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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 | 28 Effective Month: September 2023 willing to secure Power of Attorney. The most recently appointed Power of Attorney with the right to make healthcare decisions for the applicant will be the one with the authority to act for the applicant. • If any of the above situations does not address or remedy a situation where an applicant/recipient is incapable or unable to provide needed information and there is either no representative or there is an irresponsible representative who is not acting in the applicant’s best interest, the Specialist must discuss the situation with their supervisor who should seek assistance from their central office contact. 101.04 FILING THE APPLICATION Individuals inquiring about program eligibility requirements should be informed of their opportunity to apply and informed about the various means of applying. If a hardcopy application is requested, the regional office must provide an application to the individual or mail it, as applicable. If another person or agency refers the name of an individual in need of medical assistance to the regional office, the individual will be contacted, if possible, and the various means of applying explained. Otherwise, an application will be mailed if an address is available. 101.04.01 RIGHT TO APPLY Individuals wishing to file an application must be afforded the opportunity to do so without delay. When an individual inquires about making an application at any regional office, an application form must be provided, and the person offered the opportunity to file that day. The agency must allow an individual or individuals of an applicant’s choice to accompany and assist an applicant or recipient in the application or redetermination process; however, to officially represent the applicant or recipient, an individual must become an authorized, self-designated or legal representative. Refer to 101.03.04 for a discussion of authorized representatives and individuals or organizations needing access to case information, in which case the HIPAA release form may be more appropriate.