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The MassHealth form plays a crucial role in ensuring that eligible households receive the necessary benefits and support. This form, known as the Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE), is designed to streamline the annual eligibility review process mandated by federal regulations. Selected households will receive a PPE filled with their most recent household information, allowing members to easily review and update any details. The form includes essential sections such as household composition, income records, and proof of citizenship, ensuring that all relevant information is captured. For example, it outlines the head of household and other family members, details current working and nonworking income, and specifies what proof of citizenship and identity is needed. Importantly, the PPE simplifies the process by prepopulating many fields, reducing the burden on members while maintaining compliance with eligibility requirements. Along with the PPE, additional forms will be included in the mailing to assist with the review process. By facilitating this annual review, MassHealth aims to support its members in maintaining their eligibility and accessing vital health care services.

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

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Governing Body Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Form Purpose To conduct annual eligibility reviews for MassHealth members.
Form Type Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE)
Eligibility Criteria Selected households with active members only.
Information Included Household information from MA21, including income and insurance details.
Proof Requirements Citizenship and identity proofs are needed for eligible family members.
Data Privacy Only the last four digits of SSNs are printed; other digits are masked.
Mailing Components Includes ERD, Affidavit of Parent or Guardian, and UNIV-5 forms.
Governing Law Federal regulations on Medicaid eligibility and Massachusetts state law.

Guide to Using Mass Health

Filling out the Mass Health form is an important step in ensuring that your eligibility for health benefits is properly reviewed. It is essential to provide accurate information and make any necessary updates. Follow the steps below to complete the form effectively.

  1. Begin by reviewing the prepopulated information on the form. This includes details about the head of household and other family members.
  2. Check the accuracy of the name, date of birth, and social security number for each family member. Make corrections if needed.
  3. Indicate whether each family member still resides in the household and if they wish to continue receiving benefits.
  4. In the section titled "Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity," verify the information listed for each family member. Note any required proofs that need to be submitted.
  5. Review the current working income section. Confirm the employment details for the head of household and any other working family members. Answer the questions regarding employment status and health insurance availability.
  6. Next, examine the current nonworking income section. This includes any pensions, rental income, or other sources of income. Confirm the amounts and indicate if there have been any changes.
  7. Provide any additional information requested in the form. This may include submitting proof of income or identity if required.
  8. Once all sections are completed and verified, sign and date the form where indicated.
  9. Submit the form according to the instructions provided, ensuring that all necessary documents are included.

Get Answers on Mass Health

  1. What is the MassHealth Eligibility Review Form (ERV)?

    The MassHealth Eligibility Review Form (ERV) is a document that helps members confirm their eligibility for benefits. It is required annually and includes information about household members and their income. The Prepopulated ERV (PPE) is a version of this form that comes with existing household information filled in to streamline the review process.

  2. Who receives the Prepopulated ERV (PPE)?

    Only selected households will receive the PPE. These households typically consist of Commonwealth Care members who have active family group numbers. Households with multiple family groups or those with a head of household not coded as “self 1” will not be eligible for this process.

  3. What information is included in the PPE?

    The PPE includes:

    • Head of Household and Other Family Members
    • Current Working Income details
    • Current Nonworking Income records
    • Health Insurance information
    • Proof of Citizenship/National Status and Identity requirements
  4. How should I correct or update information on the PPE?

    Review the prepopulated information carefully. If you find any inaccuracies or need to report new information, make the necessary corrections directly on the form. Ensure that you return the updated form by the specified deadline to avoid any interruptions in benefits.

  5. What happens if I do not receive a PPE?

    If you do not receive a PPE, you may still need to complete the standard ERV form. Contact your local MassHealth Enrollment Center (MEC) for guidance on how to proceed with your eligibility review.

  6. What proof of citizenship is required?

    Federal law mandates proof of U.S. citizenship or national status for all individuals claiming benefits. If you have previously provided this proof, you do not need to do so again. If you have not, refer to the insert that accompanies the PPE for details on acceptable documents.

  7. What if my income has changed?

    If your income has changed, you must report this on the PPE. Include any necessary documentation, such as recent pay stubs or proof of other income. This information is crucial for determining your eligibility and benefit amount.

  8. What should I do if I have questions about the PPE?

    If you have questions regarding the PPE or the eligibility review process, contact your MEC designee or the Policy Hotline. They can provide you with the information you need to complete your review accurately.

  9. How will I receive the PPE?

    The PPE will be mailed to your residential address as recorded in the MassHealth system. Ensure that your address is current to avoid delays in receiving your form.

  10. What additional forms are included with the PPE?

    The PPE mailing will include several additional forms, such as:

    • Eligibility Representative Designation (ERD)
    • Affidavit of Parent or Guardian on Identity of Child under Age 16
    • UNIV-5 (Babel)

    Review these forms carefully, as they may require your attention as part of the eligibility review process.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Mass Health form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their eligibility review. One major error is failing to review the prepopulated information carefully. The form includes details about household members, income, and health insurance that may not be accurate. If any information is incorrect, it is crucial to make the necessary corrections. Ignoring this step can lead to issues with benefits or even a denial of coverage.

Another frequent mistake involves not providing the required proof of citizenship or identity. The form specifies that documentation is needed for all individuals claiming U.S. citizenship. If proof has not been submitted before, it must be included with the form. Forgetting to include this documentation can lead to delays in processing or a request for additional information, which can be frustrating.

People often overlook the importance of answering all questions on the form. Each section, from income to household members, requires clear responses. Leaving questions unanswered or marking them incorrectly can create confusion and may result in a need for clarification later. It's essential to be thorough and ensure that every question is addressed accurately.

