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a. The applicant or member requests additional time to provide the requested verification. b. The verification submitted by the applicant or member is incomplete or unreadable. Note When it is later determined a verification request was incorrect or incomplete, or when it is determined a verification request was not sent due to error, the applicant or member must be given a minimum of 20 calendar days to provide the verification. The applicant or member has primary responsibility for providing verification and resolving questionable information. However, the IM worker must use all available data exchanges to verify information rather than requiring the applicant to provide it, unless the information from the data source is not reasonably compatible with what the applicant or member has reported (see SECTION 20.3.8.1 REASONABLE COMPATIBILITY FOR INCOME FOR HEALTH CARE and SECTION 20.3.5.2 REASONABLE COMPATIBILITY FOR ASSETS). IM agencies must assist the applicant or member in obtaining verification if they request help or have difficulty in obtaining it. The best information available is used to process the application or change within the time limit when both of the following conditions exist: 1. The applicant or member does not have the power to produce verification. 2. Information is not obtainable timely even with the IM worker's assistance. Applicants meeting the health care program eligibility criteria based on best available information are eligible for benefits. Even after the application or change is processed using best available information, the IM agency is required to continue in their attempts to obtain verification. When the verification is received, benefits are redetermined based on the new information. This page last updated in Release Number: 26-03 Release Date: 08/12/2026 Effective Date: 08/12/2026 20.2 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. 20.2.1 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 information 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