MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify the expedited processing timeframes for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) applications received as part of the Early Application procedure introduced in Income Maintenance Memorandum IM-#89  dated 10/01/13. While these applications are processed primarily in the FSD-DBH Processing office within Greene County Family Support Division (FSD), there may be pending applications in other Family Support Division offices that should be processed under these expedited timeframes.

The intent of the Early Application collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is to reduce service disruption for individuals being discharged from DBH state mental hospitals. Eligibility Specialists (ES) should follow normal MHABD application processing procedures for these applications with the following reminders:

• The paperwork for the Medical Review Team-Processing Center (MRT-PC), including any medical information provided with the application, after review for completeness, is submitted to MRT-PC immediately upon receipt.  Do not retain the MRT-PC packet awaiting the release of the applicant or for further verifications, including medical documentation.
• The MRT-PC packet is scanned and emailed to MRT-PC at MRT.Personnel@dss.mo.gov , not submitted via SharePoint.   The Subject line must include "RUSH-DBH".

  NOTE: If the Eligibility Specialist is co-located with MRT-PC in the Greene County FSD Office, the Eligibility Specialist will follow previously established in-house procedures. The top of the MRT checklist and the front page of the IM61-Social Information Summary must have "RUSH-DBH" noted on it to ensure that it is processed by MRT-PC in the appropriate timeframes.

• ES should process the application within two (2) working days of the applicant's discharge into the community, providing all other eligibility factors are met.

  NOTE: ES are reminded to send FA-325 Requests for Information in a timely manner to allow for this expedited processing.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Provide MRT-PC with the appropriate documentation as soon as it is received.
• Process these applications within two (2) working days of the release of the applicant into the community, provided all eligibility factors are met.
• Reject the application when appropriate.

ATTACHMENT

• FSD DBH Coversheet

AC/mah