The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a new mandate that will affect Medical Assistance (MA) enrollees slated for renewal in the coming months of April, May, and June 2024. These individuals are being told to verify assets to continue receiving their benefits, according to the latest DHS bulletin. This verification process is set to impact enrollees who are not part of the asset disregard group and are subjected to an asset limit.
To not delay renewals, involved enrollees are instructed to use the Account Validation Service (AVS) to check for unreported financial accounts that might affect their eligibility. The DHS is reaching out to these individuals with updated paper renewal forms that specifically request asset information from those whose benefits began on or after April 1, 2023. Following the unwinding period from continuous coverage requirements that ended March 31, 2023, this move comes in to ensure that only eligible individuals continue to benefit from the Medical Assistance programs.
According to a bulletin available on the DHS website, "A complete and valid Authorization to Obtain Financial Information from the Account Validation Service (AVS) (DHS-7823) (PDF) is a condition of eligibility and is required for a renewal to be considered complete." Individuals are required to have a signed authorization on file before a request for AVS can be made. Should an enrollee refuse to sign, revoke, or fail to return the authorization promptly, their eligibility could be denied or closed.
The DHS bulletin further outlines that "Agencies must submit an AVS request at each annual renewal for MA-ABD enrollees subject to an asset limit." If the AVS reveals unreported accounts, enrollees are expected to verify those accounts to renew their eligibility. The DHS has mandated county and tribal eligibility workers to rigorously follow these policies and procedures, which are now laid out in their most recent instructions.
Those who need the information in accessible formats or have other questions regarding disability rights and protections can reach out to the agency's ADA coordinator or call, with options available for individuals with disabilities. The DHS maintains its commitment to ensuring that all eligible individuals continue to get the support they need, with strict compliance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and relevant Minnesota state laws. For further details on the new requirements and policies, individuals can refer to the official DHS bulletin here.
