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This page last updated in Release Number: 25-04 Release Date: 12/10/2025 Effective Date: 12/10/2025 9.5 Documentation Documentation includes storing received information in the case record. Documentation also includes adding case comments. For collateral contact or any other information that cannot be stored in the case record, case comments must describe the nature and source of information if follow up is needed. Documentation must explain current eligibility, ineligibility, benefit level, and coverage group changes. All documentation must be in sufficient detail to permit a reviewer to determine the reasonableness and accuracy of the determination. This page last updated in Release Number: 26-02 Release Date: 04/15/2026 Effective Date: 04/15/2026 9.6 Collateral Contacts Collateral contacts consist of oral confirmations of circumstances by persons other than members of the health care assistance group. A collateral contact may be made either in person or over the telephone. 9.6.1 Third-Party Cooperation Wisconsin Stats. 49.78(11) allows DHS, consortia, county, and tribal IM agencies to request third-party cooperation from any person in Wisconsin in the verification of data. Third parties are obligated in the law to provide information within seven days of the request. No compensation to the third party is required, and the lack of compensation is not a valid reason for the third party to refuse to cooperate. The law also provides protections to third parties for providing any information requested by IM agencies otherwise allowed by law. Note Failure of a third party to provide may not result in any loss or denial of eligibility for a member or applicant. This page last updated in Release Number: 22-01 Release Date: 04/04/2022 Effective Date: 04/04/2022 9.7 Release of Information Someone’s written release to get information from a verification source is needed only when the source requires it. When a source requires a written release: 1. The requirement must be explained to the member. 2. The individual, their spouse, or another appropriate adult in the household must sign the necessary release form(s). The forms that may be used are CARES-generated or alternate pre- printed application forms. Benefits should be denied, discontinued or reduced only when: 1. The missing verification is necessary to determine eligibility, and 2. The individual is unwilling or unable to provide the verification directly, and