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BEM 105 3 of 8 MEDICAID OVERVIEW BPB 2024-001 1-1-2024

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

CHOICE OF CATEGORY Persons may qualify under more than one MA category. Federal law gives them the right to the most beneficial category. The most beneficial category is the one that results in eligibility, the least amount of excess income or the lowest cost share. Note: Persons may receive both Medicare Savings Program benefits (BEM 165) and coverage under another MA category; see Medicare Savings Program in this item. However, clients are not expected to know such things as: • Ineligibility for a cash grant does not mean MA coverage must end. • The LIF category is usually the most beneficial category for families because families who become ineligible for LIF may qualify for TMA or Special N/Support. • The most beneficial category may change when a client’s circumstances change. Therefore, you must consider all the MA category options in order for the client’s right of choice to be meaningful. Medicare Savings Program A person entitled to Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance, may be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program described in BEM 165. The person may be eligible for just a Medicare Savings Program or a Medicare Savings Program in addition to regular MA benefits. See BEM 165 about when to do an eligibility determination for Medicare Savings Programs. APPLICATION/ RENEWAL FORMS The DCH-1426, Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs, is used for all Medicaid categories. • The DHS-4574, Medicaid Application (Patient of Nursing Facility), is completed by LTC patients. This application is used to determine MA eligibility for the LTC patient only.