Fiscal Year 2006: DHR Documents by Control Number
Control #: 06-01
Subject: Income Excluded By Federal Law – Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Issue Date: 7/7/2005
Effective Date: 7/7/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Maryland Children’s Health Program, Refugee Cash Assistance and Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0601.pdf
Public Law 100-707 authorizes the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to pay Disaster Unemployment Assistance to any one who is unemployed because of a major disaster. A person cannot receive any other unemployment benefit and also receive disaster unemployment benefits. The disaster unemployment payments are limited to 26 weeks. This is excluded income for food stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Maryland Children’s Health Program, Refugee Cash Assistance and Purchase of Care.
Control #: 06-02
Subject: X01 Changes Effective July 1, 2005
Issue Date: 7/1/2005
Effective Date: 7/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance Program – X01 Coverage Group for State-Only Aliens – Children and Pregnant Women
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0602.pdf
Effective July 1, 2005, funding is removed from the State’s budget for the State-only Medical Assistance (MA) coverage group X01. This coverage group was only for aliens who qualify technically and financially for MA or the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP), except that they are qualified aliens subject to the 5-year bar who have not lived in the United States for at least 5 years as a qualified alien. This coverage group provided State-only MA benefits to children and pregnant women. For applications received on or after July 1, 2005, eligibility may not be determined in the Medical Assistance coverage group of X01. For applications received before July 1, 2005, children’s X01 eligibility ends on June 30, 2005, but pregnant women may remain eligible until the end of their postpartum period.
Control #: 06-03
Subject: Questions and Answers from The Work Participation Conference
Issue Date: 7/22/2005
Effective Date: 7/22/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0603.pdf
After the Universal Engagement/Work Participation conference in December 2004, attendees submitted questions to the conference committee. Attached are the questions written as submitted at the conference and the answers listed by category provided by the person or people best qualified to answer them. Answers provided by local department staff are written as the provider intended. An agenda of the conference is attached.
Control #: 06-03 Attachment
Subject: Questions and Answers from the Work Participation Conference
Issue Date: 7/22/2005
Effective Date: 7/22/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0603attach.pdf
Average Number of Applications by Program
Control #: 06-03 Attachment 2
Subject: Questions and Answers from the Work Participation Conference
Issue Date: 7/22/2005
Effective Date: 7/22/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0603attach2.pdf
Net income of temporary cash assistance recipients compared with persons working at various wage levels.
Control #: 06-04
Subject: Exception to Counting Income in the Month Received
Issue Date: 7/27/2005
Effective Date: 7/27/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance/Maryland Children’s Health Program, Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0604.pdf
We recently received Food and Nutrition Service guidance reminding states about how to treat recurring monthly or semimonthly income when the pay date is varied because of a weekend or holiday. Although this is not a change in policy, we want to make sure that everyone is applying the policy consistently. For program consistency, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Medical Assistance (MA)/Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) and Purchase of Care (POC) will follow the same policy when considering income in this situation.
Control #: 06-05
Subject: Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents – 36-Month Period
Issue Date: 8/11/2005
Effective Date: 11/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0605.pdf
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS), between the age of 18-47 are ineligible for food stamps unless they meet special work requirements. These individuals can receive food stamp benefits for only three months (consecutive or otherwise) in a 36 month period unless they meet specific work requirements.
The 36-month period is fixed for the entire caseload. The current 36-month period for all cases began November 1, 2002 and ends October 31, 2005. A new 36-month period begins November 1, 2005 and will end October 31, 2008.
Control #: 06-06
Subject: Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program
Issue Date: 8/12/2005
Effective Date: 7/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0606.pdf
Effective January 1, 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide prescription drug benefits under the Medicare program for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B. The new program is known as Medicare Part D. Medicare recipients who now receive pharmacy benefits through Maryland’s Medical Assistance or Pharmacy programs will obtain this benefit through a Medicare approved private prescription drug plan (PDP).
Control #: 06-07
Subject: Application for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Issue Date: 8/22/2005
Effective Date: 8/22/2005
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0607.pdf
On July 1, 2005 the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (MD OHEP) began its new program year. Eligible families across Maryland may now apply for energy related programs and services.
