All DHR Documents by Subject

Subject: Standardization of Medical Assistance, Long-Term Care Procedures for Jurisdiction, Less than 30 Day Stay, and Medicare Days
Control #: 06-30
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

Subject: 1184 Newborn Procedures for Non-CARES Local Departments
Control #: 97-10
Issue Date: 8/16/1996
Effective Date: 8/16/1996
Program(s) Affected: PA and Non/PA Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9710a.pdf

All newborns certified for MA by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) in non-CARES jurisdictions are now placed in the MA coverage group of P03 (PWC), regardless of whether the newborn's mother is an AFDC recipient, or receiving NPA/MA. Due to a programming change in the MMIS-II system, DHMH will no longer assign category and scope codes to PWC cases. It is now the responsibility of workers in non-CARES jurisdictions to assign the appropriate category and scope code to newborn cases once eligibility determination is made. Medical Assistance category and scope codes are essential for insuring that newborns receive MA coverage that they are entitled to, and for the successful conversion of PWC cases to the CARES system.

Subject: 1996 Benefit Issuance Schedule and AIMS Cut-Off Dates
Control #: 96-24
Issue Date: 12/15/1996
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Public Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9624.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for 1996 for the AIMS system and CARES system are attached. Also attached is the schedule for the 1996 AIMS cut-off dates for the public assistance and food stamp programs.

Subject: 1996 Schedule for Bonus Issuance
Control #: 96-23
Issue Date: 12/15/1995
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFCD-UP, and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9623.pdf

The schedule for the child support bonus benefit issuance is attached. Local departments that use the PC Diskette Child Support system are to contact Margaret Fowler at 767-7266 if they experience problems with meeting time-lines for submitting the diskettes. In local departments that are up on CARES, the child support bonus benefit will continue to be available on the same date that the AFDC benefit is available during the first week in the month. Resolve any questions or problems by calling the OIM HELP desk at 1-800-347-1350 or (410) 767-7002.

Subject: 1997 Benefit Issuance Schedules and Cut-Off Dates
Control #: 97-46
Issue Date: 10/30/1996
Effective Date: 1/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9746.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and for Food Stamps during 1997 for the AIMS system and the CARES system are attached. Also attached is the schedule for the 1997 cut-off dates for AIMS and for CARES.

Subject: 1997 Federal Poverty Levels
Control #: 97-14
Issue Date: 3/7/1997
Effective Date: 3/1/997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9714.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income Guidelines were increased effective March 1997. The change was completed in CARES on March 7, 1997. The seasonal disregard that was allowed for the months of January thru April will be removed from CARES effective April 30, 1997 via mass modification on April 12, 1997. The seasonal disregard is the amount of the Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the current year that is normally provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) recipients through the month following the month in which the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines are increased.

Subject: 1998 Benefit Issuance Schedules and Cut-Off Dates
Control #: 98-24
Issue Date: 12/17/1997
Effective Date: 1/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9824.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and for Food Stamps during 1998 for the AIMS system and the CARES system are attached. The 1998 cut-off dates for AIMS and CARES are also attached. The planned CARES implementation date for Baltimore City is March 1, 1998. Because of conversion and possible problems with specific cases, some cases may need to be carried on AIMS after this date. When Baltimore City has been completely converted to CARES, the AIMS schedules that are attached will become void and all jurisdictions will use the CARES schedules.

Subject: 1998 Mass District Office Caseload Reassignment Schedule
Control #: 98-07
Issue Date: 12/11/1997
Effective Date: 12/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9807cb.pdf

The Office of Information Management (OIM) will run the Mass District caseload reassignment on the third processing weekend of each month. Local departments must submit all caseload reassignment requests using form (DHR/CARES 9400.26) by close of business on the second Friday of the month. Any caseload reassignment forms received after the second Friday of the month, will not be entered until the following month. OIM will run the caseload reassignment on the third processing weekend of each month. Caseload reassignment requires a substantial amount of processing time. Therefore, the reassignment must be run on a weekend. The system will be unavailable during this period of time. Please address all caseload reassignment forms to: Ruth Waugh, Maryland Department of Human Resources, Division of Program and Systems Support, 6th Floor, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Subject: 1998 Poverty Levels
Control #: 98-09
Issue Date: 3/17/1998
Effective Date: 3/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9809.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines will increase effective March 1, 1998. The change will be completed in CARES on March 1, 1998. The seasonal disregard that was allowed for the months of January thru April will be removed from CARES effective April 30, 1998. The seasonal disregard is the amount of Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the current year that is normally provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) recipients through the month following the month in which the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines are increased.

Subject: 1999 Benefit Issuance Schedules And Cut-Off Dates
Control #: 99-19
Issue Date: 12/8/1998
Effective Date: 12/8/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9919.pdf

Each year FIA provides local offices with an updated schedule of CARES benefits availability and cut-off dates. Attached to this Action Transmittal are the 1999 CARES benefit availability schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps. We have aslo attached the 1999 CARES cut-off dates.

Subject: 2001 FEDERAL POVERTY LEVELS AND FIP SCHEDULE UPDATE
Control #: 01-35
Issue Date: 4/9/2001
Effective Date: 4/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0135.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2001. The new poverty levels were on CARES effective April 1, 2001. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, this Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B do not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2001. For your convenience, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2).

Subject: 2001 First, Second and Third Quarterly Briefing Questions and Answers
Control #: 02-35
Issue Date: 12/7/2001
Effective Date: 12/7/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0235.pdf

This Information Memo includes questions that were raised at the last three quarterly briefings and their answers. We apologize for the delay.

Subject: 2002 Federal Poverty Levels and RP Schedule Update
Control #: 02-52
Issue Date: 4/1/2002
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0252.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2002. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2002. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, this Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B do not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2002. For your convenience, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2).

Subject: 2003 Federal Poverty Levels and FIP Schedule Update
Control #: 03-37
Issue Date: 4/1/2003
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0337.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2003. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2003. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2). This Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B did not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2003.

Subject: 2004 Federal Poverty Levels And FIP Schedule Update
Control #: 04-27
Issue Date: 3/9/2004
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0427.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2004. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2004. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1).

In addition, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2). This Information Memo updates Column C- 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B did not change from October 2003. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2004.

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents – 36-Month Period
Control #: 06-05
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.

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) - Final Rule
Control #: 02-09
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0209.pdf

On January 17, 2001 the Food and Nutrition Service published the Personal Responsibility Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 Final Rule. We implemented the ABAWD provisions based on the PRWORA legislation. Since there were no federal regulations at that time, FNS permitted states to decide how to interpret the legislation in some areas. This final rule now provides regulatory direction to some of the policy that is different from our policy decisions.

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)-Change in Exempt Counties
Control #: 00-43
Issue Date: 3/24/2000
Effective Date: 3/24/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0043.pdf

The waivers that allow us to certain jurisdictions from the ABAWD work requirements are approved for one year at a time. Each year we submit a new waiver request to the Food and Nutrition Service along with our justification for exempting counties. We were informed that effective March 1, 2000 all jurisdictions that were approved for 1999 except Wicomico County were approved for the next year.

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents New Waiver County and Policy Examples
Control #: 98-35
Issue Date: 2/19/1998
Effective Date: 2/19/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9835.pdf

On August 5, 1997, President Clinton signed the Balance Budget Act of 1997. The Act permits states to exempt up to 15 percent of able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) from the work requirements. This 15 percent is in addition to our current waivers. The Food and Nutrition Service has informed us that our exemption allowance for federal fiscal year (FFY) 1998 is 515. This transmittal also includes information about the jurisdiction newly exempt from the ABAWD provisions based on the Department of Labor's determination of FFY 1998 labor surplus areas.

