TP 08

Parents and caretaker relatives are mandatory participants. They must cooperate to get medical support for a child receiving Medicaid unless good cause exists. They may refuse help in getting child support, but not medical support. If the applicant refuses help getting child support, the OAG will not attempt to establish or enforce child support unless the applicant has a previous TANF case with arrears that must be paid back to the state. Staff must explain to applicants, if an interview is conducted, that when the OAG pursues medical support, Texas courts also pursue a child support order. If the applicant chooses medical support only, the OAG will not attempt to enforce the child support orders.

Note: Staff must request information on parents living outside of the home as this information is not requested for Medical Programs on the application. If an interview is not conducted, staff must request this mandatory information using Form H1020, Request for Information or Action , and send the household Form H1712, Explanation of Child, Medical Support, Family Violence and Good Cause and Form H1713, Service Plan for Family Violence Option and Report of Good Cause .