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UNOFFICIAL 1711.1-6

medical assistance and insurance affordability programs operated in the State; and (4) Trained in and subject to applicable federal and State laws and regulations regarding safeguarding and confidentiality of information and conflicts of interest. (e) Should the department elect to certify application counselors, the department shall establish: (1) A designated web portal for the exclusive use by certified application counselors for purposes of providing assistance under this section; (2) A secure mechanism to ensure that certified application counselors are able to perform only those activities for which they are certified; and (3) Procedures to ensure that an individual applying for medical assistance: (A) Is informed of the functions and responsibilities of a certified application counselor; and

(B) Is able to authorize an application counselor to receive confidential information about the individual related to the individual’s application for or annual redetermination of Medicaid. (f) Services provided by a certified application counselor shall be free of charge. [Eff 09/30/13] (Auth: HRS §346-14; 42 C.F.R. §435.908) (Imp: HRS §346-29, 42 C.F.R. §435.908)

§17-1711.1-12 Authorized representatives. (a) An individual applying for medical assistance may designate an individual or organization to be an authorized representative to act on their behalf to assist with an application, a redetermination of eligibility, and other on-going communications with the department.