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The MassHealth form, specifically the Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE), plays a crucial role in the annual eligibility review process for members of the Massachusetts healthcare program. Federal regulations mandate that MassHealth conducts these reviews to ensure continued eligibility for benefits. Designed to streamline this process, the PPE is prepopulated with the latest household information sourced from MA21, allowing members to verify and update their data efficiently. Households selected for the PPE will receive this form instead of a blank eligibility review form, thereby simplifying their review experience. It includes detailed sections covering the head of household and other family members, current income records—both earned and unearned—as well as health insurance details and proof of citizenship status. The PPE aims to minimize the burden on members by presenting their existing data, requiring them only to confirm or amend as needed. Furthermore, the physical mailing accompanying the PPE contains additional forms, such as the Eligibility Representative Designation and an Affidavit of Parent or Guardian for minors, ensuring that all relevant documentation is readily available for the review process. Overall, the PPE represents an important advancement in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the MassHealth eligibility review system.

Mass Health Example

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

OFFICE OF MEDICAID

600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 www.mass.gov/masshealth

Eligibility Operations Memo 09-05

April 1, 2009

TO:

MassHealth Eligibility Operations Staff

FROM: Russ Kulp, Director, MassHealth Operations

RE: Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form

Introduction Federal regulations require that MassHealth conducts annual eligibility reviews. To support this requirement and help members with the annual review process, MassHealth is providing, to selected households, an Eligibility Review Form (ERV) that is “prepopulated” with the most recent household information. The implementation of this new ERV — the Prepopulated ERV (PPE) — is outlined in this memo.

Prepopulated The Prepopulated ERV (PPE) is designed to provide a member with the

ERV Overview household information that is currently on MA21. The member will have the opportunity to review the existing information and make corrections as needed. In addition, the PPE will allow a member to report any new information about their household. A household selected for the PPE process will get the PPE in place of a blank ERV.

The PPE will include information on all members who are still active in the household, whether they are open, closed, or pending. Active members are those who do not have a family group number of 00. Households with multiple family groups or with a head of household (HOH) not coded as “self 1” will be excluded from selection for the PPE process.

The pilot for the PPE will select Commonwealth Care-households only.

(continued on next page)

 

Eligibility Operations Memo 09-05

 

April 1, 2009

 

Page 2

Prepopulated

 

 

The member’s address that will be printed on the PPE is the residential

ERV Format

address. The other fields on the PPE that will be prepopulated are

 

• HOH event — Head of Household and Other Family Members;

 

• EIN event — earned income records under Current Working Income

 

section;

 

• UIN and REN events — unearned income records under the Current

 

Nonworking Income section, including rental income;

 

• HIN event — health insurance records under Current Health

 

Insurance section, including private health insurance and Medicare;

 

and

 

• DDU event — members under the Injury, Illness, or Disability section

 

(only those members who are already disabled).

Under the Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity section, only those family members who are citizens will be listed. The following will be prepopulated in the Proofs We Need column:

Citizenship — if proof of citizenship is needed;

Identity — if proof of identity is needed;

Citizenship an Identity — if proof of both citizenship and identity is needed;

None — if no proof of citizenship and identity is needed.

In any section that contains social security numbers, only the last four digits will be printed and the other digits will be replaced by Xs. At this time, health insurance claim numbers cannot be truncated.

PPE Mailing

In addition to the PPE form, the mailing will include the following forms:

 

Eligibility Representative Designation (ERD);

 

Affidavit of Parent or Guardian on Identity of Child under Age 16;

 

and

 

UNIV-5 (Babel).

 

A sample PPE is attached. Only the sections that could be prepopulated

 

have been reproduced for this example. An actual PPE also contains the

 

entire ERV form, including the sections that will not be prepopulated,

 

such as the cover sheet and instructions.

 

 

 

 

(continued on next page)

 

Eligibility Operations Memo 09-05

 

April 1, 2009

 

Page 3

MEC

 

 

Starting in March 2009, MA21 will generate the new PPEs and send them

Responsibilities

to Commonwealth Care-only households. For the initial pilot, the PPEs

 

will be processed at the Taunton MassHealth Enrollment Center (MEC).

