Update Log

Publication History

This publication supersedes all previous Presumptive Eligibility . Published by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, July 2016 and prior. This manual was updated June 2017.

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2014 American Medical Association (or such other date of publication of CPT). All Rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Apply.

Update Log

06/152017 The manual was updated to include 2017 requirements and converted to a 508 compliant format.

Table of Contents

Presumptive Eligibility Public Assistance Programs

Key Contacts

Definitions

The Role of a Qualified Entity

Eligibility and Coverage

Timing

Step 1 – Verify the Person(s) Coverage Status

Step 2 – The Presumptive Eligibility Application

Applicant Information
Household Information
Income Information and Signature
Application Addendum for Immigrants (Information on Qualified Non-Citizens)
QE Evaluates Who Counts in Household Size

Step 3 – Making a PE Determination

Step 4 – Finalizing the PE Process

Proof of Temporary Coverage for Presumptive Eligibility

Step 5 – Follow Up and Scan/Fax

Summary of Qualified Entity Responsibilities

Index

Presumptive Eligibility Public Assistance Programs

The Affordable Care Act implemented new regulations giving hospitals and affiliated facilities participating with Medicaid, the option to make Presumptive Eligibility (PE) determinations for special populations. Note: Employees of County Health Departments or similar facilities who made Presumptive Eligibility determination for Pregnant Woman coverage prior to December 31, 2013 may continue to make these determinations after January 1, 2014 based on the new training and methodology, but may not make determinations for other coverage groups.

All providers electing PE must comply with State of Montana requirements for determining PE for the following groups:

►    HMK Plus, formerly known as Children’s Medicaid

• Children UP TO age 19

►    HMK, formerly known as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

•  Children UP TO age 19

►    Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid

•  For individuals who live together and are related by Marriage and/or Parentage.
• The parent or caretaker relative must have a related dependent child living with them in the home. Dependent children are under age 19.

►   Pregnant Woman

•  Pregnant women presenting for services prior to delivery

►   Individuals age 19-64

• For individuals between the ages of 19-64.
•  Not pregnant at the time of application.
•  Not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A
• Not enrolled in Medicare Part B
• For parents and caretakers not income eligible for the Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid listed above.

►   Former Foster Care (Individual Care, up to age 26)

• For individuals who were in Foster Care and receiving Medicaid at age 18
• May apply if currently between the ages of 18 and 25 (UP TO age 26)
• No Income limit or resource/asset test; should be evaluated for PE as an individual even if living in a household with other family members.

►   Breast and Cervical Cancer

• For woman (ages19-64) presenting for services after screening at a designated Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program facility AND after receiving diagnosis and treatment options for breast and/or cervical cancer.
• A Montana Breast and Cervical Screening Form, Enrollment Form, and the Montana Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program Medicaid Referral form must be presented to be eligible for PE.
• Income and household size do not need to be evaluated for PE since they are reviewed during the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening process.
• Applicants cannot have other insurance which covers breast or cervical cancer treatment.

Benefits for each of these groups vary according to the coverage group. Presumptive eligibility is SHORT TERM coverage. It is only available once every 12 months (or once per pregnancy) and lasts from the date of the determination until a determination of program eligibility is made, OR until the last day of the month following the month of determination, whichever is earlier.

Key Contacts:

Definitions:

