Category: IM Memo

IM-100 2024 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) AND RAILROAD (RR) INCOME

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: 2024 FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) AND RAILROAD (RR) INCOME

 

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective January 2024 VA and RR participants will receive a 3.2% COLA. System updates will be made the weekend of December 16, 2023.

Note: Annual renewals resumed for all MO HealthNet (MHN) programs on April 1, 2023. An annual renewal must be completed before a determination of ineligibility or lesser coverage can be made. The eligibility system will not reduce or end MHN coverage due to the COLA changes until an annual renewal has been completed for the case.

Cases Adjusted

Cases that include income types VA and/or RR benefits in the eligibility system are subject to an automatic increase of 3.2% for those income types. The eligibility system will end date the previous income and add a new piece of income evidence that reflects the adjusted income amount.

Note: Actions to reduce benefits will not be taken until an annual renewal has been completed.

Cases That Did Not Adjust

Some cases will not adjust during the 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: Adverse Action notices will not be issued until an annual renewal has been completed.

 

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

KE/vh

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

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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-98 QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARY (QMB) AND SPECIFIED LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY GROUP 1 (SLMB1) ENROLLMENT IS AUTOMATIC FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PARTICIPANTS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARY (QMB) AND SPECIFIED LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY GROUP 1 (SLMB1) ENROLLMENT IS AUTOMATIC FOR MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PARTICIPANTS

MANUAL REVISION #

0805.000.00 0865.035.05
0820.035.00 0870.000.00
0840.010.40 0870.035.00
0865.000.00 1805.065.00
0865.035.00 1885.045.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Enrollment in QMB and SLMB1 is automatic for all eligible MHN participants. Eligibility for QMB and SLMB1 must be explored when processing an application for MHN coverage.

Explore eligibility for QMB and SLMB1 when completing annual renewals, changes in circumstance, or applications for other types of assistance. If the claimant does not already receive QMB or SLMB1 coverage and appears to be eligible, take actions to add QMB or SLMB1 coverage.

When a participant becomes eligible for QMB or SLMB1, the SMI premium is no longer an allowable deduction. This may cause an increase in spend down or cause a non-spend down participant to have a spend down. A participant may choose to close QMB or SLMB1 coverage. If the participant makes the request in person or by phone, explain the financial impact so the participant makes an informed decision.

Note: Medical expenses must be updated on the Medical Expense screen (MEDEXP/FMXA) in the eligibility system.

The following sections were added to the Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) Manual:

The following section was added to the MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) Manual:

The remaining MHABD Manual sections listed above are updated to reflect automatic enrollment policy, update general terminology and remove outdated processes.

Note: Continue to follow current processing procedures for Non-MAGI applications.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/sh

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

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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

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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-95 MO HEALTHNET (MHN) COVERAGE FOR FORMER FOSTER CARE YOUTH (FFCY) INDIVIDUALS WHO AGED OUT OF CARE IN A STATE OTHER THAN MISSOURI

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MO HEALTHNET (MHN) COVERAGE FOR FORMER FOSTER CARE YOUTH (FFCY) INDIVIDUALS WHO AGED OUT OF CARE IN A STATE OTHER THAN MISSOURI

MANUAL REVISION #
0875.000.00
1805.050.00
1900.020.60

 

DISCUSSION:

Section 1002(a)(2) of the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act became effective 1/1/2023 changing the way eligibility is determined for individuals who age out of foster care in a state other than Missouri. Eligibility for these individuals will be determined under different criteria based on when they reached the age of 18.

Individuals who turned 18 before January 1, 2023

  • Are under age 26;
  • Declare they were in foster care in a state other than Missouri for at least 6 months prior to aging out of care; and
  • Must be found ineligible for MHN coverage in all other applicable mandatory eligibility groups prior to being approved for coverage under the FFCY program.

Individuals who turned 18 on or after January 1, 2023

  • Are under age 26;
  • Declare they were in foster care in a state other than Missouri at the time they turned 18;
  • Are not required to be found ineligible for MHN coverage prior to being enrolled in FFCY coverage; and
  • Are ineligible for FFCY coverage if they are already covered under a mandatory level of Medicaid through the state of Missouri.

System updates are in progress to determine eligibility for these individuals. Until system updates are completed, send an email to COLE.MHNPOLICY@dss.mo.gov with “Former foster care state other than Missouri” in the subject line if an application is received for one of these individuals.

FFCY eligibility for individuals who age out of foster care in Missouri will continue to be handled through Children’s Division’s (CD) eligibility system.

The Family MO HealthNet (MAGI) and Presumptive Eligibility (PE) Programs Manuals have been updated to reflect these changes.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/rc

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

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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

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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

IM-92 INTRODUCING NEW FLYER FOR FSD UPLOAD PORTAL

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: INTRODUCING NEW FLYER FOR FSD UPLOAD PORTAL

FORM REVISION #
IM-4 UPLOAD
IM-4 UPLOAD (SPANISH)

 

DISCUSSION:

The FSD Document Upload Portal (IM-4 Upload) flyer is now available for Family Support Division (FSD) staff to provide to participants. This flyer has step-by-step instructions to explain to participants how they can submit documents to FSD electronically at https://mydssupload.mo.gov/UploadPortal.

English and Spanish versions are available in the public and internal forms manuals. 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.
  • Share with community partners.

 

 

 

KE/cj

 

IM-91 PROTECTING YOUR BENEFITS WEBPAGE UPDATE FOR ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) CARDHOLDERS

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: PROTECTING YOUR BENEFITS WEBPAGE UPDATE FOR ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) CARDHOLDERS

 

DISCUSSION:

Updates have been made to the My SNAP Benefit and My Temporary Assistance Benefit pages to provide additional information on Protecting Your Benefits. This webpage provides guidance on common types of fraud, utilizing ebtEdge (the EBT vendor’s free mobile application), and how to report fraud to Family Support Division.

Electronically Stolen Benefit replacement requests may be submitted on the Electronically Stolen Benefit Replacement Request form (IM-111). This form is located on both the My SNAP Benefit and My Temporary Assistance Benefit pages.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Share this information with participants.
  • Review IM-87 for more information on Electronically Stolen Benefits

 

 

KE/nw