Application Processing Standards
Observe the following standards in processing Family Medical Assistance applications.
Accept the signed application on the day the application is received by the agency.
Register the application using the date the application was received by the agency or qualified provider. See Application Date for details. The application must be registered within 24 hours of receipt by the agency.
If the applicant or AREP is not contacted on the same day an application is filed and additional information is required, contact the applicant or AREP within a reasonable timeframe to obtain the information necessary to complete the application.
If verification or additional information is required, complete a verification checklist and mail or provide to the A/R or AREP. Establish a reasonable deadline for returning requested verification. Refer to Section 2051 - Verification .
If incomplete verification is returned, send another checklist specifying what is required; establish a new reasonable deadline for returning requested verification.
If the applicant or AREP fails to meet the deadline for providing additional information, attempt to contact the applicant or AREP to assess the need for an extension of the deadline or the possibility of assisting in obtaining required verification. Do not deny an application for failure to provide verification if the verification can be obtained by the caseworker.
Deny an application at the first point ineligibility is established. Do not leave a case pending in anticipation of the applicant becoming eligible at a future date beyond the ongoing benefit month.
Do not deny an application solely because the SOP has been reached and eligibility cannot yet be determined.
Deny an application before the SOP if the applicant or AREP fails to cooperate in the application process or fails to supply necessary information that she or he is capable of obtaining and DFCS has no direct means of obtaining.