426-8        ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Eligibility for Interim Assistance does not convey automatic eligibility for either Medicaid or Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance).  However, there are certain circumstances in which medical assistance may be available to IA Interim Assistance applicants or recipients.

426-8  A.  BLINDNESS OR DISABILITY EXAM COSTS

The SSI Supplemental Security Income application process for benefits based on disability or blindness includes a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's physical or psychological condition.  In Alaska, these evaluations are performed by Disability Determination Service (DDS Disability Determination Service) of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

DPA will not authorize any Medicaid or CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance coverage for transportation, escorts, lodging, or examinations for any client whose disability or blindness is to be determined by the DDS Disability Determination Service.  The DDS Disability Determination Service sets up the entire exam process, pays all expenses, and bills the Social Security Administration for the cost of the examination.

Medicaid does pay for any necessary costs of getting a completed AD #2 Preliminary Examination for Interim Assistance or AB #3 Review Report on Aid to the Blind.  This examination is a Medicaid covered expense.  See Aged, Disabled, and Long Term Care Medicaid manual section 501 for instructions for issuing Medicaid authorizations for AD #2 Preliminary Examination for Interim Assistance or AB #3 Review Report on Aid to the Blind examinations.

426-8  B.  CHRONIC AND ACUTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Interim Assistance recipients may also qualify for Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance) services if all eligibility criteria for the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance program are met, including the need for a CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance covered service.  See the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance manual for CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance eligibility criteria.

The $280 Interim Assistance payment, which must be counted in the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance eligibility determinations, is less than the $300 individual need standard for the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance program; therefore, IA Interim Assistance recipients with no other income may be income-eligible for CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance.

If there is any other income available, the $280 IA Interim Assistance payment plus the other income may exceed the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance need standard and eligibility for CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance may not exist.  Resources which exceed the $500 resource limit for the CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance program also preclude CAMA Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance eligibility.

426-8  C.  UNDER 21 AND PREGNANT WOMEN MEDICAID

Interim Assistance recipients who are pregnant or under the age of 21 may also qualify for Medicaid coverage while receiving Interim Assistance.  These individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for these Medicaid coverage categories as specified in the Medicaid Manual.

Note:  The Interim Assistance payment counts as income in determining eligibility for Medicaid.