Q: I received a letter from the county asking me to return a document in order to stay on Medical Assistance (MA). I’m confused because I don’t understand what it means, and I don’t want to lose my MA. The form I am supposed to return mentions “Account Validation Service (AVS)”. Can you help?
A: So glad you wrote in to ask and yes we can help! This is a very important letter to respond to. If you do not return the form within the timeframe listed, your MA can be closed. Here is more information about what the letter is about:
Earlier this summer, the Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a bulletin announcing a new policy that impacts some individuals applying for and accessing MA.
This policy applies to people who are age 21 or older and who are eligible for MA because they are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability (MA-ABD), including people who are eligible for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) and Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).
The AVS is a new tool DHS will use to verify individuals’ assets and ensure they are eligible for MA – in addition to current asset verifications. Individuals applying for or accessing MA will need to sign and return a new authorization form for the AVS in order to be considered eligible for or maintain their MA coverage.
With questions or for more information, contact your county or tribal agency, the Disability Hub (866.333.2466), or advocates here at The Arc Minnesota (833.450.1494).