 

When the PPE is received at the MEC, staff will record the receipt in

 

MA21 for processing. This action will reactivate the eligibility time for the

 

Commonwealth Care member.

 

PPEs are to be processed following the current procedures for processing

 

ERVs.

Questions

 

 

If you have any questions about this memo, please have your MEC

 

designee contact the Policy Hotline.

 

 

 

EOM 09-05

April 1, 2009

Attachment

Page 1

Sample of Prepopulated Areas on the PPE

A. Head of Household and Other Family Members:

Head of Household

1.Name: REVIEW, JOHN

SSN: XXX-XX-1234 Date of birth: 05/01/1955

Street: 1

MAIN STREET

 

City: BOSTON

 

State: MA

Zip: 02111

 

Phone #:(Home/Cell) 617-222-3333

(Work) 617-333-4444

Does this person want benefits? ( )Yes ( )No

Enter address and phone # below if different

Home address

 

Street: ___________________________

City: _______________________

State: ___ Zip: ________ Phone #: (Home/Cell) _________ (Work): __________

Mailing address (if different from home address or living in a shelter) Street: ___________________________ City: _______________________

State: ___ Zip: ________

( ) Homeless

Other Family Members

2.Name: REVIEW, WIFE

SSN: XXX-XX-3456 Date of birth: 05/01/1948

Relationship to head of household: SPOUSE

Is this person still living in this household? ( )Yes ( )No

Does this person want benefits? ( )Yes ( )No

3.Name: REVIEW, DAUGHTER

SSN: XXX-XX-7890 Date of birth: 05/15/1999

Relationship to head of household: CHILD

Is this person still living in this household? ( )Yes ( )No

Does this person want benefits? ( )Yes ( )No

4.Name: REVIEW, SON

SSN: XXX-XX-1234 Date of birth: 05/15/1997

Relationship to head of household: CHILD

Is this person still living in this household? ( )Yes ( )No

Does this person want benefits? ( )Yes ( )No

B. Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity:

Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity

Federal law requires us to get proof of U.S. citizenship/national status and identity for all individuals applying or having their eligibility reviewed for benefits who claim to be U.S. citizens/nationals. You have to give us this proof only once. If you have not given us these proofs before, please see the insert that came with this notice for complete information about acceptable proofs of U.S. citizenship/national status and identity. The insert also provides exceptions for those individuals who may not have to provide this proof.

EOM 09-05

April 1, 2009

Attachment

Page 2

Below is a list of the family members we have on file who claim to be U.S. citizens/nationals. The information we need for each family member is listed under “Proofs We Need.” If we already have this information, or we do not need proofs at this time, “none” will be listed.

Name

Date of Birth

SSN

Proofs We Need

REVIEW, WIFE

05/01/1955

XXX-XX-1234

Citizenship and Identity

REVIEW, CHILD

05/01/1955

XXX-XX-1235

Identity

C. Current Working Income:

Current Working Income

Please review the current income we have on file and answer the questions (Yes or No).

If you are still working, please send proof of income, like a copy of two recent pay stubs. If self-employed, see the MassHealth Member Booklet for more information about the needed proof.

1. Name of person working: REVIEW, JOHN

 

 

Employer name: BANK OF AMERICA

 

 

Employer address: 100 MAIN ST

 

 

City: BOSTON

State: MA

Zip: 02111

Do you still work at this job? ( )Yes

( )No

 

If yes, number of hours per week? ____ Weekly pay before deductions: $ ______

Is health insurance offered that would cover doctors’ visits and hospitalizations? ( )Yes ( )No

If you answered no to the above question, was health insurance offered in the last six months? ( )Yes ( )No

D. Current Nonworking Income (including rental income):

Current Nonworking Income

Please review the current nonworking income we have on file and answer the

questions (Yes

or No). Send proof of this income if

you still get this income. You

do not have to

send proof of social security or SSI

income.

1.