Applicant:
Person applying for coverage for themselves, a spouse, or dependent child
Application:
The Presumptive Eligibility Application
Application for Health Coverage:
The “Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs” used to apply for ongoing health coverage for Medicaid, HMK, or HMK Plus. Appendices A, B, or C may need to be completed if they apply.
Breast and Cervical Cancer:
Women ages 19 through 64 who have been screened and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer; applicants must present 3 required forms and must not have other insurance which covers cancer treatment.
Determination:
Eligibility decision for Presumptive Eligibility (PE) coverage.
Determination Date:
The date a presumptive eligibility decision is made by a Qualified Entity (QE).
Eligibility Period:
Presumptive Eligibility coverage starts on the date of determination and ends the earlier of: the date a determination of ongoing program eligibility is made, or the end of the month following the month of the PE determination. An applicant may have only one PE period in 12 months, or only one PE Period per pregnancy.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
Poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous stated and the District of Columbia as published under the “Annual Update on HHS Poverty Guidelines” in the Federal Register each year, on or about February 15. The FPL is used in combination with household size to determine presumptive eligibility.
Former Foster Care between ages 18 and 26: Individuals who were in Foster Care and receiving Medicaid when they turned 18. May apply for PE if between ages 18 and 25(until age 26), and should be evaluated for PE as an individual even if living in a household with other family members. No Income limits apply.
Health Montana Kids (HMK):
Formerly known as the Children’s Health Insurance Plan(CHIP), HMK serves eligible children up to age 19 in households with income between 144% and 261% of the FPL.
Health Montana Kids Plus (HMK Plus):
Formerly known as Children’s Medicaid, HMK Plus serves eligible children up to age 19 in households with incomes between 0% and 143% of the FPL.
Income Calculation Tool:
Reference table identifying household size and corresponding maximum income levels for persons or households applying for Presumptive Eligibility.
Individuals ages 19-64:
This expansion group covers individuals ages 19-64 that are not pregnant at the time of application, not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A, not enrolled in Medicare Part B and are between 24% and 133% of the FPL.
Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid:
For individuals living together and related by marriage and/or parentage. The parent or caretaker relative must have an eligible related dependent child under age 19 living in the home and have income between 0% and 23% of the FPL.
Pregnant Woman:
Pregnant women presenting for services prior to delivery. The income limit for this category is from 0% to 159% of the FPL. No hard copy verification of pregnancy is required. Covers ambulatory prenatal care ONLY.
PE Determination:
A decision of temporary eligibility is called a determination. A Qualified Entity (QE) from a healthcare facility must be trained by the State of Montana in order to make a PE Determination based on self-attested information provided by an individual or household.
Presumptive Eligibility (PE): Expedited eligibility process of determining temporary health care coverage for persons eligible for specific public assistance programs.
Proof of Temporary Coverage Letter:
Approval notices prepared by a QE verifying temporary coverage in a specific public assistance program; used in place of a member ID card.
Qualified Entity (QE):
Representative of a health facility trained and certified to make Presumptive Eligibility determinations.
Self-Attestation:
An applicant’s sworn statement of the accuracy of the information they provide, such as income, household size, and residency, as reported on an application or as a change either verbally, electronically, or in writing.
Web Portal:
On-Line resource site for Qualified Entities and health care providers to check current health care coverage for persons applying for PE (access from the home page of the provider website).

The Role of a Qualified Entity

Access to health care is critical for uninsured or underinsured persons when faced with sudden, serious, and often very expensive health care needs. Qualified Entities are vital to the Presumptive Eligibility process. As a Qualified Entity, you are trained and certified to make accurate, complete and timely determinations of PE coverage. Once a person(s) is determined eligible for PE, he/she receives temporary health care coverage for a period not to exceed 60 days. Reimbursement for your facility, and the family’s peace of mind depend upon your due diligence and attention to detail. Once you determine a person presumptively eligible, your facility’s services will be paid covered services on or after the date of your determination, and PE coverage may continue for a period up to the end of the month following the month of determination. If the State later determines a person is/is not eligible for coverage, PE will end at the time of that final determination. If a PE determination is made in error, PE may be denied at the State’s discretion.

Eligibility and Coverage

• Presumptive Eligibility is based primarily on age, status of the applicant(s), and household size and income.
• PE Coverage is temporary – Eligibility begins on the date of determination and ends the last day of the month following the month of determination, or sooner, if a determination of ongoing program eligibility is finalized. Facilities are required to provide applicants with the Application for Coverage and Help Paying Costs and Appendices A, B, and C, and assist with the completion of applications and appendices if necessary.
• A person may have only one PE period in a twelve month period, or only one PE period per pregnancy.
• Presumptively eligible persons receive the same benefits as a standard covered enrollee in the public assistance program for which they are eligible during the presumptive eligibility period. The exception to this is Pregnant Woman Presumptive, only ambulatory services are covered.

Timing

• On the date a person presents for services, or as soon as possible, have the applicant (or a representative) complete the Presumptive Eligibility Application. PE coverage begins on the date of determination. If eligible, the person has timely coverage, and the facility is reimbursed for covered services.
• The PE application AND the Proof of Temporary Coverage Form must be faxed or scanned and emailed to the Human and Community Services Central Office within 5 days of making the Presumptive Eligibility Determination. Staff will then finalize the PE enrollment so eligibility information displays correctly on the web portal to generate the appropriate reimbursement for services.
• If a PE determination cannot be made on the date a person presents for services or the first day of a hospital stay, an Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs should be completed an turned in to the State (with required documentation) during the same month the person receives series. Then, pending an eligibility determination, the eligibility effective date would be the 1st of the month of application OR date of birth (for newborns).

Step 1 - Verify the Person(s) Coverage Status

*    Verify if the person has current coverage and/or
*    Verify if the person has received Presumptive Eligibility within the past 12 months:

►   Web Portal – www.mtmedicaid.org (see “Eligibility Spans”, example below)
►    Fax Back – 1-800-714-0075
►    Automated Voice Response – 1-800-714-0060

Web Portal Example 1 (Verify if the person has current coverage):

Web Portal Example 2 (Verify if the person had PE within the past 12 months):

Step 2 – The Presumptive Eligibility Application

Have the Applicant (or a representative) complete the Presumptive Eligibility Application as follows:

•  Applicant Information

• Household Information

►Page 3 of the application also includes an Addendum for immigrants who need information about whether they are a Qualified Non-Citizen.  The Addendum does not need to be submitted with the PE application.  See the information from the Addendum later in this chapter.

