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application on their own, with the assistance of the HEC coordinator or an advocate. IM workers are not expected to assist with completing or submitting the form for the applicant. Once submitted, the HEC coordinator will make a final approval or disapproval decision within 10 business days. If the HEC application is approved, the HEC coordinator will send the member an approval letter and notify the IM agency. The HEC period can begin as of the first of the month: • The approved application was submitted • The application was approved • After a member's existing work activity ends • An applicant's MAPP begins The application is not approved, the member will be informed that they have not been approved and can contact the HEC coordinator with any questions. The right to file a fair hearing will be provided on their notice of decision for MAPP eligibility. Note Qualifying for HEC is contingent on the member having an approved disability determination. A HEC application for an individual with a pending disability determination will be processed after a disability decision has been made by DDB. If approved, retroactive HEC participation can begin the first of the month the approved HEC application was submitted. 26.3.5.2 Health and Employment Counseling Extension If the HEC period is ending prior to the member meeting their employment plan goals, the member can apply to extend their HEC period by three months. A HEC Extension Request form (F-00004A) will be sent to the member two months before their 9-month HEC period will end. To avoid any gaps in coverage, the participant should apply for an extension before the end of the seventh month of their HEC period. To be approved for an extension, the participant must request an extension before the last day of their HEC period. The HEC coordinator will make an approval or denial decision within 10 business days and the member will be mailed a decision letter. 26.3.5.3 Health and Employment Counseling Participation Changes HEC participation will end prior to a member’s 9-month or 12-month end date when: • MAPP eligibility is terminated for a reason other than not meeting the work requirement. • Employment or work activity is reported to the HEC coordinator and IM agency. To notify the HEC coordinator of employment, the member needs to complete and submit the HEC Employment Report form (F-00004B). When a member enrolled in HEC notifies the IM agency that they are now employed, verification will be needed and eligibility will be redetermined. If a member’s HEC participation ends as scheduled and they are not meeting the work requirement in another way, their MAPP eligibility will be terminated with an adverse action notice. Note An 18-year-old MAPP member who does not qualify for any other full-benefit health care category cannot lose MAPP during their continuous coverage period even if they are determined no longer meeting the work requirement (see SECTION 1.2 CONTINUOUS COVERAGE FOR QUALIFYING CHILDREN). 26.3.6 Health Insurance Premium Payment See SECTION 9.4 HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM PAYMENT for information about HIPP and cooperation requirements.