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents-A New Way Of Tracking And A New Waiver County
Control #: 99-54
Issue Date: 7/6/1999
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9954.pdf

Each year Maryland requests an exemption from the special work requirements for able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) in jurisdiction that have a high unemployment rate or insufficient jobs. This transmittal includes information about an additional jurisdiction, Wicomico County, that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) exempted from the ABAWD provisions.

Subject: Absence of Household Members Due to Military Obligations
Control #: 02-40
Issue Date: 12/12/2001
Effective Date: 12/12/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps Temporary Cash Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0240.pdf

In response to the terrorist attacks and heightened security, the military has called up military reservists. This has disrupted the lives of many Maryland families. As a result, local departments may see unique situations as military families resort to unusual living arrangements while coping with the financial and emotional stress of the deployment. Case managers may need to make decisions based on the household’s statement of circumstances.

Subject: Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index
Control #: 99-36
Issue Date: 3/19/1999
Effective Date: 3/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9936.pdf

As part of our continuing effort to provide supportive services, the Policy and Training Bureau developed an action transmittal and information memo index. We included all active action transmittals and information memos issued since the inception of the Family Investment Program. They are listed alphabetically by subject matter with multiple listings for transmittals and memos that cover more than one policy area or would be commonly recognized under other titles. We hope it serves as a usefid tool for locating policy information.

Subject: Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index
Control #: 03-23 Attachment
Issue Date: 10/11/2002
Effective Date: 10/11/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0323attach.pdf

Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index

Subject: Action Transmittals and Information Memos For 1998
Control #: 99-12
Issue Date: 10/20/1998
Effective Date: 10/20/1998
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9912.pdf

The Office of Policy Research and Systems (OPRS) provides clarification to policy and procedures questions from local departments statewide on a daily basis. When providing that clarification, the caller is usually referred to a specific Action Transmittal (AT) that outlines the policy or procedure in question. Sometimes the caller does not have the AT that has been issued regarding that topic.

Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2000
Control #: 01-01
Issue Date: 7/11/2000
Effective Date: 7/11/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0101.pdf

Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2001
Control #: 02-01
Issue Date: 7/17/2001
Effective Date: 7/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0201.pdf

The Office of Policy Research and Systems (OPRS) answers policy and procedures questions from local departments statewide on a daily basis. When providing clarification, the caller is often referred to a specific Action Transmittal (AT) or Information Memo (IM) that outlines the policy or procedure in question. The Bureau of Policy and Training developed listings of ATs and IMs issued for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2001 from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001. The attached list includes the number, the originating office, the topic, and the programs affected. Beginning in 1999, ATs and IMs were numbered consecutively. The list of ATs and IMs for SFY 2001 is numbered from 01-01 through 01-55. Programs affected include Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps (FS), Medical Assistance (MA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA), Purchase of Care (POC) and Child Support (CSEA).

Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2001 -tables
Control #: 02-01 Addendum
Issue Date: 7/17/2001
Effective Date: 7/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0201add.pdf

TABLE

Subject: Action Transmittals And Information Memos For 2002
Control #: 03-07
Issue Date: 8/13/2002
Effective Date: 8/13/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0307.pdf

Subject: Action Transmittals and Information Memos Issued In 2003, 2004 And 2005
Control #: 06-16
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.

Subject: ADDED ALLOWABLE UTILITY COSTS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCE
Control #: 01-47
Issue Date: 6/1/2001
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0147.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. Many of the regulation changes must be implemented by June 1, 2001. One of the changes added several allowable shelter costs. It also changed expanded eligibility for the utility allowance. This action transmittal provides the new policy.

Subject: Additional Excluded Unearned Income
Control #: 02-41
Issue Date: 12/12/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0241.pdf

This is one of several action transmittals for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) that is being issued as the result of the adoption of Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 07.03.03.01 through .26). Prior FIP regulations were repealed and new FIP regulations were adopted in November 2001.

Subject: Adoption Subsidy Payments
Control #: 97-84
Issue Date: 5/2/1997
Effective Date: 5/2/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9784.pdf

Adoption subsidy payments are made on behalf of adopted children who have special needs. There have been occasions where the adoptive parent needed to file for assistance for themselves and remaining family members. The regulation for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) does not specifically mention adoption subsidy payments.

Subject: Adverse Action And Payment For Child Care Providers
Control #: 03-32
Issue Date: 12/17/2002
Effective Date: 12/17/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0332.pdf

This action transmittal outlines payment to child care providers who provide service after the customer's case closes during the first 60 days of certification and they did not receive an adverse action notice.

Subject: Adverse Action Procedures
Control #: 97-04cb
Issue Date: 11/20/1996
Effective Date: 11/20/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9704cb.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-14 (Released September 4, 1996) notified Local Departments of the new Adverse Action Policy changes effective October 1, 1996. System changes to CARES for implementation of these policy changes were requested and completed for Temporary Cash Assistance cases (non-control) but have not been completed for Food Stamp cases. Food Stamp cases are still using 10 calendar days for adverse action as opposed to the 5 working days outlined in the new policy.

Subject: AFDC Overpayments - ATMS
Control #: 96-04
Issue Date: 8/21/1995
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: AFDC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9604.pdf

At times an ATM will make an error which allows the recipient to receive too much cash. When this happens, there is an AFDC overpayment. This transmittal outlines the procedures for handling these overpayments.

Subject: AFDC-PW Special Needs Benefit
Control #: 96-56
Issue Date: 6/17/1996
Effective Date: 6/17/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC-PW
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9656.pdf

In CARES, the calculation of an AFDC-PW grant is based on the GPA-PW standard. The GPA-PW parameter was changed to $125 on June 14, 1996. As a result of the GPA-PW grant reduction, CARES will not correctly calculate AFDC-PW. It will not recognize that a customer should receive the Special Needs Benefit and will subsequently pay only $179 (AFDC grant for 1 person plus Prenatal Need supplement). The AFCD-PW Special Needs and Prenatal Nutrition Benefits will be eliminated effective August 1, 1996, reducing the AFDC-PW grant amount to $165.

Subject: Affidavits of Support on Behalf of Immigrants
Control #: 98-48
Issue Date: 5/27/1998
Effective Date: 5/27/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9848.pdf

On September 30, 1996 President Clinton approved enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. A section of this Act provides that an individual is inadmissible as an immigrant if likely to become a public charge.

Subject: Age Requirement
Control #: 97-53
Issue Date: 11/26/1996
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9753.pdf

Under AFDC regulations a child met the technical factor of age if under 18. A child who was a full time student in sedcondary school or an equivalent program was eligible if the child would graduate before the 19th birthday. Under the waiver, a child met eligibility if under the age of 18 or if a full time student who would graduate within the calendar year that he turns 19.

Subject: Aged And Abandoned EBT Benefits
Control #: 05-02
Issue Date: 8/24/2004
Effective Date: 10/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance, Refugee Cash Assistance, And TEMHA/TDAP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0502.pdf

This action transmittal describes a change in how we handle aged and abandoned benefits on EBT. Currently CARES sends a Notice of Expiration - Aged or Abandoned Benefits notice to all households whose benefits have not been accessed for 35 days. If the household did not use the benefit CARES closed the case. The case manager received alerts 817 and 816.

