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for Medicaid. Three years later she applies for Medicaid again and a deductible is calculated for her. She now pays the $300 bill. She cannot use it to meet her current deductible because she already used it to meet the prior deductible. 24.7.3 Prepaying a Deductible Anyone can prepay a deductible for himself/herself or for someone else. It can be paid in installments or all at once. A prepaid deductible may be refunded if the member requests a refund of the prepayment prior to the begin date of the corresponding deductible period. Prepayments are submitted to the local agency. If the member is 55 or older, prepayment checks or money orders should be made payable to: "The Department of Health Services.” The following should be included with the payment: • Documentation that the payment is voluntary • The member’s name, and Medicaid ID number The IM agency forwards the payment to: ForwardHealth Estate Recovery/Casualty Collections 313 Blettner Blvd Madison WI 53714-2405 If the member is under 55, the member would make the payment payable to their IM Agency. The receipt is reported on the Community Aids Reporting System (CARS) as a Medical Refund. 24.7.3.1 Payment of Entire Deductible Amount If the entire deductible amount is paid at any point during the deductible period, eligibility begins on the first date of the deductible period. Example 17 Laura’s deductible period is from March 1st through August 31st. The total deductible amount is $1,000. Laura submits payment of $1,000 on August 15th. Laura’s Medicaid eligibility begins on March 1st. 24.7.3.2 Combination of Payment and Incurred Expenses If the deductible is met through a combination of payment and incurred medical expenses, the incurred medical expenses are counted first. Eligibility, by paying the remaining deductible amount, can begin no earlier than the last date of incurred medical expense within the deductible period. Example 18 Chad’s deductible period is from March 1st through August 31st. The total Medicaid deductible amount is $1,800. Chad submits a medical bill with a March 8th date of service for $800. On July 15th, he submits payment of $1,000. Chad’s Medicaid eligibility begins March 8th. 24.7.3.3 Combination of Payment and Outstanding Expenses If the deductible is met through a combination of payment and outstanding medical expenses (incurred prior to the beginning of the deductible period), eligibility begins on the first date of the deductible period.