MEDES Application Processing With Incarceration Evidence

It is important to remember that incarceration is not a cause for ineligibility. Follow the steps below when processing an application that includes an individual with incarceration evidence:

MEDES Application Processing With Incarceration Evidence

1. Process the application:

1. 1. 1. Verify every piece of pending evidence that you can with the exception of Incarceration evidence (see step #2).
    2. Make all necessary comments including HOH person page comments.

2. Check Vinelink and/or the DOC Offender Site to see if you can determine if the individual is incarcerated and when they were incarcerated. Note: A participant who is on probation or parole is NOT incarcerated. This includes participants living in a private residence, group home, halfway house, or a Department of Corrections Transition Center.

a. For individuals who are no longer incarcerated update the “Incarceration” evidence as follows:

1. 1. 1. 1. The “Criminal Charges Status” field needs to reflect “Pending Disposition”
      2. Ensure the start date & end date fields reflect the custody dates found on the Vinelink site and/or the DOC Offender site.
      3. Enter the Institution name in the “Institution First Name” field under “If the institution is not known to MEDES” section.
      4. Add comments in the comment section and continue processing the application.

b. For individuals who are currently in custody update the “Incarceration” evidence as follows:

1. 1. 1. 1. The “Criminal Charges Status” field needs to reflect “Pending Disposition”
      2. Ensure the “Start Date” field reflects the date of the Application.
      3. Ensure the “End Date” field reflects the expected release date if provided on the Vinelink site or the DOC Offender site.
      4. Enter the Institution name in the “Institution First Name” field under “If the institution is not known to MEDES” section.
      5. Add comments in the comment section and proceed to step #3.

c. For Individuals who we are unable to determine if the they are or were incarcerated – data sources neither confirm or deny

1. 1. 1. 1. Call the participant to confirm incarceration information
        
        If unable to reach by phone then move forward as unable to determine
      2. Make notes on the HOH Person page regarding:
        
        the evidence,
        
        your research, and
        
        completing the IM-150 (see step #4)

3. After processing the application apply the evidence in edit then review the determinations.

a. If eligible approve and move to #4
b. If ineligible any reason other than incarceration (such as over income), authorize your determination. A referral does not need to be completed.

4. After you approve an individual who is incarcerated, or if you have someone who you cannot determine if is incarcerated, complete an IM-150 Suspending Incarcerated Participants form with the information that you know. Email the IM-150 to the address listed on the form. This step is what notifies the specialized unit that a suspension needs to be entered or incarceration needs to be verified.

The specialized unit will complete actions to confirm client’s statement of incarceration, if needed, as well as completing actions to suspend eligible participants. See 3.19.5 MO HealthNet for Incarcerated Individuals for additional information regarding incarcerated individuals.