Federal food stamp policy has changed. We can no longer shorten a food stamp certification period solely because a household does not use its EBT card. In order to make the policy match we are making this change for all programs with benefits issued through EBT.

Action transmittal 98-31- Aged Benefits on EBT and CARES Bulletin 01-01 – Electronic Benefit Transfer System Aged and Abandoned Benefit Process are obsolete.

Subject: Aged Benefits on EBT
Control #: 98-31
Issue Date: 1/13/1998
Effective Date: 1/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9831.pdf

In the past, auditors from the United States Department of Agriculture identified certain deficiencies in how local departments are handling aged benefits. In an effort to comply with audit findings and to streamline the process, we requested a Food and Consumer Service waiver which permits us to shorten the certification period when a household does not access food stamp benefits for more than 45 days after they were issued.

Subject: AIMS OTO Data Entered on Saturday
Control #: 96-03
Issue Date: 7/31/1995
Effective Date: 8/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFDC-UP, GPA-PW, FS
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9603.pdf

Local Departments of Social Services staff working on weekends are completing OTO issuance ( AIPO , AIPI , AIFO , and AIFI ) transactions. Data entry operators are then processing these OTOs on the weekends. Usually, only one benefit or check is issued. However, this can generate two benefit issuances and an overpayment.

Subject: Aligning Certification/Eligibility Periods
Control #: 04-24
Issue Date: 2/24/2004
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0424.pdf

...

The Food and Nutrition Service recently approved a waiver request that allows us to recertify a food stamp case before the end of the assigned certification period during an application for a medical or cash assistance program. This also includes reapplication or redetermination for MA or cash assistance. This waiver will allow us to better align the certification/eligibility periods for all programs.

...

Subject: Allowable MCO Disenrollments
Control #: 00-13
Issue Date: 10/1/1999
Effective Date: 10/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0013.pdf

In April of 1996, the Maryland legislature passed Senate Bill 750. This bill directed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to employ managed care principles to promote patient-focused, accessible services to Medicaid customers and to create a "medical home" for Medicaid recipients through which all medical care will be delivered. DHMH created HealthChoice.

Subject: Allowable Medical Expenses
Control #: 04-19
Issue Date: 1/6/2004
Effective Date: 1/6/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0419.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently advised us that allowable medical deductions for food stamps include the postage that an individual pays for mail order prescriptions. Although the policy and procedure for calculating the medical deduction has not changed, we are taking this opportunity to remind staff about the possible medical deductions. The policy is covered in Food Stamp Manual Sections 212 and 213.

Subject: Allowing A Dependent Care Deduction During A Temporary Absence From Employment
Control #: 99-43
Issue Date: 5/13/1999
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9943.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service has provided guidance on when to allow a dependent care deduction during a customer's temporary absence from employment.

Subject: Americans with Disabilities Act and Provider Payment Adjustments for Children with Disabling Conditions
Control #: 98-32
Issue Date: 12/14/1997
Effective Date: 12/14/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9832.pdf

The Child Care Administration has in the past established a special subsidy rate for children with disabilities based on a market rate survey. This Action Transmittal addresses the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336), Sections 402 (g) & (I) of the Social Security Act, 28 CFR Part 36, on provider charges used to establish local market rates for child care for children with disabilities. To assure that the Department is not in violation of the ADA due to using costs reported by providers in market rate surveys that may have in the past included charges that are now disallowed, the Child Care Administration eliminated the special needs rate.

Subject: Applicants/Recipients Filing for Potential Resources
Control #: 02-31
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0231.pdf

This is one of several action transmittals for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) that is being issued as the result of the adoption of new Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 07.03.03.01 through .26). Prior FIP regulations were repealed and new FIP regulations were adopted in November, 2001.

Subject: Applicants/Recipients Quitting a Job Without Good Cause
Control #: 02-27
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0227.pdf

Subject: Application and Redetermination Process
Control #: 97-24
Issue Date: 9/4/1996
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Welfare Avoidance (WAG) Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) Temporary Cash Assisntance (TCA) Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9724.pdf

Attached is information on the processing of WAG, EAFC, TCA Applications, TCA Redeterminations, and Verifications under the Family Investment Program. FIP is effective October 1,1996. Control cases continue to follow the current AFDC regulations found in COMAR 07.03.01 and 07.03.02. The WAG program is for treatment/experimental cases only, and the EAFC requirements are statewide with no Control cases.

Subject: Application For The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) And The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Control #: 03-02
Issue Date: 7/25/2002
Effective Date: 7/25/2002
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0302.pdf

On July 1st, 2000 the Maryland Energy Assistance Program became the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). On that day, what used to be MEAP (a seasonal program) grew into a year round program which now includes the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP).

Subject: Application For The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) And The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Control #: 04-05
Issue Date: 9/2/2003
Effective Date: 9/2/2003
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0405.pdf

On July 1, 2003 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 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.).

Subject: Application for The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (Meap) and The Electric Universal Service Program (Eusp)
Control #: 05-05 IM
Issue Date: 8/27/2004
Effective Date: 8/27/2004
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0505im.pdf

On July 1, 2004 the Community Services Administration, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) began its new program year. Eligible families across Maryland may now apply for energy related programs and services.

The OHEP state office wishes to strongly encourage our partners within the local departments and other community agencies across the state to refer their customers to the local OHEP office. For your convenience, a list of the local OHEP office telephone numbers is attached. As an additional reference for your use, the ‘Income Eligibility Standards’ for fiscal year 2005 is likewise attached.

The OHEP state office strongly encourages customer referrals to our local offices. MEAP and EUSP are both valuable programs which can greatly assist Maryland’s most vulnerable populations in maintaining their independence and self-sufficiency.

Subject: Application for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Control #: 06-07
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).

Subject: Application Processing – Delays In Processing
Control #: 05-03
Issue Date: 8/26/2004
Effective Date: 8/26/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0503.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the application compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing and provides policy and CARES procedures in a question and answer format. This policy was included in Action Transmittal 02-67 Denying Applications and Delays in Processing. It can also be found in Section 406 of the Food Stamp Manual and in Section 15 of the Food Stamp Desk Guide.

Subject: APPLICATION PROCESSING – EXPEDITED SERVICE
Control #: 05-09
Issue Date: 9/30/2004
Effective Date: 9/30/2004
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0509.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing. This action transmittal provides current policy and CARES procedures for processing expedited applications in a question and answer format. The policy can also be found in Section 401 of the Food Stamp Manual and Section 14 of the Desk Guide.

Subject: Application Processing - Scheduling Interviews
Control #: 02-51
Issue Date: 3/12/2002
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0251.pdf

When the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published the Final Rule on November 21, 2000, there were several provisions that were not effective until after review and approval by the federal Office of Management and Budget. Recently, FNS informed us that OMB approved the sections on September 10, 2001. This action transmittal provides information about changes in the interview process at application. This will primarily affect local departments that have a walk-in system for accepting applications.

Subject: Application Processing - Verification
Control #: 05-01
Issue Date: 8/24/2004
Effective Date: 8/24/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0501.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the application compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing. This action transmittal provides policy for verification at application in a question and answer format. This policy can also be found in Section 408 of the Food Stamp Manual.

Subject: APPLICATION PROCESSING AND INTERVIEWS
Control #: 01-49
Issue Date: 6/8/2001
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0149.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. Many of the regulation changes must be implemented by June 1, 2001. These revised rules change office operations and application processing slightly. The regulations also include requirements that will enhance customer service.

