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eligible based on the AR or AX program types, the individual’s Medicaid application should be approved. QM: Age does not need to be verified, though eligibility for Medicare, an age-related benefit itself, must be verified.

Some chapters have a Legal Authority section for policies discussed within the chapter. The Legal Authority section is always located second in each chapter (e.g., 1.2, 2.2, 3.2). The Legal Authority sections are organized in chart form. The charts identify the major policy areas discussed in the chapter and the applicable federal and District regulations governing those policies.

There are few District regulations governing the administration of MA and FS. This means that unless otherwise stated within the legal authority section, policy for these two programs reflects only federal statute and regulations and the District's state plans. Also, there are no federal regulations for GC. This means that policy for GC is based on District law and regulations.

Most chapters address all four programs. However, some chapters do not. The introduction to the Chapter specifies which programs are addressed.

Use of Language 1.2.3

The language in this Manual has two objectives:

 provide specific and accurate wording of policies, and  ensure that the policies are as clear and simple as possible.

However, in many instances, simple language cannot describe technically complex policy with accuracy or specificity. In these cases, the language is often taken directly from the legislation.

LAWS GOVERNING FEDERAL AND DISTRICT REGULATIONS 1.3

Federal and District policies have been developed to carry out the legislative mandates of the United States (U.S.) Congress and the District of Columbia. Exhibit I-1: Federal Legislation Related to ESA Programs and Exhibit I-2: District Legislation Related to ESA Programs provide a comprehensive list of public laws (P.L.) and District laws on which District MA, TANF, GC, and FS policies are based.

MAINTENANCE OF MANUAL 1.4

This Manual must be easily accessible to all Department staff since it serves as the Department's primary policy reference document.

The Department will conduct periodic reviews and revisions of the Manual. Between reviews, the Department will issue policy directives and instructions for insertion into the Manual. All policy directives shall be approved and signed by the Director or his/her designee before they become effective. The Policy Manual insertions should be logged into the Insert Documentation Form at the front of the Manual. Please note that inserted pages will be noted as such in the footers at the bottom of the pages.

EXHIBIT I-1: FEDERAL LEGISLATION RELATED TO ESA PROGRAM