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BAM 115 18 of 36 APPLICATION PROCESSING BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Asking if they are behind in their bills. For example, ask if they have a shutoff notice, eviction, foreclosure, defaulted on a medical bill, someone else is paying their expenses, etc. If they are not current on their bills or someone else is paying their bills, a front-end eligibility (FEE) referral may not be needed based on the specialist's discussion with the client. • If after the expenses vs. income calculation is completed and the client’s situation is still questionable, open the case and refer to FEE. • Document the entire interview. An interview guide is available in Bridges as a source for documentation (for MDHHS-1171 and MI Bridges applications). Request needed verification not brought to the interview. • Advise the client of the SOP for processing. • Make services referrals if needed. • Confirm if the client needs a Mihealth card and/or Bridge card. • Advise cash and/or FAP individuals how and when they receive benefits. Note: For FAP, the client or AR (interviewed on the client's behalf) must be offered a copy of their completed application. The copy must have the Social Security numbers listed for anyone and/or any mention of domestic violence, redacted. FAP and CDC An interview is required before denying assistance even if it is clear from the application or other sources that the group is ineligible. Note: For CDC do not deny the application if the client has not participated in the scheduled initial interview until the 10th day after the scheduled interview, in order to provide time for the client to reschedule. If the client reschedules the interview and again fails to participate, CDC may be denied. FAP Only Do not deny the application if the client has not participated in a scheduled initial interview until the 30th day after the application