Subject: Applications for Prison Inmates Prior To Release
Control #: 05-33
Issue Date: 3/29/2005
Effective Date: 3/29/2005
Program(s) Affected: All FIA Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0533.pdf

In 1993, the Secretaries of DHR and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) signed an agreement to assist certain inmates in filling out applications for FIA benefits and programs. This process will be initiated through interaction between Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) staff and Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) staff prior to the inmates’ release from incarceration. In 1998, FIA issued an action transmittal (FIA/OPR #98-46) that outlined the responsibilities for the two departments in serving this population, as well as procedures for processing these applications.

FIA, DHMH, DPSCS and local administrators recently held a series of meetings to review concerns about the procedures. As a result of those meetings, some changes have been made to the policy, and the Secretaries of the respective departments signed a new agreement. This action transmittal provides the guidelines and responsibilities for DPSCS, DHR, and LDSS staff in processing applications for FIA benefits. While it is expected that the majority of the applications will be for expedited Medical Assistance (MA), an inmate may also qualify for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Food Stamps (FS).

Subject: Applications for Prison Inmates Prior To Release
Control #: 05-33 Revised
Issue Date: 3/29/2005
Effective Date: 3/29/2005
Program(s) Affected: All FIA Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0533rev.pdf

This revision adds procedures for the local departments and CARES procedures to help assure that eligibility will begin on the date the customer is released from incarceration. The liaison lists have also been updated.

Subject: Applications For SSI And SSDI
Control #: 02-83
Issue Date: 6/14/2002
Effective Date: 6/14/2002
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0283.pdf

Customers with disabilities of twelve months or more who are applying or reapplying for Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) must apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Subject: Applications For SSI And SSDI
Control #: 03-19
Issue Date: 10/3/2002
Effective Date: 10/3/2002
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0319.pdf

Effective immediately FIA Information Memo #02-83 is obsolete. Customers with disabilities of twelve months or more who are applying for or reapplying for Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on their own. Verify with a receipt from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicating that an application was filed or through the State-On-Line-Query (SOLQ), State Verification Exchange System (SVES) or State Data Exchange (SDX) system.

Subject: Assistance Unit Composition
Control #: 97-13
Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9713a.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) provides assistance to families with children while preparing program participants for independence. Assistance, under this program, consists of services and cash assistance to eligible individuals, as well as work experience. FIP reflects a major shift in emphasis: from dependence on income maintainance programs to a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program leading to independence. Both parents are expected to contribute to the support of their children. Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is available only as a last resort.

Subject: Assistance Unit Composition
Control #: 98-10
Issue Date: 8/31/1997
Effective Date: 8/31/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9810.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) provides assistance to families with children while preparing program participants for independence. Under FIP, assistance consists of services and cash assistance to eligible individuals, as well as work activities. Under the old Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program, children had to be deprived due to absence, death, incapacitation or unemployment of one or both parents. Now both parents are expected to contribute to the support of their children. TCA is now available as a last resort.

Subject: ASYLEE ELIGIBILITY FOR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM BENEFITS
Control #: 01-09
Issue Date: 8/31/2000
Effective Date: 8/31/2000
Program(s) Affected: Refugee Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0109.pdf

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced that, effective June 15, 2000 asylees are eligible for refugee assistance and services beginning on the date that they are granted asylum. This is a substantial policy change, since previously asylees were deemed eligible for refugee cash assistance benefits for 8 months from the date they arrived in the United States. Since the process of applying for asylum and having the case heard and decided often exceeded 8 months, many asylees were ineligible by the time they arrived at the local Department of Social Services Office to apply for benefits. Effective immediately under ORR's new policy, an asylee's entry date will be the date that the individual is granted asylum in the United States. This policy change is particularly important for asylees who need to access refugee cash and medical assistance (RCA and RMA). For example, an individual enters United States on December 1, 2000 as a tourist. He or she applies for asylum on April 1, 2001. The asylum office interviews the individual on June 1, 2001 and grants asylum on August 1, 2001. This individual's date of entry would be August 1, 2001, the date asylum was granted. The asylee would be eligible to access refugee cash and medical assistance from August 1, 2001, through March 31, 2002. Under the old rule, the 8-month eligibility period would have begun December 1, 2000 and would have ended just before asylum was granted.

Subject: Attachment to SRS
Control #: 06-27 Attachment
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

Subject: Authorization for Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance (DHR FIA Form 340)
Control #: 06-23
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.

Subject: Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance Initial Payment Or Posteligibility Payment
Control #: 02-78 Form
Issue Date: 10/1/2001
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0278form.pdf

Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance Initial Payment Or Posteligibility Payment

Subject: Authorization to Release Information Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic
Control #: 02-88 Attachment
Issue Date: 6/19/2002
Effective Date: 6/19/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0288attach.pdf

Authorization to Release Information Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic

Subject: Authorization to Release InformationPersonal Physician, Hospital or Clinic
Control #: 01-28b
Issue Date: 1/31/2001
Effective Date: 1/31/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0128b.pdf

Subject: Authorized Representative
Control #: 05-13
Issue Date: 11/10/2004
Effective Date: 11/10/2004
Program(s) Affected: Rare and Expensive Case Management Program (REM)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0513.pdf

The Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) is a voluntary program within the Maryland HealthChoice Program for Medicaid recipients with certain very rare and expensive conditions. In this program, participants have a case manager who helps coordinate their health care services.

Customers enrolled in the REM program are removed from their Managed Care Organization (MCO) and receive Maryland Medicaid fee-for-service benefits and a REM case manager. Attachment I lists the REM Case Management Agencies. One of the contractual obligations of REM case management is to assist REM program participants to maintain their Medicaid eligibility. This is critical to ensure the participant continues to receive medically necessary services. With the customer’s consent, Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) will annotate CARES to send all Medicaid case information notifications to the customer and their REM case manager.

Subject: Automatic MPAP Eligibility For QMB Recipients
Control #: 03-22
Issue Date: 10/21/2002
Effective Date: 10/21/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (QMB and MPAP)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0322.pdf

On July 30, 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Maryland’s request for an addition to the 1115 Medicaid waiver linking the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Programs (MPAP). This change will allow QMB recipients to receive automatic pharmacy coverage.

Subject: Automatic Scheduling of Redeterminations
Control #: 97-08
Issue Date: 2/11/1997
Effective Date: 2/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9708cb.pdf

On the first calendar day of the month, CARES automatically identifies all cases that will expire two months after the current month. An example: On January 1, 1997, CARES identified all cases due to expire by 3/31/97.

Subject: Availability of Dental Services for TCA customers Participating in Work Activities
Control #: 98-29
Issue Date: 1/12/1998
Effective Date: 1/12/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9829.pdf

For the last six years, The University of Maryland (UM) Dental School provided care to AFDC recipients who were participants of Maryland’s previous welfare-to-work program, Project Independence (PI). This program was quite effective in improving the facial appearance and self-esteem of selected PI participants, thereby improving their employability. During that time more than 700 recipients were treated. Care was provided by dental students at the school and the program was very cost effective. This extremely important resource is still available at UM Dental School.