MEAP provides heating assistance grants to fuel suppliers and utility companies on behalf of eligible applicants. EUSP provides assistance with electric bills. The EUSP, in some instances, will also assist a household in paying some past due electric bills. In certain instances both MEAP and EUSP can assist customers in weatherizing their home (e.g., insulation, furnace repair, window replacement, etc.). Weatherization of homes is now completed via an inter-agency agreement with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Control #: 06-08
Subject: Confidentiality of Records
Issue Date: 8/29/2005
Effective Date: 8/29/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0608.pdf
Recently a local department was contacted by a collection agency requesting information on the status of medical assistance applications filed by customers that received services at hospitals for which the agency provides collection services. Information Memo 04-09 dated October 1, 2003, discusses disclosure of information provided by individuals or families that have applied for federal, state or local assistance programs. Information provided by individuals is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and under the Food Stamp Act of 1977. In addition, the Maryland Annotated Code Article 88A, §6 and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) provide protection against disclosing information except in specific instances.
Control #: 06-09
Subject: Eligibility for Convicted Drug Felons
Issue Date: 8/29/2005
Effective Date: 10/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0609.pdf
In 2000 State legislation made custodial parents who have been convicted of a felony involving the possession, use or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance which was committed after August 22, 1996 eligible for food stamps and TCA under certain conditions. The legislation also set forth requirements for substance abuse testing and treatment for custodial parents applying for TCA or food stamps. The legislation also required sanctions, drug testing and treatment for a custodial parent convicted after July 1, 2000 of a felony that has an element of manufacturing, distribution or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, while receiving TCA or food stamps.
Control #: 06-10
Subject: Food Stamp and Temporary Cash Assistance Mass Changes - October 2005
Issue Date: 9/13/2005
Effective Date: 10/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0610.pdf
Each August, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes the updated Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the maximum food stamp allotments. The USDA also publishes the new income standards for the year. The income standards, the maximum food stamp allotments, standard deductions and excess shelter deduction have increased. The homeless shelter deduction did not change.
TCA grants will also increase effective October 1, 2005. The attached tables show the increases for Food Stamps and TCA . The attached Food Stamps manual pages also contain the updates for October 1st. CARES automatically generates all customer notices for increases and decreases at the time of the mass change. The mass modification should take place some time after Labor Day.
Control #: 06-11
Subject: National Refugee Policy – Hurricane Katrina
Issue Date: 9/2/2005
Effective Date: 9/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps, Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0611.pdf
The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) sent us guidance for providing food stamps to refugees (evacuees) from areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. These areas include counties in the Gulf Coast region in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Normally, when we talk about refugees, we are referring to immigrants to the United States, who have fled problems in other parts of the world. However, the unprecedented damage from Hurricane Katrina has made it necessary for people to be evacuated from the three hardest hit states. These people are not just residents of emergency shelters; they are truly refugees.
Control #: 06-12
Subject: Expanded Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Policy and Updated Contact Telephone Numbers
Issue Date: 9/6/2005
Effective Date: 9/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamp Programs (MA and MCHP for Telephone Numbers Only – No Change to Policy)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0612.pdf
This action transmittal expands the policy provided in 06-11, issued September 2, 2005. It does not replace it. For the evacuees who come to Maryland for help, our main concern is getting them food, shelter and medical care. To this end, we all must do as much as possible to provide necessary assistance.
The Food and Nutrition Service issued expanded criteria to enable states to better serve people who have evacuated Hurricane Katrina disaster areas and are applying for food stamp benefits in Maryland. Applications may be accepted under these policies through October 15, 2005.
FNS has also provided additional ways to contact Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Until further notice and except as noted under Action Required, please follow FS guidelines for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) evacuees.
Control #: 06-13
Subject: Louisiana Child Support Information for Katrina Evacuees
Issue Date: 9/7/2005
Effective Date: 9/7/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Child Support
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0613.pdf
DHR received the following information from Robbie Endris, Executive Director, Louisiana Support Enforcement Services, yesterday afternoon:
Changes on Louisiana Child Support cases can be reported in the following ways:
Calling our Customer Service Center 1-800-256-4650 or 1-225-922-8100
Sending an e-mail to our Customer Service Center lacsc@dss.state.la.us
Or sending a fax to our State Office 225/342-4397
Control #: 06-14
Subject: Students
Issue Date: 9/22/2005
Effective Date: 9/22/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0614.pdf
Periodically the Food and Nutrition Service Mid-Atlantic Regional Office sends the questions they receive from states in the region and the answers. Following are questions and answers about eligibility for students living in dormitories.
