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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 100 – General Provisions P a g e | 23 Effective Month: March 2019 Expedited Hearing and Hearing Decision Expedited local hearings that are granted are held in the usual manner, in-person or by telephone. Granting an expedited hearing means the hearing is scheduled, conducted and a decision rendered expeditiously. It does not mean that any policy or procedures associated with the eligibility process are disregarded. All factors of eligibility must be met, and all required verifications received as with all eligibility decisions. Individuals granted an expedited local hearing must be issued a hearing decision no later than seven (7) working days from the date the initial request for an expedited hearing request was received. Any delays in meeting the 7-day timeframe must be due to failure on the part of the client to take a required action or an administrative or other emergency beyond the agency’s control. All delays in reaching an expedited decision must be documented in the case record. The expedited appeal decision is treated the same as standard local level hearing decisions as outlined in 100.04.06, Issuing the Local Hearing Decision. The individual has the right to request a state level appeal and has the right to request an expedited appeal. DOM-352, Request for a State Hearing, allows an individual to request a state hearing either after a local hearing or to request only a state hearing and includes the option for an expedited state hearing. 100.04.03 CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS If a recipient or his representative requests a hearing within the advance notice period, benefits must be continued or reinstated to the benefit level in effect prior to the planned adverse action for both Medicaid and CHIP. Benefits will continue at the original or former level until a final hearing decision is rendered. As stated, if continuation of benefits is applicable, an expedited hearing request will not be granted. NOTE: The override function in MEDS may be used to reinstate QMB benefits for prior months pending the outcome of a hearing.