Name of person: REVIEW, JOHN

Type

of income: PENSION

 

Monthly amount: $400.00

Do you still get this income? ( )Yes

( )No

 

If amount has changed, monthly

amount before taxes: $__________

 

2.

Name of person: REVIEW, WIFE

Type of income: PENSION

 

Monthly amount: $300.00

Do you still get this income? ( )Yes

( )No

 

If amount has changed, monthly

amount before taxes: $__________

 

3.

Name of person: REVIEW, WIFE

Type of income: RENTAL

 

 

Property address: 1100 MAIN ST BOSTON MA 02111

 

 

 

Net monthly amount: $300.00

Do you still get this income? ( )Yes

( )No

 

If amount has changed, net monthly amount: $__________

 

EOM 09-05

April 1, 2009

Attachment

Page 3

E. Proof Current Health Insurance:

Current Health Insurance

Please review the current health-insurance information we have on file and answer the questions (Yes or No).

1. Policyholder name: REVIEW, JOHN

 

Policy number: 1235453456

Insurance company name: BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

 

 

 

Policyholder contribution to premium: $100.00

Frequency: MONTHLY

Names of covered family members:

 

 

 

 

REVIEW, JOHN

 

REVIEW, WIFE

 

 

 

REVIEW, DAUGHTER

 

REVIEW, SON

 

 

 

Are you or any of your family members still covered under this health

insurance? ( )Yes ( )No

If no, what date did it end? / /

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Injury, Illness, or Disability:

Injury, Illness, or Disability

Our records indicate that the following members have already been determined

disabled:

 

REVIEW, JOHN

XXX-XX-1234

REVIEW, WIFE

XXX-XX-3456

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Annual Eligibility Review Requirement MassHealth must conduct annual eligibility reviews for all members, as mandated by federal regulations.
Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form The form, known as the Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE), contains existing household information from MA21 and allows members to review and update their data.
Important Dates The pilot program began in March 2009, targeting Commonwealth Care-households only for the initiation of PPE processing.
Proof of Citizenship Requirement As per federal law, all individuals claiming U.S. citizenship or national status must provide proof, but this is required only once.

Guidelines on Utilizing Mass Health

Filling out the Mass Health form can be straightforward if you take it step by step. This form allows you to verify and update your household information, making sure that your eligibility for benefits remains in good standing. Below are the steps you need to follow to complete the form successfully.

  1. Start by reviewing the prepopulated information on the form, which includes details about your household members like names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth.
  2. Verify the accuracy of the information provided. If any details are incorrect, make the necessary corrections directly on the form.
  3. For any family members who are still living in your household, check the box indicating whether they want benefits.
  4. Provide your current residential address and phone number, ensuring they match your most recent details.
  5. Complete the “Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity” section, noting any proofs required for each family member listed.
  6. Review the “Current Working Income” section. Answer yes or no to questions about your employment, and submit proof of income if you're still working.
  7. For the “Current Nonworking Income” section, confirm the income amounts listed for each family member. Answer yes or no to whether you still receive this income and update any amounts if they have changed.
  8. Attach any necessary supporting documents as indicated, like pay stubs or rental income proof.
  9. Finally, check the entire form before submitting it to ensure all sections are complete and accurate. Sign and date the form where required.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the MassHealth Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE)?

The PPE is a form provided by MassHealth to help members with their annual eligibility review. It contains information that is automatically filled in based on the most recent details about the household. Members can review this information and make necessary updates or corrections.

Who receives the Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form?

The form is sent to selected households, particularly Commonwealth Care households. If a household has multiple family groups or if the head of household is not coded correctly, they won’t receive the PPE.

What information will be prepopulated on the PPE?

The PPE will include various sections such as the head of household and family member names, income records, health insurance details, and citizenship status. Only the last four digits of social security numbers will be displayed, keeping other digits private for safety.

How should members use the PPE?

When members receive the PPE, they should carefully review all prepopulated information. They need to confirm that it's accurate and update any sections that require changes. If new information is needed, members can add that to the form as well.

What happens if someone is disabled?

For members who are already documented as disabled, their information will be included under the Injury, Illness, or Disability section. This ensures that their eligibility is reviewed accurately alongside others in the household.