►"Has Health Insurance" applies only to those who may qualify for HMK PE

• Income and Signature

• Application Addendum for Immigrants (Information on Qualified Non-Citizen)

ALL PERSONS WHO ARE IMMIGRANTS NEED TO REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE A QUALIFIED NON-CITIZEN; THEN THEY SHOULD MARK THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE ON THE
PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION, HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION, COLUMN 8.

Those who are in ANY of the following groups would be considered a Qualified Non-Citizen:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holder)  **SEE FURTHER INFORMATION, BELOW
• Asylees
• Refugees
• Cuban/Haitian entrants
• Paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
• Conditional entrant granted before 1980
• Battered non-citizens, spouses, children, or parents
• Victims of trafficking and his or her spouse, child, sibling, or parent or individuals with a pending application for a victim of trafficking visa
• Granted withholding of deportation
• Member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada
• Children lawfully residing in the state of Montana (lawfully present and otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK in the state, including being a state resident)

**In order to get Medicaid coverage, under current law most ADULT Lawful Permanent Residents or green card holders have a 5-year waiting period. This means they must wait 5 years after receiving “qualified” immigration status before being eligible for Medicaid. There are also exceptions -- Lawful Permanent Residents who don’t have to wait 5 years -- such as people who used to be refugees or asylees.

Montana has removed the 5-year waiting period to cover lawfully residing children who are otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK. A child is “lawfully residing” if lawfully present and otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK in the state (including being a state resident).
NOTE:  Immigrants who are qualified non-citizens are generally eligible for Medicaid and  Children’s Health Insurance Program (HMK) coverage IF they are otherwise eligible for Medicaid and HMK in the state; that is, if they meet Montana’s income eligibility rules.

• QE Evaluates Who Counts in Household Size

Before making a PE Determination, a Qualified Entity needs to evaluate which individuals will be “counted” as part of the household. The following examples can be referenced for how to count persons in the household.

Pregnant Women: Include the pregnant woman, the unborn child(ren), the father of the unborn (if married and living together), and any other children (of the unborn’s married parents) under age 19 who live in the home. For example:

• Ann is a single mother with one child and has a significant other in the household. She is pregnant with one child. For this household,
  Count: Ann, her child, and the unborn (Household Size 3). Do not count the significant other OR his income because he and Ann are not married.
• Julie and her husband are expecting their first child, and are living in the same household.
  Count: Julie, her husband, and the unborn (Household size 3) and all their income.
• Mary and her husband have 2 children and Mary is pregnant. They currently live with Mary’s parents, who require living assistance.
  Count: Mary, her husband, their 2 children and the unborn (Household size 5) and their income.
  DO NOT Count: Mary’s parents.

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), Health Montana Kids Plus (HMK Plus), Parent/Caretaker Relative: Include all those on the application that are connected by marriage or parentage who live in the household, along with any unborn children. This includes all Natural, Adoptive, and/or Step Parents and birth, adoptive, or step children under age 19, as well as any unborn children of these persons. DO NOT INCLUDE other adult relatives who file their own tax return. For Example:

• Pamela, her significant other Dan, Pamela’s two children, and Pamela and Dan’s unborn child all live together.
  Count: Pamela, her two children, and the unborn (Household size 4).
  DO NOT Count: Dan and his income until there is a child in common for him and Pamela. Once the baby is born count: Pamela, Dan, her two children, and Pamela and Dan’s child in common (Household Size 5), as Dan is connected by parentage.
• Lily, Rose, and Paul live with their maternal grandparents and are not adopted by the grandparents.
  Count: Lily, Rose, and Paul only (Household size 3).
  Do Not Count: The grandparents as they are not related by parentage.
• Susan has 3 children, including and 18 year old daughter who just had a baby. Susan’s brother Michael and his son also live with Susan, her children and grandchild.
  Count: Susan, her children, and her grandchild (Household Size 5).
  Do Not Count: Michael and his son don’t count as they are not related to Susan, her children or grandchild by marriage or parentage.

Individuals age 19-64: Include all household members that are between the ages of 19 and 64, not pregnant at the time of application, not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B, and Parent/Caretaker relatives that are over income for the Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid. For Example:

• Cindy, her significant other Jim, and her two children all live together.
  Count: Cindy and her two children.
  Do Not Count: Jim is his own household. Because Cindy and Jim are not married, they will not be counted in the same household. If they were married, everyone would be included (Household size 4).

