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3615.10.00 MEDICAID IDENTIFICATION CARDS (MED)

The Medicaid Identification Card also known as the Hoosier Health Card is the authorization by which the individual secures Medicaid benefits. The card is a permanent plastic ID card expected to be retained by the recipient during his/her lifetime. It contains the Recipient ID (RID) number, name, date of birth, and sex. The ID card does not denote a specific eligibility period.

The recipient must present the ID card to each Medicaid provider from whom he requests medical services, and the provider is responsible for verifying eligibility through the automated verification process. DFR is not responsible for verifying recipient eligibility periods for providers. Providers are responsible for either seeing the ID card or obtaining the RID from the recipient and verifying eligibility to file their claims for services. If there is a delay or problem in the generation of the ID card, DFR should provide the RID to the recipient or to providers who inquire.

3615.10.05 ISSUANCE OF MEDICAID CARDS (MED)

From the date a new recipient is first approved and authorized, it will take approximately two weeks for the recipient to receive the card. Generally, within four days of authorization, IQMA will reflect the generation of the card. It then takes an additional three days to produce the card and at least another three days for mailing. If, after four days from the date of authorization, IQMA does not show the card generation, the Policy Answer Line should be contacted. Individuals who are eligible for Medicaid under the spend-down provision will receive an ID card the same as non-spend-down recipients. However, their eligibility is determined on a month-by- month basis in accordance with Section 3615.15.05.

3615.10.05.05 ISSUANCE OF MEDICAID CARDS TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS (MED)

For a recipient who has no fixed address, specific arrangements must be made with him regarding the issuance of his Medicaid card. The card will be mailed to the address specified by the recipient, such as:

• The local DFR office • A friend or relative • Social service agency • Church • Shelter for the homeless.

3615.10.10 REPLACEMENT OF ID CARDS (MED)

A Medicaid ID Card which has been lost, stolen, or damaged can be replaced by accessing screen BIMD. However, a replacement cannot be requested if IQMA does not show that an original card has been generated. Before requesting a replacement, it is necessary to wait a full seven