What if proof of citizenship is needed?

If a family member is registered as a U.S. citizen, the PPE will indicate whether proof of citizenship or identity is required. Members must provide this proof only once unless new family members are added.

Are there any additional forms included with the PPE?

Yes, along with the PPE, members will receive other documents such as the Eligibility Representative Designation (ERD), Affidavit of Parent or Guardian on Identity of Child under Age 16, and UNIV-5 (Babel). These forms serve various purposes related to eligibility and identity verification.

What is the main responsibility of MassHealth staff regarding the PPE?

MassHealth staff at the Enrollment Center are responsible for processing the PPEs as they are received. They will ensure that the information is recorded correctly, which helps reactivate the eligibility period for the Commonwealth Care member.

How can members ask questions regarding the PPE?

If members have questions about the PPE or need help, they should contact the Policy Hotline through their designated MassHealth Enrollment Center designee. This resource is available to assist with any concerns regarding the eligibility review process.

Common mistakes

Completing the Mass Health form can be a complicated process, and errors can lead to delays in receiving benefits. One common mistake occurs when individuals fail to double-check the prepopulated information. Many people assume that everything is accurate simply because the form is prefilled. However, it is crucial to verify that all personal details such as names, addresses, and social security numbers are correct. Any discrepancies should be fixed immediately.

Another frequent error is neglecting to account for all family members living in the household. Applicants sometimes leave out individuals who may not have been on the previous forms. Each family member must be reported accurately, regardless of their eligibility status. This requirement ensures that the household's situation is considered fully during the review process.

Many individuals also do not provide substantial proof of income. When filling out sections related to current working income, it's vital to include accurate figures and necessary documents. Some applicants are unaware that proof of income, such as pay stubs or self-employment records, is often required to verify their earnings. Failure to submit this information can lead to complications.

Additionally, people often misinterpret the requirements for proving citizenship and identity. The form explicitly outlines the necessary documents, but individuals routinely overlook this section. Some may assume that if they have already submitted proof in the past, it is unnecessary to provide it again. This misunderstanding can result in a delay or denial of benefits.

One glaring mistake involves ignoring updates in household circumstances. Life events, such as a job loss or change in family composition, should be disclosed. If individuals have experienced changes since the last submission, they must report these to avoid discrepancies during eligibility reviews.

Lastly, applicants frequently underestimate the importance of signing and dating the form. A signature is not just a formality; it indicates the applicant's affirmation of the accuracy of all provided information. An unsigned form cannot be processed, leading to further delays.

In summary, applicants should approach the Mass Health form with diligence. By carefully reviewing each section, providing accurate documentation, and keeping personal records updated, individuals can avoid common pitfalls in the application process. Attention to detail is crucial to ensure timely access to essential health benefits.

Documents used along the form

The MassHealth program provides essential services for eligible Massachusetts residents. When families engage with the MassHealth system, particularly during eligibility reviews, several important forms and documents accompany the main MassHealth form. Understanding these additional documents can streamline the process for families engaged in the annual review.

  • Eligibility Representative Designation (ERD): This document designates an individual or organization to represent a MassHealth member during procedures. It is crucial for those who may not be able to attend meetings or handle paperwork personally, allowing a designated representative to act on their behalf.
  • Affidavit of Parent or Guardian on Identity of Child under Age 16: If a family is applying for a child under 16, this affidavit verifies the child's identity and confirms that the person presenting the documents is their parent or legal guardian. This step ensures accountability and safeguards the child's information.
  • UNIV-5 (Babel): This form is used to collect information about the languages spoken by household members. It allows MassHealth to facilitate communication and ensure that non-English speakers receive appropriate assistance throughout the enrollment process.
  • Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity: Federal law mandates that applicants provide proof of citizenship or national status. This document outlines what is needed, ensuring that families understand the requirement and can gather the necessary documentation to complete their eligibility review.
  • Current Working Income Documentation: Families must provide recent proof of income from employment to verify current financial status. This helps determine eligibility for benefits and adjusted assistance levels based on changes in employment.
  • Current Nonworking Income Documentation: Similar to working income, this document confirms income from non-working sources, such as pensions or rental income. It's essential for evaluating a household's overall financial situation during the assessment process.

