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Title 8: Medicaid Page 28 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter C: Nonfinancial Eligibility Cooperation with Child Support Services Revised October 10, 2025 Good Cause for Refusal to Cooperate Further investigation of good cause may be necessary if the client’s claim and the supporting evidence are not enough to make a decision. Notify the client in writing if additional supporting evidence is needed, and what type of documents are needed. If you need to contact the putative father or absent parent, notify the client first. The client can choose to:  Give additional supporting evidence to avoid the need for the contact.  Withdraw the application or have the case closed.  Withdraw the good cause claim. Consult Child Support Services before contacting an absent parent, and document details in the case record. If there is any indication the absent parent may try to harm the child or caretaker either physically or emotionally, be especially careful not to reveal any information about their location. Confer with the CSS before making a final decision about good cause. Making the Decision About Good Cause Legal reference: 441 IAC 75.14 Within 45 days from the date the claim is filed, determine whether or not good cause exists. Determine each good cause claim at the earliest possible date. Do not use the 45-day time frame as a waiting period before determining good cause nor as a basis to deny the good cause claim. Extend the time frame only if:  You cannot obtain evidence needed to verify the claim within 45 days, or  The client cannot provide supporting evidence within the 20-day limit. Document any time extensions in the case record. Grant good cause if the claimant’s statement and the investigation which is conducted provide sufficient evidence that the client has good cause for refusing to cooperate. Your immediate supervisor must approve or disapprove your decision. Record the findings in the case record. Notify Child Support Services within two working days after the final decision to deny or grant good cause has been made. Give Child Support Services the opportunity to participate in any appeal hearing.