- TO:
- ALL FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION OFFICES
- FROM:
- ALYSON CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
- INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS AS INPATIENTS IN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
- MANUAL ADDITION #26
- 0105.040.30
- MANUAL REVISION #26
1020.005.00
DISCUSSION:
This memorandum introduces the manual addition and revision to clarify eligibility for incarcerated individuals who are admitted as inpatients in a medical institution.
Income Maintenance memorandum IM-13 Processing MO HealthNet applications for Incarcerated Individuals who are Expected to be Released within 90 Days or who are Admitted as Inpatient dated February 9, 2015 introduced new procedures for applications received from inmates in the custody of Department of Corrections (DOC). The process outlined in IM-#13 is specific to DOC inmates; however eligibility for coverage during an inpatient stay of 24 hours or more is not restricted to DOC inmates.
Individuals may be eligible for MO HealthNet coverage who are:
- Inmates or residents in a nonmedical institution (such as a correctional facility or public supported facility)
- Eligible for the type of assistance, except incarceration.
- Admitted to a medical facility for 24 hours or more as in inpatient.
EXAMPLE #1: Ms. A is incarcerated in the County jail. She is pregnant and goes to the hospital to deliver the child. She is admitted March 1 and the baby is born March 2. Ms. A is released to the custody of the County and returned to the jail on March 3. An application is received which includes all necessary verification including the discharge summary which indicates she was inpatient for 2 days. If Ms. A meets all other eligibility factors, she is eligible for coverage for the days she was in the hospital.
EXAMPLE # 2: Mr. B is an inmate (resident of) the Missouri VA Home. He experiences chest pain and is transported to the hospital. He is admitted inpatient overnight for observation. His stay is more than 24 hours. He submits an application for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) coverage. He is age 70 and meets all other eligibility factors for spend down. Mr. B is eligible for coverage as an inpatient inmate as he is otherwise eligible for coverage.
EXAMPLE # 3: Mr. C is an inmate of the County jail. He is injured and transported to the emergency room for care. He is treated and returned to the jail within 5 hours. He submits an application for MHABD coverage. He is 37 years old and reports no disability or blindness. Mr. C is not eligible as he was not admitted inpatient for 24 hours and is not otherwise eligible for MHABD coverage as he is not aged, blind or disabled.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
AC/vb