
  • FA-331 Request for Contact
  • FA-334 Appointment Letter
  • FA-335 Notification of Missed Interview
  • FA-510 Adverse Action Notice
  • FA-520 Notice of Expiration
  • FA-544 Change Report
  • FA-546 Mid-Certification Review Report
  • FA-601 Informational Notice

The new DSS NDS now reads:

DSS NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT/ACCOMMODATION REQUEST

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and equal access to services. DSS applicants for, or recipients of, services from DSS are treated equitably regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or veteran status. Appropriate interpretive services will be provided as required for the visually or hearing impaired and for persons with language barriers. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the Department of Social Services should notify DSS as soon as possible. To request an accommodation: visit your local DSS office, contact DSS by phone, TDD/TTY: (800) 735-2966; Relay Missouri 711; or contact the DSS ADA Coordinator by phone at (800) 776-8014 or via email at HRC.OCR@dss.mo.gov. DSS will provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

MA/tl

 

IM-21 MO HEALTHNET RELATIONSHIP VERIFICATION

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MO HEALTHNET RELATIONSHIP VERIFICATION

MANUAL REVISION #
1013.000.00
1805.030.10.07

DISCUSSION:

Relationship policy in sections 1013.000.00 and 1805.030.10.07 has been updated to accept client statement (CS) or self-attestation. Require hard copy for verification of familial relationships only if the status is questionable or needed for citizenship purposes.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Review budgets for correct deeming calculation.
  • Cases will fail on relationships until FAMIS has been updated to accept CS, collateral contact (CC) will pass FAMIS for relationships. Add appropriate comments to explain the coding.
  • FAMIS updates are forthcoming.

 

 

 

MA/st

IM-20 QUICK RESPONSE (QR) CODE AND SENATE BILL (SB) 912 MILITARY AFFAIRS

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: QUICK RESPONSE (QR) CODE AND SENATE BILL (SB) 912 MILITARY AFFAIRS

 

DISCUSSION:

2024 SB 912 intends to assist in the efforts to support veterans of the Armed Forces. It requires any form created or modified on or after August 28, 2024, that is used to interact with members of the public to include the following three questions:

  1. Have you ever served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and separated from such service under conditions other than dishonorable?
  2. Would you like to receive information and assistance regarding veterans benefits and services?
  3. May the agency share your contact information with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide such information? General information may also be found on the Missouri Veterans Commission’s website.

The Missouri Veterans Commission website will be added to forms as they are updated or created: https://mvc.dps.mo.gov/MoVeteransInformation/Survey/DSS

A QR code has been created to meet requirements of SB 912 and when scanned will take the individual directly to the Missouri Department of Public Safety Veterans Commission. This QR code will be added to updated or new forms when space permits.

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

MA/kg

IM-19 2025 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR SSA/SSI INCOME

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: 2025 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR SSA/SSI INCOME

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective April 1, 2025, MAGI cases will be updated to reflect a 2.5% COLA for Social Security Administration (SSA) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) participants.

Cases Adjusted

Cases that include income types Social Security Adult (disability or received off disabled/deceased spouse), Social Security Adult (retirement), Social Security Child (disability or received off disabled/deceased parent), and SSI are subject to an automatic increase of 2.5%. The eligibility system will end date the previous income and add a new piece of income evidence that reflects the adjusted income amount.

Cases That Did Not Adjust

Some cases will not adjust during 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: Due to the Continuous Eligibility requirement during the Transition Period, no cases will have coverage closed or reduced to a lower level of care until an annual renewal has been completed.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

MA/vh

 

IM-18 NURSING HOME COVERAGE FOR PARTICIPANTS ON QUALIFYING MODIFIED ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME (MAGI) LEVELS OF CARE

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: NURSING HOME COVERAGE FOR PARTICIPANTS ON QUALIFYING MODIFIED ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME (MAGI) LEVELS OF CARE

MANUAL REVISION #
0815.005.00
0815.030.00
1040.010.00
1040.015.15 
1040.020.10 
1040.020.40.15
1040.020.40.20 

DISCUSSION:

Participants on MAGI levels of care, with the exception of Uninsured Women’s Health Services (UWHS) and Extended Women’s Health Services (EWHS), can qualify for nursing home services if they meet specific medical criteria. The medical certification for these individuals is made by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Participants eligible for nursing home services under MAGI levels of care are subject to transfer penalties but are not subject to resource limits or a surplus.

The Family Support Division (FSD) Nursing Facility (Vendor) Unit is notified when a participant meets the medical criteria for nursing home services. A new piece of evidence, MO Vendor Facility, has been added to the Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System (MEDES). This evidence provides the Nursing Home (Vendor) Unit a streamlined way to notify MO HealthNet Division (MHD) when individuals on MAGI levels of care meet the criteria for nursing home services.

There is no change in how MAGI staff process applications. The requirement, for participants claiming a disability and approved for Adult Expansion Group (AEG) coverage to also have eligibility explored for Mandatory Non-MAGI programs, has not changed. See Appendix K to determine which levels of care are considered mandatory.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

MA/rc

 

 

IM-17 2025 UPDATE OF POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES FOR MAGI PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: 2025 UPDATE OF POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES FOR MAGI PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A (PE)
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX I

FORM REVISION#
IM-4PRM

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective April 1, 2025, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income guidelines increase for all MAGI programs, including Presumptive Eligibility (PE).
MAGI cases were adjusted on February 22, 2025 based on the new FPL income guidelines. Changes in circumstance or applications processed prior to April 1, 2025 will need to be authorized before the FPL change can be viewed.

PREMIUM REFUNDS

Premiums paid for April coverage will be refunded to the participant if the FPL causes the case to:

  • become eligible as a non-premium case;
  • go from CHIP75 to CHIP74; or
  • go from CHIP74 to CHIP73.

The refund process will take approximately 8 weeks to complete.

PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY

PE Manual Appendix A income standards are updated. These standards are effective from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Use the new FPL income guidelines beginning April 1, 2025
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

MA/rc

IM-16 UPDATES TO MISSOURI SUN BUCKS (SUMMER EBT) APPLICATION

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO MISSOURI SUN BUCKS (SUMMER EBT) APPLICATION

FORM REVISION #
MOSB-1

DISCUSSION:

The Missouri SuN Bucks (Summer-EBT) Application (MOSB-1) application was revised with the following:

  • Updated terminology regarding NSLP (National School Lunch Program) eligibility.
  • Updated benefit/application year to 2024/2025 school year.
  • Updated request for last 4 of SSN to be optional.
  • Added “runaway” to household identification options.
  • Penalty Warning – Added statement confirming that the applicant is not receiving Summer EBT benefits in another State or ITO (Indian Tribal Organization).
  • Added the optional Veteran service questions with a web address and Quick Response (QR) code to the MO Veteran’s Commission survey.

The newest version of the MOSB-1 has a revision date of 02/2025. Older versions should be destroyed immediately, and only the latest version should be offered to participants.

NECESSARY ACTION:

 

 

 

KE/pm

 

IM-15 UPDATE TO 1619 THRESHOLD

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATE TO 1619 THRESHOLD

MANUAL REVISION #
Appendix J

 

DISCUSSION:

The threshold amount established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine eligibility under Section 1619 of the Social Security Act has increased to $4,198 effective January 1, 2025. Additional information regarding 1619 eligibility is available in manual section 0850.005.20 Financial Need.

Eligibility Standards for Non-MAGI Programs (Appendix J) of the MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) Manual was updated to reflect the new threshold.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/cj