5120-5        TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM HOME

The policy in this section is used to determine if a child or caretaker relative can continue to be included in the Family Medicaid household when determining eligibility even though the child or caretaker relative is absent from the home.  

Note:  

This policy does not apply to Denali KidCare or Under 21 Medicaid eligibility determinations where a child does not live at home.

5120-5 A.   ABSENCES LASTING LESS THAN ONE MONTH

The federal definition of home allows for a child and caretaker relative to be considered to be living together even if "either the child or the relative is temporarily absent from the customary family setting".   Under the one day-one month principle, as long as the child and the caretaker relative are both in the home one day of the calendar month, FM Family Medicaid eligibility exists on this factor.

5120-5 B.   ALLOWABLE ABSENCES LASTING MORE THAN ONE MONTH

There are certain special circumstances in which FM Family Medicaid eligibility can exist if an absence lasts an entire calendar month or longer:

1.  Hospitalization.

Either the child or the relative is being cared for in a hospital or other public or private institution.  FM Family Medicaid eligibility can exist as long as

• The illness is such that a return to the family can be expected; and

• Caretaker relative responsibility for the child continues.

Note:

A drug and alcohol treatment center is considered hospitalization in a public or private institution.

2.  Court Ordered Visitation.  

The child is absent because a court order specifies that he is to visit a parent who resides away from the child’s customary home.  FM Family Medicaid eligibility can exist as long as:

• The caretaker relative maintains a home for the child to return to;

• The intent is for the child to return to the FM Family Medicaid home at the end of the visit;

• The child does not receive FM Family Medicaid while in the care of the parent he is visiting; and

• The absence does not last longer than three calendar months.

3.  Education or Training Not Available in the Home Community.

Either the child or the caretaker relative is absent because of a need for education or training which is not available in the home community.   FM Family Medicaid eligibility can exist as long as:

• The absent student returns to the home at least once each year;

• The absent student is not receiving FM Family Medicaid in another household;

• The absent student intends to return to the home at the completion of his education or training; and

• The caretaker relative is maintaining a home to which either he or the child intends to return.

4.  Planned Temporary Absence  

A caretaker is temporarily absent from the home for a planned temporary absence, including employment, seeking employment, and military assignment.  A parent remains a mandatory household member while absent.  See section 5104-1.

5120-5 C.   VERIFICATION OF TEMPORARY ABSENCE

All temporary absences expected to last a calendar month or longer, and the circumstances of those absences, must be reported.  Verification is not required unless the information is questionable.