Step 3 – Making a PE Determination

Qualified Entities must complete the “For Office Use only” box for ALL PE Determinations.

Complete the entire box “For Office Use Only.” Copy the “Combined Total Monthly Gross Income” figure from the applicant’s Income information box (page 2 of the PE application). Count how many people are in the household and record the number under “Family Size” in the box shown above. Using the Income Calculation Tool, compare the Total Monthly Gross into to the correct household size to determine the program eligibility for the PE Application. Once the eligible individuals are identified, enter their name, etc. on the “Proof of Temporary Coverage” Form.

The Income Calculation Tool is updated annually to reflect changes to the Federal Poverty Level.

Step 4 – Finalizing the PE Process

Review the PE application to be certain all of the information is complete. Notify the applicant(s) of any missing information. Remember, QE’s MUST complete the entire “For Office Use Only” box, applicants do not complete any of that information. Complete the Proof of Temporary Coverage form and return it with the completed PE application either by Fax or Scan as directed on the Application and/or Proof of Temporary Coverage.

►  Give a copy of the PE application and the Proof of Temporary Coverage letter to the applicant(s).

Step 5 – Follow Up and Scan/Fax

Notify the applicant(s) of your determination, and let them know they will be receiving a letter confirming Presumptive Eligibility in approximately 10 days.

Within 5 days of the date of determination, Scan the PE Application, and Proof of Temporary Coverage form, create a secure ePass account (Web address: transfer.mt.gov), and email the scanned documents to: HHSPresumptive@mt.gov   OR fax the application and Proof of Temporary Coverage form to Central Office at 1-877-418-4533
Be sure to keep a copy of your Fax verification or email record in case DPHHS does not receive it. You might want to keep a copy of the application until the approval is seen in the Web Portal or on the Fax back. You will not be notified of an approval of an application but will you will be notified of a denial.

!!!Important!!!  Further Application Assistance required!

► Explain to the applicant(s) they will receive a letter confirming PE within approximately 10 days.
► Provide the applicant(s) a copy of the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs and Appendixes A, B, and/or C.
►  Refer them to the appropriate contact in your facility who can assist them with completing the application, gathering any materials necessary for submission with the application, and submission of the application to the State of Montana.

Summary of Qualified Entity Responsibilities

Remember, PE Coverage begins on the Determination Date.

1. 1As soon as possible after a person presents for services, determine if they are uninsured or underinsured. Check the Web Portal to determine if the person already has or has had PE within the past 12 months, or if coverage already exists. If the person has existing coverage, or has had PE within the past 12 months, STOP! No further action is necessary.

• You can help the client apply for Health Coverage using the Application for Health coverage and Help Paying Costs, if the client wants your help.

2.    Provide the PE Application for completion by the client.

• Make sure they sign the application.

3.    Complete the appropriate QE boxes/information on the PE Application AND the Proof of Coverage form.

4.    Finalize your determination after evaluating income based on the household size.

• Be sure the use the Income Tool to determine eligibility with the household’s income. It is very important that the client be determined eligible or not eligible correctly.

5.    Sign and date the application after all the information requested on the form has been completed.

6.    Give the applicant a copy of the completed PE application, the completed Proof of Temporary Coverage letter, and the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs.

• Be sure to arrange for assistance with completion of the form and gathering of needed information. Assist with submission for the State of Montana for eligibility determination.

7.     Fax or scan the completed PE Application and Proof of Temporary coverage form to Central office within 5 days of the date of determination.

• Fax number is 1-877-418-4533

Please contact us at any time if you have questions, need training or additional supplies, or need to verify any information about presumptive eligibility.

Return to the Presumptive Eligibility Page

Index

In place of an index, this edition has three search options.

1. Search the whole manual. Open the Complete Manual pane.  From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time.  A search box will appear.  Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show all locations where denials discussed in the manual.
2. Search by Chapter. Open any Chapter tab (for example the "Billing Procedures" tab).  From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time.  A search box will appear.  Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show where denials discussed in just that chapter.
3. Site Search.  Search the manual as well as other documents related to a particular search term on the Montana Healthcare Programs Site Specific Search page.

End of Index Chapter

End of Presumptive Eligibility Guide

Presumptive Eligibility Qualified Entity Reference Guide

To print this manual, right click your mouse and choose "print".  Printing the manual material found at this website for long-term use is not advisable. Department Policy material is updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the users to check and make sure that the policy they are researching or applying has the correct effective date for their circumstances.

Update Log

Publication History

This publication supersedes all previous Presumptive Eligibility . Published by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, July 2016 and prior. This manual was updated June 2017.