Control #: 06-15
Subject: Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Comprehensive Guidance
Issue Date: 9/15/2005
Effective Date: 9/15/2005
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamp, Purchase of Care, Medical Assistance and MCHP Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0615.pdf
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families has issued guidance on TANF requirements for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also issued guidance. The Food and Nutrition Service issued updated Food Stamp Program guidance on September 9. In addition, several local departments have requested a way to identify on CARES the state from which the evacuee came.
This transmittal issues comprehensive procedures for Hurricane Katrina evacuees based on the new federal guidelines and contact numbers, and makes obsolete Action Transmittals 06-11 and 06-12 and Information Memo 06-13.
Control #: 06-16
Subject: Action Transmittals and Information Memos Issued In 2003, 2004 And 2005
Issue Date: 10/11/2005
Effective Date: 10/11/2005
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0616.pdf
In the past, the Office of Programs issued a yearly listing of all action transmittals and information memos issued in the prior State fiscal year (SFY). We issued the last list for SFY 2002. We stopped providing the yearly list because we now put all action transmittals and information memos on the DHR FIPNet. The FIPNet lists all the transmittals numerically along with the title. The FIPNet action transmittal list also has a search feature.
Although most case managers have access to the FIPNet, we have heard that it is not readily available to some. To help local departments who do not have access to the FIPNet to find policy information, we have prepared the attached listing of the action transmittals and information memos. The list includes policy information issued during State fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005 and includes the number, the originating office, the title, and the programs affected.
Control #: 06-17
Subject: Purchase of Child Care Wait List Reopen For Subsidy Levels E-J
Issue Date: 9/29/2005
Effective Date: 11/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0617.pdf
Part of the Purchase of Child Care waiting list opened on July 1, 2005 due to available funds in the FY 2006 budget. Service may now be provided to waiting list customers and new applicants in the remaining subsidy levels.
Control #: 06-18
Subject: State Review Team Appeals and Medical Assistance and TDAP Redeterminations
Issue Date: 10/21/2005
Effective Date: 10/21/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA) and Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP) Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0618.pdf
This information memo clarifies the role of the State Review Team (SRT) in assisting the local departments of social services in the appeals process and serves as a reminder of the MA and TDAP policy for redetermining eligibility.
Control #: 06-18 Revision
Subject: State Review Team Appeals and Medical Assistance and TDAP Redeterminations
Issue Date: 12/21/2005
Effective Date: 12/21/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (Ma) and Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP) Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0618revision.pdf
This information memo clarifies the role of the State Review Team (SRT) in assisting the local departments of social services in the appeals process and serves as a reminder of the MA and TDAP policy for redetermining eligibility. This revised information memo adds information about requesting a postponement of the hearing when the customer who is appealing provides new medical evidence.
Control #: 06-19
Subject: Emergency Assistance for Katrina Evacuees Stranded Away From Home
Issue Date: 11/1/2005
Effective Date: 11/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC), Adult Services Flex Funds
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0619.pdf
The Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) is financial assistance available to families with children in need as a result of a defined emergency. One of the defined emergencies that may be specified in local EAFC plans is when a family is stranded away from their home. Through this action transmittal we are specifying stranded away from home as an emergency that is covered by EAFC for Katrina evacuees.
The state of Maryland has hosted families who were evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. Now that many cities in the gulf region have reopened and residents are returning their homes, evacuees from the Gulf Coast States may want to return home, even though they may not have a specific residence to return to.
Control #: 06-20
Subject: Revisions to Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Medical Assistance/Maryland Children’s Health Program Procedures
Issue Date: 10/26/2005
Effective Date: 11/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance and MCHP Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0620.pdf
This action transmittal expands the policy provided in 06-15, issued September 15, 2005. It does not replace it. For the evacuees who come to Maryland for help, our main goal continues to be assisting them with food, shelter and medical care.
Control #: 06-21
Subject: Budgeting Drug Expenses under the New Medicare Drug Program
Issue Date: 11/11/2005
Effective Date: 1/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0621.pdf
Since the middle of 2004, many Food Stamp customers who also receive Medicare have participated in Medicare’s Drug Discount Card Program. Medicare will start phasing out its Drug Discount Card on January 1, 2006.
