MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) Manual

IM-144 December 7, 2022; IM-25 April 8, 2015

If the individual is not currently receiving MO HealthNet (MHN) benefits, to explore Home and Community Based (HCB) Services waiver, FSD must:

1. Obtain a valid MHN application.

   Note: Participants requesting vendor coverage would follow all MHN application policies regarding requesting benefits and signing the application. These policies are outlined in the MAGI Manual, beginning with section 1802.000.00 Applications.

2. Determine that the individual is age 63 or older.
3. If the individual is at least age 63 but is under age 65, determine that the individual meets Permanently and Totally Disabled (PTD) requirements.
4. Determine that the individual’s gross income is at or below the HCB maximum, see MHABD Appendix J.
5. Complete the eligibility determination for all other eligibility factors:
   1. Approve the MHN application if individual is eligible for MHABD spend down or non-spend down.
   2. If the applicant cannot be approved for MHABD due to excess resources, but has a spouse with whom they live and the individual is not obviously ineligible for HCB, begin the division of assets.
6. Using the Home and Community Based Referral (IM-54A) form, refer the individual to Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior and Disability Services (DHSS/DSDS) to determine medical need and authorization for HCB services within 2 days of approval for MHABD coverage or decision that a division of assets will be required.

Note: FSD staff should follow established procedures to begin a DHSS/DSDS referral.