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2014 American Medical Association (or such other date of publication of CPT). All Rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Apply.

Update Log

06/152017 The manual was updated to include 2017 requirements and converted to a 508 compliant format.

Table of Contents

Presumptive Eligibility Public Assistance Programs

Key Contacts

Definitions

The Role of a Qualified Entity

Eligibility and Coverage

Timing

Step 1 – Verify the Person(s) Coverage Status

Step 2 – The Presumptive Eligibility Application

Applicant Information
Household Information
Income Information and Signature
Application Addendum for Immigrants (Information on Qualified Non-Citizens)
QE Evaluates Who Counts in Household Size

Step 3 – Making a PE Determination

Step 4 – Finalizing the PE Process

Proof of Temporary Coverage for Presumptive Eligibility

Step 5 – Follow Up and Scan/Fax

Summary of Qualified Entity Responsibilities

Key Contacts:

Please contact us at any time if you have questions, need training or additional supplies, or need to verify any information about presumptive eligibility.

For Training Questions contact:
Justine Welker
Telephone: (406) 708-7075
lvogl@mt.gov       

For Eligibility Questions contact:
Alice Lewis
(406) 731-5774
alewis@mt.gov

Presumptive Eligibility Public Assistance Programs

The Affordable Care Act implemented new regulations giving hospitals and affiliated facilities participating with Medicaid, the option to make Presumptive Eligibility (PE) determinations for special populations. Note: Employees of County Health Departments or similar facilities who made Presumptive Eligibility determination for Pregnant Woman coverage prior to December 31, 2013 may continue to make these determinations after January 1, 2014 based on the new training and methodology, but may not make determinations for other coverage groups.

All providers electing PE must comply with State of Montana requirements for determining PE for the following groups:

►    HMK Plus, formerly known as Children’s Medicaid

• Children UP TO age 19

►    HMK, formerly known as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

•  Children UP TO age 19

►    Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid

•  For individuals who live together and are related by Marriage and/or Parentage.
• The parent or caretaker relative must have a related dependent child living with them in the home. Dependent children are under age 19.

►   Pregnant Woman

•  Pregnant women presenting for services prior to delivery

►   Individuals age 19-64

• For individuals between the ages of 19-64.
•  Not pregnant at the time of application.
•  Not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A
• Not enrolled in Medicare Part B
• For parents and caretakers not income eligible for the Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid listed above.

►   Former Foster Care (Individual Care, up to age 26)

• For individuals who were in Foster Care and receiving Medicaid at age 18
• May apply if currently between the ages of 18 and 25 (UP TO age 26)
• No Income limit or resource/asset test; should be evaluated for PE as an individual even if living in a household with other family members.

►   Breast and Cervical Cancer

• For woman (ages19-64) presenting for services after screening at a designated Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program facility AND after receiving diagnosis and treatment options for breast and/or cervical cancer.
• A Montana Breast and Cervical Screening Form, Enrollment Form, and the Montana Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program Medicaid Referral form must be presented to be eligible for PE.
• Income and household size do not need to be evaluated for PE since they are reviewed during the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening process.
• Applicants cannot have other insurance which covers breast or cervical cancer treatment.

Benefits for each of these groups vary according to the coverage group. Presumptive eligibility is SHORT TERM coverage. It is only available once every 12 months (or once per pregnancy) and lasts from the date of the determination until a determination of program eligibility is made, OR until the last day of the month following the month of determination, whichever is earlier.

Definitions:

