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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 102 – Non-Financial Requirements Page |78 Effective Month: July 2025 • A married minor living with a spouse can file an application as head of household, independent of parents; • A pregnant pre-teen or teen can file an application as a pregnant woman, independent of parents; • A minor parent can file an application for his/her children as head of household. However, a minor parent must have his own eligibility determined with his parents. 102.08.04 UTILZATION OF OTHER BENEFITS –GENERAL Prior to CMS Final Rule of 2024, as a condition of eligibility, an ABD or MAGI applicant or recipient was required to take all necessary steps to obtain all benefits to which they were entitled. Following the change in policy, beneficiaries cannot be required to utilize benefits other than Medicare, but applicants or beneficiaries may be counseled on available benefits, including the following types of benefits: Medicare - Medicare-entitled individuals are required to enroll in the program, but only if Medicaid will pay the premiums, deductibles and co-insurance for Medicare Parts A and B for persons in the COE under which the person is applying or is eligible. Refer to Section 102.13 for additional information regarding Medicare entitlement. Unemployment Benefits - Unemployment insurance provides income to those who have been laid off or are unemployed due to no fault of their own and are able to work and are available for work. Potential eligibles should be referred for these benefits. Worker’s Compensation Benefits - If a client alleges either injury on the job or has what may be a work-related impairment, refer for these benefits. Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance Benefits, Including Early Retirement at Age 62 - Any client who is not already receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits at time of application should be referred to apply for either retirement benefits, including early retirement, disability benefits if under age 65 or survivor’s benefits, if a widow(er) or disabled child of a deceased parent. Retirement or Disability Benefits Including Veterans’ Pensions and Compensation - Explore the possibility of entitlement to VA benefits if a client is a veteran, the child or