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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 102 – Non-Financial Requirements Page |80 Effective Month: July 2025 The Regional Office has the following responsibilities: • Determining the likelihood of possible eligibility for the benefit; • Referring the client to the proper agency; and • Assisting the individual, as requested, to file for the benefit and follow through to an eligibility determination should new benefits be received after utilization. Determination of Potential Eligibility The Regional Office may become aware of potential eligibility for other benefits from: • Responses to questions on the application; • Interview discussion; • Inquiries from other agencies; • Staff knowledge of government and private pension plans and disability programs. If staff determines an application for other benefits would not be beneficial, i.e., proof exists of a prior denial and there has been no change in circumstances, the individual should not be referred. The case record should be documented if an applicant or beneficiary plans to apply for other benefits that may affect eligibility. Other Issues • A client may be eligible for more than one type of benefit. All potential sources of benefits should be identified. • When a client has a choice regarding payment as a lump sum or an annuity, document the choice selected. General information on how lump sum payment affects eligibility as compared to ongoing annuity or income payments should be offered. • Recommend conversion of lump-sum applications in appropriate situations to focus on maximizing the use of the other benefits to provide ongoing support. Receipt of the COLA adjustment lump sum by PERS retirees should be noted, with explanation made regarding the effect on eligibility of averaging the COLA into monthly payments.