Applicant:
Person applying for coverage for themselves, a spouse, or dependent child
Application:
The Presumptive Eligibility Application
Application for Health Coverage:
The “Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs” used to apply for ongoing health coverage for Medicaid, HMK, or HMK Plus. Appendices A, B, or C may need to be completed if they apply.
Breast and Cervical Cancer:
Women ages 19 through 64 who have been screened and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer; applicants must present 3 required forms and must not have other insurance which covers cancer treatment.
Determination:
Eligibility decision for Presumptive Eligibility (PE) coverage.
Determination Date:
The date a presumptive eligibility decision is made by a Qualified Entity (QE).
Eligibility Period:
Presumptive Eligibility coverage starts on the date of determination and ends the earlier of: the date a determination of ongoing program eligibility is made, or the end of the month following the month of the PE determination. An applicant may have only one PE period in 12 months, or only one PE Period per pregnancy.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
Poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous stated and the District of Columbia as published under the “Annual Update on HHS Poverty Guidelines” in the Federal Register each year, on or about February 15. The FPL is used in combination with household size to determine presumptive eligibility.
Former Foster Care between ages 18 and 26: Individuals who were in Foster Care and receiving Medicaid when they turned 18. May apply for PE if between ages 18 and 25(until age 26), and should be evaluated for PE as an individual even if living in a household with other family members. No Income limits apply.
Health Montana Kids (HMK):
Formerly known as the Children’s Health Insurance Plan(CHIP), HMK serves eligible children up to age 19 in households with income between 144% and 261% of the FPL.
Health Montana Kids Plus (HMK Plus):
Formerly known as Children’s Medicaid, HMK Plus serves eligible children up to age 19 in households with incomes between 0% and 143% of the FPL.
Income Calculation Tool:
Reference table identifying household size and corresponding maximum income levels for persons or households applying for Presumptive Eligibility.
Individuals ages 19-64:
This expansion group covers individuals ages 19-64 that are not pregnant at the time of application, not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A, not enrolled in Medicare Part B and are between 24% and 133% of the FPL.
Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid:
For individuals living together and related by marriage and/or parentage. The parent or caretaker relative must have an eligible related dependent child under age 19 living in the home and have income between 0% and 23% of the FPL.
Pregnant Woman:
Pregnant women presenting for services prior to delivery. The income limit for this category is from 0% to 159% of the FPL. No hard copy verification of pregnancy is required. Covers ambulatory prenatal care ONLY.
PE Determination:
A decision of temporary eligibility is called a determination. A Qualified Entity (QE) from a healthcare facility must be trained by the State of Montana in order to make a PE Determination based on self-attested information provided by an individual or household.
Presumptive Eligibility (PE): Expedited eligibility process of determining temporary health care coverage for persons eligible for specific public assistance programs.
Proof of Temporary Coverage Letter:
Approval notices prepared by a QE verifying temporary coverage in a specific public assistance program; used in place of a member ID card.
Qualified Entity (QE):
Representative of a health facility trained and certified to make Presumptive Eligibility determinations.
Self-Attestation:
An applicant’s sworn statement of the accuracy of the information they provide, such as income, household size, and residency, as reported on an application or as a change either verbally, electronically, or in writing.
Web Portal:
On-Line resource site for Qualified Entities and health care providers to check current health care coverage for persons applying for PE ( access from the home page of the provider website).

The Role of a Qualified Entity

Access to health care is critical for uninsured or underinsured persons when faced with sudden, serious, and often very expensive health care needs. Qualified Entities are vital to the Presumptive Eligibility process. As a Qualified Entity, you are trained and certified to make accurate, complete and timely determinations of PE coverage. Once a person(s) is determined eligible for PE, he/she receives temporary health care coverage for a period not to exceed 60 days. Reimbursement for your facility, and the family’s peace of mind depend upon your due diligence and attention to detail. Once you determine a person presumptively eligible, your facility’s services will be paid covered services on or after the date of your determination, and PE coverage may continue for a period up to the end of the month following the month of determination. If the State later determines a person is/is not eligible for coverage, PE will end at the time of that final determination. If a PE determination is made in error, PE may be denied at the State’s discretion.

Eligibility and Coverage

• Presumptive Eligibility is based primarily on age, status of the applicant(s), and household size and income.
• PE Coverage is temporary – Eligibility begins on the date of determination and ends the last day of the month following the month of determination, or sooner, if a determination of ongoing program eligibility is finalized. Facilities are required to provide applicants with the Application for Coverage and Help Paying Costs and Appendices A, B, and C , and assist with the completion of applications and appendices if necessary.
• A person may have only one PE period in a twelve month period, or only one PE period per pregnancy.
• Presumptively eligible persons receive the same benefits as a standard covered enrollee in the public assistance program for which they are eligible during the presumptive eligibility period. The exception to this is Pregnant Woman Presumptive, only ambulatory services are covered.

Timing

• On the date a person presents for services, or as soon as possible, have the applicant (or a representative) complete the Presumptive Eligibility Application. PE coverage begins on the date of determination . If eligible, the person has timely coverage, and the facility is reimbursed for covered services.
• The PE application AND the Proof of Temporary Coverage Form must be faxed or scanned and emailed to the Human and Community Services Central Office within 5 days of making the Presumptive Eligibility Determination. Staff will then finalize the PE enrollment so eligibility information displays correctly on the web portal to generate the appropriate reimbursement for services.
• If a PE determination cannot be made on the date a person presents for services or the first day of a hospital stay, an Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs should be completed an turned in to the State (with required documentation) during the same month the person receives series. Then, pending an eligibility determination, the eligibility effective date would be the 1st of the month of application OR date of birth (for newborns).