Subject: Availability of Health Forms for Regulated Child Care and Educational Brochures
Control #: 98-47
Issue Date: 5/18/1998
Effective Date: 5/18/1998
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9847.pdf

Federal Regulations under the Child Care & Development Fund require States to provide comprehensive consumer education material to customers to increase the level of understanding about the features and importance of quality regulated child care. In Maryland one method the Child Care Administration uses to comply with this requirement is through the distribution of the educational brochure "Making The Difference For Your Child: Choosing Regulated Care in Maryland." The brochure is available in English and Spanish and provides customers with tips on selecting and locating a regulated provider.

Subject: Availability of Updated AFDC and Food Stamp Manuals, and Other Resource Materials
Control #: 97-03
Issue Date: 7/10/1996
Effective Date: 6/27/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9703.pdf

Updated AFDC and Food Stamp program manuals are now available upon request. In addition, resource material from MA PAT as well as material from the April 1996 Food Stamp Investment conference is also available.

Subject: Baltimore City Community College Pilot Program
Control #: 99-37
Issue Date: 3/19/1999
Effective Date: 3/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: TCA Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9937.pdf

The Family Investment Administration in conjunction with the Baltimore City Community College is conducting a two-year pilot program designed to evaluate the importance of education as a means to financial independence. Temporary Cash Assistance customers who meet the criteria listed below have their educational activities counted as a work activity.

Subject: Baltimore City's New SSI Unit Office
Control #: 02-60
Issue Date: 3/28/2002
Effective Date: 3/28/2002
Program(s) Affected: SSI Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0260.pdf

Effective immediately, Baltimore City’s SSI Unit is assigned a new district office number. The new number is D.O. 355 (formerly the Patapsco district).

Subject: Block Grant Reporting and Motor Voter Fields
Control #: 97-12
Issue Date: 2/24/1997
Effective Date: 2/24/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9712cb.pdf

On February 24, 1997 new fields were added to the STAT, DEM2 and ALAS screens on CARES in order to meet requirements of Federal Block Grants and Motor Voter regulations. These fields serve as data collection fields from which mandatory reports will be produced.

Subject: Block Grant Reporting Requirements: New Reason Code for Case Closure Due to Marriage
Control #: 97-19
Issue Date: 7/8/1997
Effective Date: 7/8/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9719cb.pdf

The Federal Government requires all states that receive Block Grant funding to report specific information to them. There may be federal sanctions if this information is not reported correctly.

Subject: Block Grant Reporting Requirements: Student/Education Data Fields
Control #: 97-18
Issue Date: 6/26/1997
Effective Date: 6/26/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9718cb.pdf

The Federal Government requires all states that receive Block Grant funding to report specific information to them. They will impose sanctions if this information is not reported correctly. A review of CARES assistance units reveals that the educational demographic fields are not being completed correctly for many customers.

Subject: Budgeting Drug Expenses under the New Medicare Drug Program
Control #: 06-21
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.

Subject: Calculating Income And Deductions
Control #: 99-38
Issue Date: 3/31/1999
Effective Date: 4/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9938.pdf

Effective October 1, 1998 we went back to a 4-week month conversion factor for calculating monthly income and deductions for the Food Stamp Program (FSP). This matches Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Action transmittal 99-11 issued September 23, 1998 provided the policy and CARES procedures to local departments. Recently, the Food and Nutrition Service denied a waiver that would have allowed us to continue to calculate food stamp earned income, other than weekly and biweekly income, using the TCA conversion method.

Subject: Cancellation of Medicaid During Six-Month Guarantee Period Due to Death or Out-of-State residency
Control #: 98-49
Issue Date: 5/29/1998
Effective Date: 5/29/1998
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9849.pdf

This Action Transmittal clarifies the CARES procedure to close Medical Assistance on MMIS when a customer dies or moves out of state.

Subject: CARES 2001 PRODUCTION OPERATIONS SCHEDULE
Control #: 01-27
Issue Date: 1/26/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0127.pdf

The attached is the CIS Production Operations Schedule for 2001. If there are any questions regarding the schedule please contact Ruth Waugh at (410) 238-1242.

Subject: CARES 2002 Production Operations Schedule
Control #: 02-46
Issue Date: 2/2/2002
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0246.pdf

The attached is the CIS Production Operations Schedule for 2002. If there are any questions regarding the schedule please contact Ruth Waugh at (410) 238-1242.

Subject: CARES Alert System Reminder
Control #: 97-17
Issue Date: 5/15/1997
Effective Date: 5/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9717cb.pdf

It has been noted that CARES alerts are being transferred to Child Support logon IDs or being generated by someone in CARES to a Child Support logon ID. Also, instances of the 745 worker-generated alert being used for social conversation have been noted. The intention of this bulletin is to reiterate the purpose and use of the CARES Alert System.

Subject: Cares Data Corrections For Medical Assistance Overdue Redeterminations and MCHP AU Transfers to Local Health Departments
Control #: 05-01
Issue Date: 7/29/2004
Effective Date: 7/29/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance, Maryland Children’s Health Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0501cb.pdf

This bulletin serves to advise you of two CARES data corrections that will be conducted in June 2004. They will address the following Medical Assistance related issues:

>Overdue Medical Assistance AU’s that are the result of case managers initiating but not completing the redetermination process.

A large number of Medical Assistance AU’s have remained active beyond their established eligibility certification period. Once a Medical Assistance redetermination is initiated, CARES allows the AU to remain active indefinitely.

Although this is the case, it is DHR FIA/DHMH’s expectation that case managers adhere to established redetermination requirements.

>Unassociated MCHP AU’s remaining in the Local Department of Social Services rather than being transferred to the Local Health Department.

Many Local Departments have experienced increased caseloads that may be attributed to unassociated MCHP AU’s not being properly transferred to their respective Local Health Department.

Subject: CARES Data Entry Reminders
Control #: 99-29
Issue Date: 2/19/1999
Effective Date: 2/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9929.pdf

The purpose of this memo is to provide general information concerning CARES data entry issues. The issues include punctuation, deletion of unwanted data, and case status inquiries.

Subject: CARES Letter Submenu
Control #: 99-31
Issue Date: 2/26/1999
Effective Date: 2/26/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9931.pdf

Three Food Stamp letters, all related to overpayments, have been added to the LETTER SUBMENU, option “F” off of the CARES MAIN MENU. These letters are: - 00114 Disqualification Consent Agreement (FS72) - 00115 Notice to Disqualified Individual (FS 93) - 00116 Waiver of the fight to Administrative Disqualification Hearing (FS 112) The appropriate codes have been added to the valid values for the “letter type” field. Also, letter 0026, Repayment of Food Stamps, (FS 66) has been revised to advise customers that administrative error overpayment BEGS are now subject to involuntary recoupment.

Subject: CARES Log Off Procedure
Control #: 98-08
Issue Date: 11/5/1997
Effective Date: 11/5/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9808cb.pdf

When leaving at the end of the day it is necessary to log off of the system. If the system is not properly closed you cannot log on at a later time because the system thinks you are already logged on.

Subject: CARES Narration Desk Guide
Control #: 02-55
Issue Date: 3/22/2002
Effective Date: 3/22/2002
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0255.pdf

The CARES Narration Desk Guide is complete. Its purpose is to serve as a resource guide for producing a quality standard narration statewide. The Narration Guide Workgroup sincerely thanks all the contributors who assisted in completing this project.

