MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to remind staff of the verification requirements for identity, citizenship, and income for MO HealthNet programs. Income Maintenance memorandum IM-44 Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) dated June 22, 2009, introduced the process for measuring improper payment based on eligibility decisions for both MO HealthNet and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). As a result of PERM and of the 2011 state audit of adult MO HealthNet and CHIP, it was determined that policy regarding verifying identity, citizenship, and income has not been correctly applied.

IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP

States must obtain documents establishing identity and citizenship for new applicants and recipients for all categories of Medicaid, except for the Presumptive Eligibility for Children and the Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (TEMP) programs. This became effective with all applications dated July 1, 2006 or later and all reinvestigations completed beginning the month of July 2006. Staff are reminded to obtain verification of identity and citizenship for all applicants of all MO HealthNet and CHIP programs. For further guidance, refer to Income Maintenance Manual sections 0905.010.30 Citizenship And Alien Status (MHF) and 1010.000.00 CITIZENSHIP AND ALIEN STATUS (OAA, PTD, and AB).

INCOME

Income Maintenance Manual section 0110.025.05 Earned Income and 0110.025.10 Unearned Income instructs the agency to obtain verification of earned and unearned income at all eligibility determinations including annual reviews. Staff are reminded to obtain income verification and update all income sources for each eligibility determination.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Verify identity and citizenship at application.
• Verify income at all eligibility determinations.

AC/MKS