Step 1 - Verify the Person(s) Coverage Status

*    Verify if the person has current coverage and/or
*    Verify if the person has received Presumptive Eligibility within the past 12 months:

►   Web Portal – www.mtmedicaid.org (see “Eligibility Spans”, example below)
►    Fax Back – 1-800-714-0075
►    Automated Voice Response – 1-800-714-0060

Web Portal Example 1 (Verify if the person has current coverage):

Web Portal Example 2 (Verify if the person had PE within the past 12 months):

Step 2 – The Presumptive Eligibility Application

Have the Applicant (or a representative) complete the Presumptive Eligibility Application as follows:

•  Applicant Information

• Household Information

►Page 3 of the application also includes an Addendum for immigrants who need information about whether they are a Qualified Non-Citizen.  The Addendum does not need to be submitted with the PE application.  See the information from the Addendum later in this chapter.

►"Has Health Insurance" applies only to those who may qualify for HMK PE

• Income and Signature

• Application Addendum for Immigrants (Information on Qualified Non-Citizen)

ALL PERSONS WHO ARE IMMIGRANTS NEED TO REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE A QUALIFIED NON-CITIZEN; THEN THEY SHOULD MARK THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE ON THE
PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION, HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION, COLUMN 8.

Those who are in ANY of the following groups would be considered a Qualified Non-Citizen:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holder )   **SEE FURTHER INFORMATION, BELOW
• Asylees
• Refugees
• Cuban/Haitian entrants
• Paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
• Conditional entrant granted before 1980
• Battered non-citizens, spouses, children, or parents
• Victims of trafficking and his or her spouse, child, sibling, or parent or individuals with a pending application for a victim of trafficking visa
• Granted withholding of deportation
• Member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada
• Children lawfully residing in the state of Montana (lawfully present and otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK in the state, including being a state resident)

**In order to get Medicaid coverage, under current law most ADULT Lawful Permanent Residents or green card holders have a 5-year waiting period. This means they must wait 5 years after receiving “qualified” immigration status before being eligible for Medicaid. There are also exceptions -- Lawful Permanent Residents who don’t have to wait 5 years -- such as people who used to be refugees or asylees.

Montana has removed the 5-year waiting period to cover lawfully residing children who are otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK. A child is “lawfully residing” if lawfully present and otherwise eligible for Medicaid or HMK in the state (including being a state resident).
NOTE:  Immigrants who are qualified non-citizens are generally eligible for Medicaid and  Children’s Health Insurance Program (HMK) coverage IF they are otherwise eligible for Medicaid and HMK in the state; that is, if they meet Montana’s income eligibility rules .

• QE Evaluates Who Counts in Household Size

Before making a PE Determination, a Qualified Entity needs to evaluate which individuals will be “counted” as part of the household. The following examples can be referenced for how to count persons in the household.

Pregnant Women: Include the pregnant woman, the unborn child(ren), the father of the unborn (if married and living together), and any other children (of the unborn’s married parents) under age 19 who live in the home. For example:

• Ann is a single mother with one child and has a significant other in the household. She is pregnant with one child. For this household,
  Count: Ann, her child, and the unborn (Household Size 3). Do not count the significant other OR his income because he and Ann are not married.
• Julie and her husband are expecting their first child, and are living in the same household.
  Count: Julie, her husband, and the unborn (Household size 3) and all their income.
• Mary and her husband have 2 children and Mary is pregnant. They currently live with Mary’s parents, who require living assistance.
  Count: Mary, her husband, their 2 children and the unborn (Household size 5) and their income.
  DO NOT Count: Mary’s parents.

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), Health Montana Kids Plus (HMK Plus), Parent/Caretaker Relative: Include all those on the application that are connected by marriage or parentage who live in the household, along with any unborn children. This includes all Natural, Adoptive, and/or Step Parents and birth, adoptive, or step children under age 19, as well as any unborn children of these persons. DO NOT INCLUDE other adult relatives who file their own tax return. For Example:

• Pamela, her significant other Dan, Pamela’s two children, and Pamela and Dan’s unborn child all live together.
  Count: Pamela, her two children, and the unborn (Household size 4).
  DO NOT Count: Dan and his income until there is a child in common for him and Pamela. Once the baby is born count: Pamela, Dan, her two children, and Pamela and Dan’s child in common (Household Size 5), as Dan is connected by parentage.
• Lily, Rose, and Paul live with their maternal grandparents and are not adopted by the grandparents.
  Count: Lily, Rose, and Paul only (Household size 3).
  Do Not Count: The grandparents as they are not related by parentage.
• Susan has 3 children, including and 18 year old daughter who just had a baby. Susan’s brother Michael and his son also live with Susan, her children and grandchild.
  Count: Susan, her children, and her grandchild (Household Size 5).
  Do Not Count: Michael and his son don’t count as they are not related to Susan, her children or grandchild by marriage or parentage.