Subject: CARES to WOMIS Exchange of Data
Control #: 99-27
Issue Date: 2/9/1999
Effective Date: 2/6/1999
Program(s) Affected: Work Opportunities Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9927.pdf

On or about February 6, 1999, the CARESNO MIS interface will become operational. This interface will replace the current interface between these two systems that has been in place since 1992. The new interface will be implemented through a series of actions, beginning with the registration in WO MIS of all TCA adult customers (18 years or older), and those who are younger than 18 years but are the designated heads of household. The second action to be taken will be the de-registration fkom WO MIS (i.e., the insertion of a De- registration Date and Status code) of all current registrants who are no longer receiving TCA. Finally, the third action will be the initiation of a daily download of information from CARES to WOMIS.

Subject: CARES/IEVS Matching Alert Notices
Control #: 98-04
Issue Date: 12/12/1997
Effective Date: 12/12/1997
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9804.pdf

The federal government has stipulated that each state must have an Income & Eligibility Verification Systems (IEVS) which performs interfaces with various agencies. Since CARES implementation, these reports have not been generated for CARES counties.

Subject: Case Information Form (CIF)
Control #: 05-02 CARES Bulletin
Issue Date: 8/5/2004
Effective Date: 8/5/2004
Program(s) Affected: All Programs In The Mail-In Redermination Cycle
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0502cb.pdf

As part of workload reduction, local departments have begun to rely more on the mail-in redetermination process. In an effort to streamline and further automate the redetermination process and reduce costs, a new abbreviated application form (Case Information Form – CIF) will be generated by CARES. The new CIF will be generated for all programs of assistance that are currently in the mail-in redetermination cycle except:

• the entire MA E-track, G-track, H-track, L-track, T-track, X-track, and

• MA Covererage groups P02, P03, P11, P12, S02, S99, and F99.

These programs will continue to receive the same applications currently in use at redetermination. Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) AU’s (F05, F98, F99) will continue to receive the DHR/DHMH 1158B when properly identified on the CARES ADDR screen. All other F-track AU’s will receive the CIF at redetermination.

Subject: Case Transfer Process
Control #: 00-34
Issue Date: 1/20/2000
Effective Date: 1/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0034.pdf

The procedure for transferring cases within the CARES system when a household moves from one jurisdiction to another is being updated in order to ensure an efficient process that will provide high quality service to the customer.

Subject: Case Transfer Process
Control #: 00-34 Addendum
Issue Date: 2/23/2000
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0034Add.pdf

On January 20, 2000, FIA issued Action Transmittal 00-34 outlining the procedures for transferring case records between jurisdictions. The transmittal state that staff must attach a Case Transfer Form to the front of the paper record. The AT does not include a copy of this form.

Subject: Caseload Reassignment
Control #: 97-07cb
Issue Date: 12/31/1996
Effective Date: 12/31/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9707.pdf

Since the implementation of CARES, there have been frequent requests for caseload and district office reassignments. Completing a mass district office reassignment requires that all of the cases in a district office be reviewed, requiring a substantial amount of processing time. Therefore, the reassignment must be run on a weekend. The system will be unavailable during this period of time. Additionally, each time a reassignment is completed, the system will generate a notice informing the customer of a change in their case manager. This substantially increases the volume of mail, which must be generated by the DHR mailroom.

Subject: CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR FOOD STAMPS
Control #: 01-33
Issue Date: 2/26/2001
Effective Date: 3/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0133.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service published new regulations on November 21, 2000 that clarified food stamp categorical eligibility for families that receive a Temporary Assistance Needy Families (TANF) service or benefit. TANF funds many programs for families in Maryland. This policy will make more households potentially eligible for food stamp benefits effective March 1, 2001.

Subject: Census Income
Control #: 99-23
Issue Date: 12/14/1998
Effective Date: 1/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: TCA, FS, MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9923.pdf

In 1990, states were granted waivers to disregard the earnings from short-term, temporary employment with the 1990 Census Bureau. The waivers allowed recipients of cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance who were employed by the Census not to report either their employment or their income to their case managers. There will be no federal waivers for this Census.

Subject: Central Office SSI Clean Up Activities
Control #: 99-40
Issue Date: 4/16/1999
Effective Date: 3/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9940.pdf

In an effort to assist LDSS offices, FIA central staff is reconciling SSI cases. Based on information derived from SDX files as of 2/28/99, assistance units where the SSI recipient is deceased or no longer receives an SSI payment are part of the reconciliation effort.

Subject: Certification Periods
Control #: 97-49 Revised
Issue Date: 5/28/1997
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9749Rev.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods. In order to accommodate year 2000 processing limitation revised CARES procedures were developed and are outlined in this Action Transmittal.

Subject: Certification Periods
Control #: 97-49
Issue Date: 11/22/1996
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9749.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods.

Subject: Certification Periods at Application and Recertification
Control #: 02-33
Issue Date: 11/30/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0233.pdf

Subject: CERTIFICATION PERIODS, ENDING A CERTIFICATION PERIOD EARLY AND LENGTHENING A CERTIFICATION PERIOD
Control #: 01-51
Issue Date: 6/9/2001
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0151.PDF

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. The revised rules change how we assign certification periods and how we shorten certification periods. It also permits us to extend certification periods.

Subject: Certification Process
Control #: 98-17
Issue Date: 10/17/1997
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9817.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods. This action transmittal replaces FIA/OPA 97-49 REVISED. CARES procedures have changed; definitions and AIMS procedures remain the same.

Subject: Change In Adverse Action Time For TCA AND FS
Control #: 03-26
Issue Date: 11/23/2002
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0326.pdf

In 1995 Maryland began the process of welfare reform under a federally approved demonstration waiver. This demonstration waiver allowed us to use a five working day adverse action period for Temporary Cash Assistance and food stamps. We have lost the federal authority to continue to use a five working day adverse action period.

Subject: CHANGE IN COUNTIES THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS
Control #: 01-55
Issue Date: 6/29/2001
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0155.pdf

Every year we send a waiver request to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend Maryland's waiver to exempt counties from the requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). We recently received the FNS response that eliminated three jurisdictions from the exemption.

Subject: Change in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Issuance
Control #: 04-12
Issue Date: 10/20/2003
Effective Date: 11/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0412.pdf

Currently, the State issues food stamp regular monthly benefits over a five-day period according to alphabetical listing of the head of household’s last name.

The large volume of food stamps issued over the five-day period creates hardships on retailers and on customers waiting in long lines. Because of this, the Maryland Retailer’s Association met with DHR and requested a change in the EBT food stamps issuance schedule.

To be more responsive to the community, effective November 2003, we will issue food stamp benefits over a 10-day period. ...

Subject: Change In Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Issuance
Control #: 04-12
Issue Date: 10/20/2003
Effective Date: 11/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0412.pdf

Currently, the State issues food stamp regular monthly benefits over a five-day period according to alphabetical listing of the head of household’s last name.

To be more responsive to the community, effective November 2003, we will issue food stamp benefits over a 10-day period. ...

Subject: Change Of Address For The Immigration And Naturalization Service
Control #: 02-76
Issue Date: 5/15/2002
Effective Date: 5/15/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0276.pdf

Recently, We Received Information That The Immigration And Naturalization Service (INS) Moved To A New Address Two Years Ago. The US Postal Service May Return Verification Requests (G-845) To Local Departments Because The Forwarding Order Has Expired.

Subject: Change of Address Notification
Control #: 06-24
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.