In place of the Medicare Drug Discount Card will be a new program, called the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, or Part D. Part D differs significantly from the Medicare Drug Discount Card Program. You can find more information about the new program and how it affects Medicare recipients with low incomes at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/lir.asp.
Control #: 06-22
Subject: Increase in Utility Allowances and Decrease in Telephone Allowance
Issue Date: 11/30/2005
Effective Date: 1/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0622.pdf
Every year we review the utility and telephone allowances to determine if they should increase, decrease or stay the same. Based on the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Baltimore/ Washington area, the standard and limited utility allowances will increase. A recent survey of telephone service providers indicates that phone rates have gone down again this year. The telephone allowance will decrease.
Control #: 06-23
Subject: Authorization for Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance (DHR FIA Form 340)
Issue Date: 12/6/2005
Effective Date: 12/6/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0623.pdf
This Action Transmittal provides new information and instructions for processing an Authorization for Reimbursement of Interim Assistance form (DHR/FIA 340). It obsoletes AT 02-78. It changes the requirement for the Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP) to provide any information on the DHR/FIA 340 form. The Local Departments of Social Services will provide all information on the DHR/FIA 340 form. It also changes the requirement to complete a new DHR/FIA 340 form at each redetermination. The DHR/FIA 340 form remains in effect until one of the following occur:
1. The Social Security Administration makes the first payment of retroactive SSI benefits on the customer’s claim; or
2. The Social Security Administration makes the first posteligibility payment of retroactive SSI benefits following the suspension or termination of the customer’s benefits; or
3. The Social Security Administration makes a final determination on the claim and no timely request for review is filed; or
4. The State and the customer agree to terminate the authorization.
Control #: 06-24
Subject: Change of Address Notification
Issue Date: 12/12/2005
Effective Date: 12/12/2005
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0624.pdf
Whenever mail generated out of CARES is sent to a customer who has moved, and the customer has changed his/her address with the post office, a Form 3547 is sent to DHR’s Central Distribution Center (CDC [mailroom]). This form is informational only in its purpose. The Form 3547 is subsequently sent to the district office that serves the customer.
Control #: 06-25
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-Of-Living Increase and Related Increases
Issue Date: 12/16/2005
Effective Date: 1/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0625.pdf
Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for cash assistance, food stamps and Medical Assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.
Control #: 06-26
Subject: Changes to QMB/SLMB Mail-in application
Issue Date: 1/4/2006
Effective Date: 1/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0626.pdf
Effective January 1, 2006, customers applying for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary or Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary medical assistance programs are no longer eligible for pharmacy assistance through the Maryland Pharmacy or Medical Assistance programs. Medicare recipients applying for these programs will obtain this benefit through a Medicare approved private prescription drug plan (PDP).
Control #: 06-27
Subject: Supervisory Review System (SRS)
Issue Date: 1/25/2005
Effective Date: 1/25/2005
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0627.pdf
To ensure consistency throughout the state for case review procedures and reporting statistical results the automated Supervisory Review System (SRS) was implemented on July 1, 2002 in all local departments of social services. The primary purpose of SRS is to ensure program accuracy by assessing case manager's adherence to laws and regulations through the identification and correction of errors. Additionally, the system provides an effective management tool for evaluation, performance appraisals, and determining training needs.
Control #: 06-27 Attachment
Subject: Attachment to SRS
Issue Date: 1/25/2005
Effective Date: 1/25/2005
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0627attach.pdf
Attachment to SRS
Control #: 06-28
Subject: Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program
Issue Date: 2/24/2006
Effective Date: 2/24/2006
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0628.pdf
The Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program (NPEP) is a departmental initiative involving the collaborative efforts of the Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA), the Family Investment Administration (FIA), the Community Services Administration (CSA), the Office of Technology for Human Services (OTHS) and the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW). The purpose of this initiative is to operate a program in each local jurisdiction that provides employment services to non-custodial parents who are unable to meet their child support obligation. Employment services and related job readiness training will be provided using the same resources available to custodial parents as part of the Welfare to Work program.