Individuals age 19-64 : Include all household members that are between the ages of 19 and 64, not pregnant at the time of application, not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B, and Parent/Caretaker relatives that are over income for the Parent/Caretaker Relative Medicaid. For Example:

• Cindy, her significant other Jim, and her two children all live together.
  Count: Cindy and her two children.
  Do Not Count: Jim is his own household. Because Cindy and Jim are not married, they will not be counted in the same household. If they were married, everyone would be included (Household size 4).

Step 3 – Making a PE Determination

Qualified Entities must complete the “For Office Use only” box for ALL PE Determinations.

Complete the entire box “For Office Use Only.” Copy the “Combined Total Monthly Gross Income” figure from the applicant’s Income information box (page 2 of the PE application). Count how many people are in the household and record the number under “Family Size” in the box shown above. Using the Income Calculation Tool, compare the Total Monthly Gross into to the correct household size to determine the program eligibility for the PE Application. Once the eligible individuals are identified, enter their name, etc. on the “Proof of Temporary Coverage” Form.

The Income Calculation Tool is updated annually to reflect changes to the Federal Poverty Level.

Step 4 – Finalizing the PE Process

Review the PE application to be certain all of the information is complete. Notify the applicant(s) of any missing information. Remember, QE’s MUST complete the entire “For Office Use Only” box, applicants do not complete any of that information. Complete the Proof of Temporary Coverage form and return it with the completed PE application either by Fax or Scan as directed on the Application and/or Proof of Temporary Coverage.

►  Give a copy of the PE application and the Proof of Temporary Coverage letter to the applicant(s).

Step 5 – Follow Up and Scan/Fax

Notify the applicant(s) of your determination, and let them know they will be receiving a letter confirming Presumptive Eligibility in approximately 10 days.

Within 5 days of the date of determination, Scan the PE Application, and Proof of Temporary Coverage form, create a secure ePass account (Web address: transfer.mt.gov), and email the scanned documents to: HHSPresumptive@mt.gov   OR fax the application and Proof of Temporary Coverage form to Central Office at 1-877-418-4533
Be sure to keep a copy of your Fax verification or email record in case DPHHS does not receive it. You might want to keep a copy of the application until the approval is seen in the Web Portal or on the Fax back. You will not be notified of an approval of an application but will you will be notified of a denial.

!!!Important!!!  Further Application Assistance required!

► Explain to the applicant(s) they will receive a letter confirming PE within approximately 10 days.
► Provide the applicant(s) a copy of the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs and Appendixes A, B, and/or C.
►  Refer them to the appropriate contact in your facility who can assist them with completing the application, gathering any materials necessary for submission with the application, and submission of the application to the State of Montana.

Summary of Qualified Entity Responsibilities

Remember, PE Coverage begins on the Determination Date.

1. 1As soon as possible after a person presents for services, determine if they are uninsured or underinsured. Check the Web Portal to determine if the person already has or has had PE within the past 12 months, or if coverage already exists. If the person has existing coverage, or has had PE within the past 12 months, STOP! No further action is necessary.

• You can help the client apply for Health Coverage using the Application for Health coverage and Help Paying Costs, if the client wants your help.

2.    Provide the PE Application for completion by the client.

• Make sure they sign the application.

3.    Complete the appropriate QE boxes/information on the PE Application AND the Proof of Coverage form.

4.    Finalize your determination after evaluating income based on the household size.

• Be sure the use the Income Tool to determine eligibility with the household’s income. It is very important that the client be determined eligible or not eligible correctly.

5.    Sign and date the application after all the information requested on the form has been completed.

6.    Give the applicant a copy of the completed PE application, the completed Proof of Temporary Coverage letter, and the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs.

• Be sure to arrange for assistance with completion of the form and gathering of needed information. Assist with submission for the State of Montana for eligibility determination.

7.     Fax or scan the completed PE Application and Proof of Temporary coverage form to Central office within 5 days of the date of determination.

• Fax number is 1-877-418-4533

Please contact us at any time if you have questions, need training or additional supplies, or need to verify any information about presumptive eligibility.

For Training Questions contact:
Alice Lewis
(406) 731-5774
alewis@mt.gov

For Eligibility Questions contact:
Justine Welker
(406) 883-7848
jwelker@mt.gov

Return to the Presumptive Eligibility Page

Index

In place of an index, this edition has three search options.

1. Search the whole manual. Open the Complete Manual pane.  From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time.  A search box will appear.  Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show all locations where denials discussed in the manual.
2. Search by Chapter. Open any Chapter tab (for example the "Billing Procedures" tab).  From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time.  A search box will appear.  Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show where denials discussed in just that chapter.
3. Site Search.  Search the manual as well as other documents related to a particular search term on the Montana Healthcare Programs Site Specific Search page.

End of Presumptive Eligibility Guide