Subject: Change Reporting Requirements
Control #: 02-38
Issue Date: 12/14/2001
Effective Date: 12/14/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0238.pdf

Beginning October 1, 2001 Maryland implemented new Simplified Reporting for Food Stamps (FS) and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Action Transmittal 02-18 provided local departments with the new simplified reporting policy and procedures for FS and TCA cases with earnings. This Information Memo is a reminder that the reporting requirements for Medical Assistance (MA) remain unchanged. The MA program is not subject to the simplified reporting policy and procedures.

Subject: Change Reporting Waiver
Control #: 98-04
Issue Date: 8/18/1997
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9804a.pdf

Recently, the Food and Consumer Service approved a waiver to the change reporting requirements. We requested the waiver in an effort to reduce errors in cases with fluctuating earned income.

Subject: Change to Automatic Re-Enrollment for Healthchoice Recipients
Control #: 02-30
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 11/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0230.pdf

Effective June 1, 2001, The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) adopted a new policy to comply with House Bill 1227-Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) Continuity of Care. The bill allows an enrollee 120 days, instead of 90 days to return to the MCO of record after losing and regaining eligibility. COMAR 10.09.06 will be amended after the first of the year.

Subject: Changes In Claims/Overpayment Policy
Control #: 02-21
Issue Date: 10/12/2001
Effective Date: 8/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0221.pdf

On August 2, 2000, the Food and Nutrition Service published final rules - Recipient Claim Establishment and Collection Standards with an implementation date of August 1, 2001. This action transmittal highlights the changes in policy. It also includes current policy in certain sections so that the changes are in context.

Subject: Changes in Eligibility For Certain Immigrants
Control #: 99-10
Issue Date: 9/17/1998
Effective Date: 11/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9910.pdf

On June 23, 1998 President Clinton signed Public Law 105-185, the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA). This legislation amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliaiton Act of 1996 and changes the eligibility rules for certain immigrants. Children, elderly and disabled immigrants who were lawfully present in the United States on August 22, 1996 will be eligible for federal food stamps. Members of the Hmong and Highland Laotian tribes and cross-border Native Americans will also be eligible. Refugees, asylees, immigrants whose deportation has been withheld, Cuban and Haitian entrants and Amerasians lawfully admitted for permanent residence will have their period of eligibility extended. These changes are effective November 1, 1998. We are providing this policy in advance so case managers can inform customers of this anticipated change.

Subject: Changes In FIA Substance Abuse Treatment And Services (SATS) Program: Sanctioning Policy, Employment Notification Procedures, And Referral Process To Family Services
Control #: 02-73
Issue Date: 5/11/2002
Effective Date: 5/11/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0273.pdf

This action transmittal changes the full family sanction to an individual sanction when a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) recipient fails to sign the Consent For the Release of Confidential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Information (DHR/FIA 1176) form. Also included in this AT are: ¨ Notification procedures between the FIA Case Manager and Addictions Specialist when a customer becomes employed, ¨ Guidelines for maintaining communication among Family Investment, Family Services and the Addictions Specialist when the Addictions Specialist identifies an individual that has a substance abuse barrier (briefly discussed in AT # 01-29); and An updated listing of MCO/BHO Authorization/Notification Numbers for Substance Abuse Treatment Services (Attachment IV).

Subject: Changes in Substance Abuse Treatment and Services (SATS) Program
Control #: 06-32
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.

Subject: Changes in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Policy
Control #: 97-75
Issue Date: 1/15/1997
Effective Date: 1/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9775.pdf

Applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments must usually wait several months before they are approved to receive payment. The first payment has been a lump-sum amount that included retroactive payments back to the date of application for the SSI benefits. The lump-sum amount for the retroactive payment was counted as a nonrecurring lump-sum payment and excluded as income for food stamps because it was always given in one payment. When the individual had signed the Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) and received DALP/TEMHA prior to being awarded SSI, the first check was sent tot he local department. The agency would then reimburse itself from the retroactive SSI check in to the amount that they had expanded in public assistance benefits. The remaining portion of the customer's SSI check in to the amount that they had expended in public assistance benefits. The remaining portion of the customer's SSI was then forwarded to the customer within 10 days.

Subject: Changes in the Maryland Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMIS)
Control #: 96-10
Issue Date: 9/28/1995
Effective Date: 9/25/1995
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9610.pdf

On December 4 , 1995, The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will convert from the current Maryland Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to MMIS-11.

Subject: Changes to QMB/SLMB Mail-in application
Control #: 06-26
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).

Subject: Changes to The Disquailifed Recipient Subsystem (DRS)
Control #: 03-42
Issue Date: 4/21/2003
Effective Date: 6/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0342.pdf

Action Transmittal # 03-21, effective January 1,2001 advised the local Departments of Social Services that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) had stopped printing the FNS-524 form. DHR created a replacement form (DHR/FIA 962) that the DSS were to begin using when their supply of old forms ran out. Congress frequently asks FNS to provide information on how often the penalty for trafficking drugs and firearms occurs and FNS has been unable to provide the information because they had no way to collect the data. FNS has now revised the coding on the DRS system and created a new data collection element for “Type of Offense”.

Subject: Changes To The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP and MCHP Premium) Effective July 1, 2004
Control #: 04-40
Issue Date: 7/13/2004
Effective Date: 7/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: MCHP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0440.pdf

Effective July 1, 2004, the following changes will occur for children whose family income is above 185 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but at or below 200 percent FPL (coverage group P14):

...[five bullet points]...

These changes are the result of the sunset of changes in State law enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in the Budget Bill of 2003. The sunset of these 2003 provisions also affects the MCHP Premium Program effective July 1, 2004. Those changes are listed at the end of the Transmittal, for informational purposes only.

Subject: Changes To The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP and MCHP Premium) Effective September 1, 2003
Control #: 04-06
Issue Date: 9/4/2003
Effective Date: 9/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: MCHP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0406.pdf

Effective September 1, 2003, the following changes will occur in the MCHP program:

-Children certified prior to September 1, 2003 whose family income is above 185 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but at or below 200 percent FPL (current coverage group P14) will have to pay a premium to continue coverage after that date. Children who applied prior to September 1, 2003, but whose eligibility is determined on or after that date, will have eligibility determined for the months prior to September, 2003, according to the eligibility rules in effect at that time.

-All children applying on or after September 1, 2003 whose family income is above 185 percent FPL but at or below 200 percent FPL will have to pay a premium before coverage will be provided. These children will not be enrolled in MCHP but will be referred to DHMH by CARES for enrollment in MCHP Premium. The required premium amount is $37 per family per month.

Subject: Child and Adult Care Food Program Verificaiton Form Interim Procedure
Control #: 98-01
Issue Date: 7/11/1997
Effective Date: 7/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9801a.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) established a two-tier system for assigning rates of reimbursement to family day care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). One of the provisions allows a family day care provider to qualify for the higher rate of reimbusement if they receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Food Stamp benefits. They must verify this.

Subject: Child Care Option in Lieu of Temporary Cash Assistance
Control #: 97-22 Revised
Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9722Rev.pdf

This Action Transmittal revises POC information. The "in lieu of" process for the Medical Assistance Extension has not changed and is identical to the information in Action Transmittal 97-22 whicn was effective October 1, 1996.

Subject: Child from a SanctionedAssistance Unit Living with Another Caretaker Relative
Control #: 02-28
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0228.pdf

This is one of several action transmittals for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) that is being issued as the result of the adoption of new Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 07.03.03.01 - .26). Prior FIP regulations were repealed and new FIP regulations were adopted in November 2001.