Lastly, individuals sometimes neglect to sign and date the form. A signature is a critical part of the submission process, as it confirms that the information provided is true and complete. Failing to sign can result in the form being returned or rejected. Always double-check that all necessary signatures are in place before submitting the form.

Documents used along the form

When applying for MassHealth, several other forms and documents may be required to ensure a complete and accurate application process. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps to verify eligibility, identity, and income. Below is a list of forms commonly used alongside the MassHealth form.

  • Eligibility Representative Designation (ERD): This form allows an individual to designate a representative who can assist with their MassHealth application. It is important for those who may need help navigating the process.
  • Affidavit of Parent or Guardian on Identity of Child under Age 16: Parents or guardians must complete this affidavit to confirm the identity of children applying for benefits. It helps verify that the child is eligible for assistance.
  • UNIV-5 (Babel): This document is used to collect demographic information about applicants. It assists MassHealth in understanding the needs of diverse populations.
  • Proof of Citizenship/National Status: Applicants must provide documentation to prove their U.S. citizenship or national status. This is a federal requirement for receiving benefits.
  • Income Verification Documents: These may include pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. They are necessary to verify the applicant's income and determine eligibility for benefits.
  • Health Insurance Information: If the applicant has other health insurance, they must provide details about the coverage. This helps MassHealth assess the extent of benefits needed.
  • Social Security Number Verification: Applicants need to provide their Social Security numbers. This information is crucial for identity verification and eligibility checks.
  • Medical Records (if applicable): In some cases, medical records may be required to confirm ongoing health issues or disabilities that affect eligibility for certain programs.

Gathering these documents can streamline the application process for MassHealth. Ensuring all required forms are completed accurately will help in receiving timely assistance and benefits. Always check for the latest requirements, as they may change over time.

Similar forms

  • Medicaid Application Form: Similar to the Mass Health form, this document collects personal and financial information to determine eligibility for Medicaid benefits. It also requires proof of income and citizenship.
  • Food Stamp Application: This application is used to assess eligibility for food assistance. Like the Mass Health form, it requires detailed household information and income verification.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Application: This form is similar in that it seeks information about family structure and income to determine eligibility for cash assistance programs.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Application: This document requires personal details and income information to evaluate eligibility for SSI benefits, paralleling the information needed in the Mass Health form.
  • Unemployment Benefits Application: This application collects information about employment history and income, much like the Mass Health form gathers financial details to assess eligibility.
  • Child Care Assistance Application: This form requires information about family size and income to determine eligibility for child care subsidies, similar to the Mass Health form's focus on household data.
  • Housing Assistance Application: Like the Mass Health form, this application requires household information and income verification to assess eligibility for housing support programs.
  • Health Insurance Marketplace Application: This document collects information about household size and income to determine eligibility for health coverage, mirroring the prepopulated aspects of the Mass Health form.
  • Veterans Benefits Application: This application gathers personal and financial information to assess eligibility for veterans' benefits, akin to the Mass Health form's requirements for household and income data.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the MassHealth form, it is essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. Here are some guidelines to help ensure a smooth application process.

  • Do double-check all personal information for accuracy.
  • Do ensure that all required documents are included with your submission.
  • Do report any changes in household income or composition promptly.
  • Do read all instructions carefully before completing the form.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; if a question does not apply, indicate that clearly.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't hesitate to seek assistance if you encounter any confusion during the process.

By following these guidelines, you can help facilitate a more efficient review of your MassHealth application. Remember, accuracy and completeness are key to avoiding delays.

Misconceptions

When it comes to the MassHealth form, many people hold misconceptions that can lead to confusion or mistakes in the application process. Here are six common misunderstandings:

  • Misconception 1: The MassHealth form is only for new applicants.
  • In reality, the MassHealth form is also essential for current members during their annual eligibility reviews. It helps ensure that all information is up to date.

  • Misconception 2: The prepopulated form means I don't need to provide any information.
  • This is not true. While the prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE) contains existing information, members must still review it and provide any necessary updates or corrections.

  • Misconception 3: I can ignore the sections that are not prepopulated.
  • Every section of the form is important. Even if some parts are prepopulated, members must complete all sections to ensure accurate processing of their eligibility.

  • Misconception 4: I do not need to provide proof of citizenship if I have submitted it before.
  • Even if proof has been provided in the past, it may still be required again during the eligibility review. Always check the “Proofs We Need” section on the form.

  • Misconception 5: The form is only relevant for adults.
  • The MassHealth form is applicable to all household members, including children. Information for every family member must be included to ensure proper coverage.

  • Misconception 6: Submitting the form late will not affect my benefits.
  • Timeliness is crucial. Late submissions can lead to a lapse in benefits or complications in the eligibility review process, so it's best to submit the form on time.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Mass Health form, there are several important aspects to keep in mind. Here are key takeaways to ensure a smooth process:

  • The Mass Health form includes a Prepopulated Eligibility Review Form (PPE) that contains existing household information.
  • Members should review the prepopulated information carefully and make any necessary corrections.
  • New household information can be reported directly on the PPE, streamlining the review process.
  • Only active members will be listed on the PPE, excluding those with a family group number of 00.
  • Households with multiple family groups or specific coding will not be eligible for the PPE process.
  • Important fields such as income and health insurance details will be prepopulated, saving time during completion.
  • Members must provide proof of citizenship and identity as required; this only needs to be submitted once.
  • All Social Security numbers will be partially redacted on the PPE for privacy, showing only the last four digits.

Understanding these key points can help ensure that the Mass Health eligibility review process is efficient and effective for all members involved.