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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 101 – Coverage Groups and Processing Applications and Reviews Page |327 Effective Month: December 2016 MAKING AN ELIGIBILITY DECISION (Continued) When there is conflicting information, the reliability of each source of information must be evaluated and the case record should specify which source was accepted and why. The final determination of eligibility is made based on the most reliable source available. 101.08.02 USE OF COLLATERAL CONTACTS If needed verification is not available from an electronic data source, the applicant is generally the source used to supply needed verification. However, at times information may also be obtained directly from third parties.

The specialist has permission to obtain needed verifications based on the signed and dated application form. When it is necessary to request information from banks, insurance companies, or other sources that do not disclose information without a signed release, the DOM-301, Authorization to Release Information, should be used or a copy of signature page of the ABD application form that contains the Release of Information authorization by the applicant. Public records or records available from other agencies may be consulted without the consent of the individual.

Applicants should not be asked to verify information from sources which the agency has access to. This includes electronic data sources and other federal or state benefit information that is available to the agency.