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Title 8: Medicaid Page 17 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter B: Application Processing Verification Revised October 17, 2025 Moving and Returned Mail Moving and Returned Mail Legal reference: 441 IAC 75.10(249A) Policy: A member must remain an Iowa resident for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Procedure: When mail is returned to the Department, handle the mail as follows:  When the Post Office has attached a forwarding address and it is in Iowa: • Use this address and update the HHS systems. • It is not necessary to contact the member. • Send any returned mail to the member at the correct address and keep a copy in the case record.  When the Post Office has attached a forwarding address and it is out-of-state, contact the member to ensure they are no longer an Iowa resident.  When there is no forwarding address (i.e., address unknown, undeliverable), deny the case for unable to locate using the only address HHS has on file.  When there is hand-writing on the returned mail, attempt to contact the member to resolve the issue. Deny the case for unable to locate if you are unable to contact the member. Comment: Reporting a change in a mailing or living address is required. Processing Standards Legal reference: 42 CFR 435.912(c)(3)(i)-(ii), Iowa Code Section 249A.4 The following sections explain:  Processing guidelines that apply to all Medicaid applications.  Grace period following the denial of an application.  Guidelines for processing applications for children. Guidelines for All Applications Process applications on the earliest possible date. Determine eligibility and issue a written notice of decision for MAGI-related, non-MAGI-related, and Medically Needy Medicaid by making system entries no later than the 45th day following the date of application. If the 45th day falls on a weekend or holiday, process the application by making system entries the next working day.