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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED MEDICAID MANUAL

MA-200

DEFINITIONS

15 REISSUED 03/01/11 – CHANGE NO. 03-11 (III.) Deregistration --- The process by which an individual is removed from work registrant status.

Destitute Households ---- A migrant or seasonal farm worker household whose terminated income was received prior to the date of application and/or no more than $25 will be received from a new source by the 10th day of the month of application. (Applicable to Food Stamp program only.)

Determination of Eligibility --- The process of verifying eligibility factors for applicants/recipients to arrive at a decision on eligibility or ineligibility for programs based on the North Carolina Administrative Code, North Carolina General Statutes, and Federal Regulations.

Diagnosis Related Groupings --- Medicare and Medicaid reimburses general hospitals based on DRG's, a set fee based on the hospital's classification and the patient's diagnosis. The fee paid may be greater or less than the actual charge for the specific procedure provided. The hospital accepts the DRG fee as payment in full. The patient may not be billed if the fee paid is less than the actual charge. Conversely, the patient may not be credited for any excess if the DRG fee paid is greater than the actual charge. He will be responsible only for the Medicare Part A or Medicaid deductible.

Disability --- As defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a physical or mental impairment of such severity that it prevents the applicant from engaging in substantial gainful activity (or for a child under 18, an impairment of comparable severity) for at least a year or is expected to result in death. Note: substantial gainful activity is not a consideration for determining disability in HCWD cases.

Disability Determination Services --- The section of the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) that is responsible for making determination of disability for RSDI, SSI, and Medicaid.

Disabled Adult Child --- An individual who is blind or permanently and totally disabled who is unable to become self-supporting after age 18.

Disqualified Individual --- An individual removed from Food Stamps due to an Intentional Program Violation, or for failure or refusal to comply with all program requirements.

Disregard of Earned Income --- Exemption of a portion of earned income for applicants/recipients.

Disregard of Income --- The procedure for exempting certain portions of income when determining benefits.

Division of Medical Assistance --- A division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services responsible for the administration of the Medicaid program.

Division of Services for the Blind --- A division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing financial and medical assistance and services for the blind.