Control #: 06-29
Subject: Deduction Language on the Application and Reported Changes
Issue Date: 2/28/2006
Effective Date: 2/28/2006
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0629.pdf
On March 25, 1999, Action Transmittal 99-39 - New Language on the System Generated Eligibility Determination Document (EDD) was issued. This action transmittal described the statement on the EDD that says, “Failure to report or verify dependent care expenses, shelter costs, medical expenses or child support payments will be seen as a statement by your household that you do not want to receive a deduction for the unreported or unverified expense.” According to this action transmittal case managers were directed to certify a household without the deduction if the household reported a deduction but did not provide required verification.
Control #: 06-30
Subject: Standardization of Medical Assistance, Long-Term Care Procedures for Jurisdiction, Less than 30 Day Stay, and Medicare Days
Issue Date: 3/3/2006
Effective Date: 3/3/2006
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance Long Term Care (MA-LTC) for Adults
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0630.pdf
The Budget and Taxation and Appropriations Committees filed a joint report in November 2000, which required the Departments of Human Resources (DHR) and Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to establish a workgroup with representatives of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) and Mid-Atlantic LifeSpan. The workgroup’s main goal was to focus on ways to resolve communications issues between the agencies that provide customer service and develop procedures to expedite Medicaid eligibility determinations for Nursing Home residents
Control #: 06-31
Subject: Family Investment Administration and the Social Security Administration Liaison Listing
Issue Date: 3/3/2006
Effective Date: 3/3/2006
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0631.pdf
The Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have a long-standing working relationship that benefits the individuals we mutually assist. Many of our clientele access services simultaneously in both agencies. In order for our agencies to provide high quality services to our mutual clientele it is important that we have open lines of communication with each other. It is also important that our staff have a basic understanding of the programs each of us offer to those in need. To meet these challenges, we have compiled a list of managers for local Social Services (DSS) offices and parallel Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices.
Control #: 06-32
Subject: Changes in Substance Abuse Treatment and Services (SATS) Program
Issue Date: 3/23/2006
Effective Date: 3/23/2006
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0632.pdf
This action transmittal changes existing signature requirements for customers subject to Substance Abuse Treatment and Services (SATS) screening and drug testing provisions, and procedures for processing non-compliant individuals being added to TCA Assistance Units. Also included are the revised guidelines for the distribution of the SATS forms. Changes to the 1176, 1177 and the 1178 substance abuse forms (Attachments I-III) reflect the policy revision. Updates to the TCA Manual, Food Stamp Manual and the TCA Work Book will be posted on the FIPNet. Please note, when citing COMAR, that the TCA manual section governing substance abuse treatment and services provisions has changed to 07.03.03.09.
Control #: 06-32 Attachment 1
Subject: Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Information
Issue Date: 3/23/2006
Effective Date: 3/23/2006
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0632attach.pdf
Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Information
Control #: 06-32 Attachment 2
Subject: Substance Abuse Screening Referral Form
Issue Date: 3/23/2006
Effective Date: 3/23/2006
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0632attach2.pdf
Substance Abuse Screening Referral Form
Control #: 06-32 Attachment 3
Subject: Substance Abuse Identification and Treatment Notification
Issue Date: 3/23/2006
Effective Date: 3/23/2006
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0632attach3.pdf
Substance Abuse Identification and Treatment Notification
Control #: 06-33
Subject: Updated Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide
Issue Date: 3/23/2006
Effective Date: 3/23/2006
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0633.pdf
Attached is an updated Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide that local departments may use to inform food stamp applicants and recipients about their reporting requirements. The guide reflects the increase in the 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines income limit for simplified reporters.
Control #: 06-34
Subject: Increase in Maryland's Minimum Wage
Issue Date: 4/5/2006
Effective Date: 2/16/2006
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0634.pdf
The minimum wage in Maryland increased to $6.15 effective February 16, 2006. Treat this change as any other change in a customer’s situation. The change in the minimum wage also affects compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements for work programs. Updates to the TCA Manual and the WORK BOOK are being completed to reflect the minimum wage changes.
Control #: 06-35
Subject: DEAP Referral Process
Issue Date: 3/30/2006
Effective Date: 4/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0635.pdf
On November 2, 2005 the Board of Public Works approved a new contract for the Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP). Provisions of the new contract provide for DEAP Outreach Services. The contract requires DEAP Client Advocates to be on site in all Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) to assist customers referred to DEAP with the Social Security Administration benefits application process. The DEAP Outreach Service changes the LDSS referral process of customers to DEAP.