Subject: Child Immunization Elgibility Requirement
Control #: 00-50
Issue Date: 4/28/2000
Effective Date: 5/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0050.pdf

Federal regulations (45 CFR Part 98) for subsidized child care funding through the Child Care and Development Fun (CCDF) require states to establish immunization requirements to assure that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriate immunized according to the latest recommendation of the state public health agency.

Subject: Child Specific Benefit
Control #: 97-16
Issue Date: 5/7/1997
Effective Date: 5/7/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9716cb.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-78 listed the vendor type as "033" incorrectly.

Subject: Child Specific Benefit
Control #: 97-78
Issue Date: 1/21/1997
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9778.pdf

The Office of Policy Administration has revised the original procedure for issuing benefits under the Child Specific Benefit (CSB) provision. The policy has been simplified and the process for determining the CSB benefit streamlined. The primary purpose of the CSB initiative is to provide a benefit which is paid separtely from other TCA benefits for a household when a child is born 10 months or more after the head of household was informed of the CSB provision.

Subject: Child Specific Benefit (CSB)
Control #: 97-89
Issue Date: 6/9/1997
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9789.pdf

Senate Bill 499, the Welfare Innovation Act of 1997, revised the child support retention procedure for CSB children associated with TCA cases. Current procedures in FIA Action Transmittal 97-78 require the deduction of child support payments made specifically for the CSB child from the CSB benefit to determine theh proper benefit to be paid. The agency did not retain the child support payment but instead passed it through to the TCA customer on behalf of the CSB child. Additionally, the worker counted teh CSB child support payment in full when calculating Food Stamp benefits for the household.

Subject: Child Specific Benefit Waiver
Control #: 03-20
Issue Date: 9/25/2002
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0320.pdf

Over the past several years, the Department has worked to eliminate the Child Specific Benefit (CSB) requirements. This year, although both houses of the General Assembly voted to repeal CSB, the final legislation failed because they could not agree on other provisions in the bill. With the consent of the Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, the Department has devised an interim strategy to discontinue the CSB requirements.

Subject: Child Support and Fraud Sanctions
Control #: 97-31
Issue Date: 1/13/1997
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9731.pdf

The AFDC program sanctioned the caretaker relative for non-compliance with child support requirements. The children in the unit remained eligible for benefits. The caretaker relative was also sanctioned for an International Program Violation (IPV) decision made by a court of law. The rest of the unit remained eligible for benefits.

Subject: Child Support Calculations
Control #: 05-24
Issue Date: 2/1/2005
Effective Date: 2/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0524.pdf

This action transmittal provides instructions for calculating the last 3 months of Child Support payments instead of the last 6 months in order to get a more accurate average.

Subject: Child Support Collections
Control #: 02-63
Issue Date: 4/9/2002
Effective Date: 4/9/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0263.pdf

When entering child support collections remember to enter the full amount collected on the UINC screen of the child for whom the payment was intended. Do not enter this information on the UINC screen of the head of household because CARES will not calculate the correct deductions associated with these payments. Also remember to narrate all actions taken on the case.

Subject: Child Support Deduction
Control #: 96-09
Issue Date: 9/25/1995
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9609.pdf

This provides policy to implement the child support deduction.

Subject: Child Support Deduction
Control #: 96-13
Issue Date: 10/26/1995
Effective Date: 10/26/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9613.pdf

This provides a corrected page to Action Transmittal IMA OPA #96-09 issued September 25, 1995.

Subject: Child Support Requirements for Refugees and Asylees
Control #: 05-20
Issue Date: 1/7/2005
Effective Date: 1/7/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Purchase of Child Care (POC), Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0520.pdf

Civil war and political and religious persecutions continue in many countries of the world. The United States grants humanitarian status to some people whose countries are in turmoil. Some of these refugees, persons granted political asylum, and victims of trafficking are applying for assistance in Maryland’s local departments of social services. Many of these refugees and asylees fled for their lives. There is little or no knowledge about missing family members. There is little hope for the families to be reunited because many of the missing have been killed or fled to other countries.

The TCA, MA and POC programs all require a single parent applying for assistance for minor children to agree to file for child support against the absent parent and then cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) in attempting to obtain child support. This requirement causes unnecessary hardship on the refugee and asylee families and also results in increased financial expense for interpreters at the local departments and Child Support offices.

Subject: Children With Disabilities In Voluntary Placement
Control #: 05-12
Issue Date: 10/26/2004
Effective Date: 10/26/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0512.pdf

Last year the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 458, The Children with Disabilities – Voluntary Placement Act of 2003. Provisions of this bill permit parents/legal guardians to request a voluntary placement without relinquishing legal custody of a child if the child has a developmental disability or mental illness. The purpose of an out-of-home placement is to provide treatment or care for the child’s disability that the parent or legal guardian is unable to provide. Please refer to the Social Services Administration (SSA) Circular Letter #04-10 for additional information on children with disabilities in voluntary placement.

Subject: CIS Alert Identifying Runaways/Missing Children in Out-of-Home Placements
Control #: 05-36
Issue Date: 4/19/2005
Effective Date: 4/19/2005
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0536.pdf

The Social Services Administration (SSA) is responsible for tracking Foster Care children in out-of home placement to ensure that they are safe and receiving proper care. If a foster care child runs away or is missing, staff must use every resource to locate the child.

The Client Information System has alerts, which identify children in active State custody in runaway or missing status. When a child in this status seeks services or is referred for investigation, a message displays at the bottom of the CIS Client DataBase Participation, Services System/Client Inquiry and Services System/Service Unit Summary screens which says: “ALERT: RUNAWAY/MISSING.”

Subject: CIS Availability for 1997
Control #: 97-06
Issue Date: 12/16/1996
Effective Date: 12/16/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9706.pdf

Each year the Division of Program and Systems Support outlines the anticipated days that CIS will not be available.

Subject: CIS SERVICES - 1
Control #: 01-18
Issue Date: 11/17/2000
Effective Date: 11/17/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0118.pdf

CIS data entry for the POC program requires the completion of a Services-1 form. The purpose of this Action transmittal is to convey procedures for completing the Services-1 form for POC.

Subject: CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRANT STATUS AND SPONSORED IMMIGRANTS
Control #: 02-02
Issue Date: 7/23/2001
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0202.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. The required implementation date for many of the regulation changes was June 1, 2001. The changes clarify the definition of a child, describe how to determine countable quarters, define an indigent immigrant and change how we calculate the countable amount of a sponsor's income. This action transmittal provides the new policy and clarifications.

Subject: Citizenship and Immigration Status Reminder
Control #: 05-38
Issue Date: 5/2/2005
Effective Date: 5/2/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0538.pdf

Recently, we have received complaints about how some local offices are handling food stamp cases that include ineligible or undocumented immigrants who are applying only for children or other persons who are eligible. We are issuing this information memo to clarify the policy.

Case managers cannot deny benefits to eligible citizen or immigrant household members simply because other household members do not disclose their citizenship or immigration status or provide a social security number (SSN).

Subject: Claim Management
Control #: 98-41
Issue Date: 3/23/1998
Effective Date: 3/23/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9841.pdf

Action Transmittal 96-01 issued July 24, 1995, which contained information about a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver permitting local departments to discard inadvertent household error and administrative error claims under $100, is obsolete. The Food and Nutrition Service provided new options for claims management policy.

Subject: Claims Collection Procedures
Control #: 03-05
Issue Date: 8/8/2002
Effective Date: 9/30/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0305.pdf

On June 23, 2001, the two-way automat