Each of these forms plays a critical role in ensuring that eligibility reviews are thorough and that families receive necessary services without undue delays. Awareness of these documents can empower families to navigate the MassHealth system more effectively.

Similar forms

The Mass Health form shares similarities with several other documents typically used in health and social services. Below is a list detailing how each document resembles the Mass Health form:

  • Income Verification Form: Like the Mass Health form, the Income Verification Form collects details about an individual’s employment and nonworking income. It outlines the necessary information needed to assess eligibility for assistance programs.
  • Medicaid Application: Both documents require applicants to provide household information, including personal data and proof of income. The Medicaid application also includes sections for reporting changes in status, similar to the crucial updates allowed in the Mass Health form.
  • Eligibility Review Form: The Eligibility Review Form, akin to the prepopulated eligibility review version of the Mass Health form, is used to assess ongoing eligibility for benefits. It also captures updates regarding household members and any changes in income or resources.
  • Food Assistance Application (SNAP): The SNAP application asks for detailed income information and household composition, mirroring the data collection methods of the Mass Health form. Both forms aim to ensure that applicants meet the necessary qualifications for assistance.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Application: The SSI application demands proof of income and other relevant personal information, similar to the requirements outlined in the Mass Health form. Both forms assess an applicant’s financial status to determine eligibility for aid.
  • Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Application: Like the Mass Health form, the CHIP application reviews family size and income. Both strive to document household details that affect eligibility for health coverage for children.
  • Health Insurance Enrollment Form: This document also collects individual and family information, much like the Mass Health form, allowing applicants to report existing health coverage and any changes that may impact their eligibility for assistance.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the Mass Health form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are ten important do's and don'ts to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do carefully review the prepopulated information before making any changes.
  • Do provide accurate and updated information regarding all household members.
  • Do include proof of income and necessary documentation as requested.
  • Do sign and date the form after ensuring all sections are complete.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; if something doesn't apply, indicate that clearly.
  • Don't rush through the form; take your time to understand each question.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for accuracy and completeness.
  • Don't provide false or incomplete information, as this can lead to complications.
  • Don't forget to check for any updates or changes to MassHealth eligibility requirements.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The MassHealth form is the same for every household.

    This is incorrect. The Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE) is tailored to each selected household, reflecting their specific data from the MA21 system. Households with multiple family groups or incorrectly coded heads of household do not receive this form.

  • Misconception 2: All members of a household automatically qualify for benefits.

    Not all members are guaranteed benefits, as eligibility is based on individual circumstances. The PPE allows members to review and provide updated information, which can affect eligibility.

  • Misconception 3: The PPE form requires new information from all household members each year.

    In fact, the PPE form prepopulates existing household information to simplify the process. Members are only required to review and update any changes, not repeatedly submit the same information.

  • Misconception 4: Social security numbers are fully visible on the PPE form.

    This is not true. The PPE form only displays the last four digits of social security numbers. Other digits are replaced with Xs to protect privacy.

Key takeaways

When navigating the MassHealth form, here are some crucial points to bear in mind:

  • Reviewing Prepopulated Information: The Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE) simplifies the annual eligibility review. Members will find their household information already filled in based on the latest records. This means less time spent on paperwork, but it also requires a careful review for accuracy.
  • Reporting Changes: The PPE allows members to report any new information related to their household. Updates regarding family members, income, or health insurance must be documented clearly to ensure continued eligibility for benefits.
  • Understanding Proof Requirements: The form specifies what proof of citizenship and identity is needed. This includes details about which family members require documentation and what type is necessary. Ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays in processing.
  • Confidentiality of Information: The PPE protects sensitive information by truncating social security numbers. Only the last four digits are visible, providing a layer of privacy for members while still enabling the review process.

Filling out and utilizing the MassHealth form effectively can lead to smoother benefit management. Always double-check your information and provide accurate updates to maintain your eligibility.