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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 101 – Coverage Groups and Processing Applications and Reviews P a g e | 26 Effective Month: September 2023 • Blind applicants by reading forms in their entirety, assist in completion of the forms, explain various program requirements and services offered through the agency and answer any questions the applicant may ask. • Deaf applicants by securing a person proficient in sign language when needed or communicate in writing to relate an explanation of program requirements and services offered through the agency and to answer questions. • Individuals who cannot read and/or write by reading forms in their entirety, assist in completion of the forms, explain various program requirements and services offered through the agency and answer any questions the applicant may ask.

101.03.07 REASONABLE EFFORTS TO ASSIST The Regional and Central Office of DOM is expected to: • Provide orderly surroundings to persons who come to the office; • Provide courteous service to all persons who come to or contact the office; • Provide the appropriate application form to anyone who requests one; • Allow any individual the right to apply for any benefits, regardless of circumstances. This includes allowing a clearly ineligible individual to apply; • Communicate in a clear and courteous manner information regarding programs and services offered through DOM; • Determine as soon as possible if the person asking for help is seeking a type of assistance which the agency offers. If the individual is not requesting a type of assistance offered by the regional office, he should be referred to another community agency or resource to meet his needs, if one is available.

In addition, it is required that Medicaid Specialists make reasonable efforts to assist all applicants to have the applicant’s eligibility determined and/or re- determined. Assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following: • Help with forms completion; • Help with securing a representative, if needed;