Control #: 06-35 Attachment
Subject: DEAP Referral and Notification Form
Issue Date: 3/30/2006
Effective Date: 4/1/2006
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0635attach.pdf
DEAP Referral and Notification Form
Control #: 06-36
Subject: Waiver Case Redeterminations
Issue Date: 4/14/2006
Effective Date: 1/8/2005
Program(s) Affected: MA Waiver
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0636.pdf
The printed copy of Information Memo #05-21 has the incorrect implementation date of January 8, 2004. This policy was implemented January 8, 2005. The text of IM #05-21 remains unchanged and is repeated below.
Recently DHR became aware of an issue concerning redeterminations for Home and Community Based Waiver cases (H-track) with associated cases. Not all local departments are forwarding the redetermination information packets (9702) for these waiver cases to the Division of Eligibility Waiver Services in a timely manner. The Waiver Division is responsible for all eligibility, interim change and maintenance decisions for all H-track Waiver AUs. If a waiver recipient in the H-track has an active associated AU at the LDSS (i.e. Food Stamps, TCA, FAC MA, etc.) or LHD (i.e. MCHP) the following instructions will ensure that H-track AU’s are redetermined timely. This process is necessary to make sure that the MA waiver case is properly evaluated using manual processing, as all eligibility for waiver recipients is completed off line. CARES is the mechanism used once eligibility has been determined to deliver the Waiver Medical Assistance benefits.
Control #: 06-37
Subject: Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) Reviews
Issue Date: 4/21/2006
Effective Date: 4/21/2006
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0637.pdf
The purpose of a Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) is to meet a family’s immediate and compelling need and prevent them from going on welfare (TCA) or to assist a family in getting off welfare. It is a short-term, non-recurrent, cash payment. A WAG should help a family gain or maintain independence from TCA.
Control #: 06-38
Subject: Flood Insurance Payments
Issue Date: 5/19/2006
Effective Date: 5/19/2006
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0638.pdf
This action transmittal provides policy about a recent amendment to the federal National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The Act was amended to state that payments made under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are not counted as income or resources of the owner of the property when determining eligibility for any federal means-tested program.
Control #: 06-39
Subject: POC Transition
Issue Date: 6/1/2006
Effective Date: 6/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0639.pdf
The Office of Child Care Subsidy will transfer to the Maryland State Department of Education on July 1, 2006. The staff and their duties will remain the same. Please feel free to contact them for any Purchase of Child Care issues. Their contact information is listed below:
Name and Title Phone Number Email Address
Anne Webster, Manager (410) 767-7840 Awebster@dhr.state.md.us
Betsy Blair, Policy Specialist (410) 767-7845 Bblair@dhr.state.md.us
Dion Sutton, Quality Assurance Spec (410) 767-1498 Dsutton@dhr.state.md.us
Aasim Nour, System Specialist (410) 767-7816 Anour@msde.state.md.us
Anita Chambers, Administrative Officer (410) 767-7814 Achambers@dhr.state.md.us
Raye Kirby, Support Staff (410) 767-7840 Rkirby@dhr.state.md.us
Control #: 06-40
Subject: Overpayment Tips
Issue Date: 6/27/2006
Effective Date: 6/27/2006
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps, Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), Purchase Of Care (POC), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0640.pdf
The FIA Office of Programs, working with a work group of central and local department staff, is in the process of developing a new Overpayment desk guide that will contain the policy and procedures for all FIA program overpayments. Training is also being developed on overpayment procedures. In the meantime, we have developed an information sheet for local departments to use to help in preventing overpayments from occurring and as a guide to help determine if an overpayment actually exists. Re-reviewing existing overpayment referrals and BEGs in each local may eliminate those that are not actual overpayments.
Control #: 07-14
Subject: MMIS Codes For Medicaid Citizenship And Identity
Issue Date: 12/1/2006
Effective Date: 7/1/2006
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0714.pdf
Effective July 1, 2006, due to federal regulatory changes based on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, all persons declaring to be U.S. citizens must provide documentation of their citizenship and identity at the time of the initial application or annual redetermination for Medicaid. In Maryland, this federal change applies to Medical Assistance (MA), Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP), Long-Term Care, Primary Adult Care (PAC), HealthChoice, Women’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Program (WBCCHP), and all Waiver Programs. It does not apply to Medicare beneficiaries, presumptively eligible newborns, and SSI recipients.
