Constructing a MAGI Household

Identifying the correct household composition for each household member requesting benefits is critical in having an accurate case outcome.

NOTE: The parent/caretaker relative must have an eligible child in the home and qualify as an eligible parent/caretaker relative to receive MO HealthNet for Families (MHF). The individual may be a parent/caretaker relative who files taxes but does not claim the child as a dependent.

See 3.6.4 MAGI Household Composition

Tools: Household Composition Flowchart

TO CONSTRUCT A MAGI HOUSEHOLD

  1. Does the individual expect to file taxes?
    1. If no – continue to Step B.
    2. If yes – does the individual expect to be claimed as a tax dependent by anyone else?
      1. If no – the household consists of the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse (if applicable), and all persons whom the taxpayer expects to claim as a tax dependent.
      2. If yes – continue to Step B.
  2. Does the individual expect to be claimed as a tax dependent?
    1. If no – continue to Step C.
    2. If yes – does the individual meet any of the following exceptions?
      1. The individual expects to be claimed as a tax dependent of someone other than a spouse or a biological, adopted or step parent.
      2. The individual is a child under age 19 living with both parents, but will only be claimed as a tax dependent by one because the parents don’t file jointly.
      3. The individual is a child under age 19 who expects to be claimed by a non-custodial parent.

NOTE: If the individual does NOT meet any of these exceptions, the household is the same as the household of the taxpayer claiming him/her as a tax dependent.

NOTE: If the individual is married, the household also includes the individual’s spouse.

If the individual meets any of the exceptions listed above – continue to Step C.

  1. For individuals who neither expect to file a tax return nor expect to be claimed as a tax dependent, as well as tax dependents who meet one of the exceptions from Step B-2, the household consists of the individual and spouse (if applicable), and if living with the individual –
    1. The individual’s biological, adopted and step children under the age of 19; and
    2. In the case of individuals under the age of 19, the individual’s biological, adopted and step parents and biological, adoptive and step siblings also under age 19.