What Will You Find in This Guide?
This guide explains the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) process in Minnesota. You will learn about:
- What SMRT is.
- Why it matters for disability services and Medical Assistance (MA).
- Who needs to go through SMRT.
- The steps of the SMRT process.
- The difference between SMRT and Social Security.
- Pros and cons of different options.
- Tips for parents and trusted supporters.
- Frequently asked questions.
What is SMRT and Why is it Important?
The State Medical Review Team (SMRT) is a group of medical professionals and staff in Minnesota who review documentation to determine if someone meets the disability criteria for certain county services and Medical Assistance (MA) programs.
SMRT doesn’t provide Social Security benefits but helps people qualify for state disability-based programs such as MA, home and community-based waivers, and other related supports.
SMRT is important because some MA programs and disability services require proof of a “certified disability.” If you do not already have certification from the Social Security Administration (SSA), SMRT can provide it, allowing you to access:
- Medical Assistance (MA) programs, like TEFRA or MA-EPD.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
- The Family Support Grant.
- Special Needs Trusts.
- Exemptions from Managed Care MA.
Who Needs to Go Through SMRT?
You may need to go through SMRT if you:
- Are applying for disability-based Medical Assistance (like MA-EPD or MA-TEFRA).
- Need Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
- Want to set up a Family Support Grant or Special Needs Trust.
- Need an exclusion from Managed Care MA.
You do not need SMRT if you already have a Social Security Administration (SSA) disability award letter. That letter can be used instead of SMRT.
Steps in the SMRT Process
Step 1: Referral
A county worker will send your information to SMRT. You will get a welcome letter with instructions and forms to complete.
Step 2: Gather Documents
SMRT makes decisions only based on paperwork. Collect medical records, test results, and letters from doctors from the past year.
Helpful Tip: Use a checklist to stay organized. Always write your PMI (Person Master Index) number on every page.
Step 3: Review
SMRT staff review your documents. Sometimes they may ask for more records or testing.
Step 4: Decision
The process usually takes at least 3 months. You will receive a notice when SMRT makes a decision about your disability certification.
Step 5: Recertification
SMRT certifications usually last between 1 and 7 years. The county will send another referral before your certification expires. Follow instructions to keep your benefits.
Step 6: Expedited Review (if needed)
A county worker can ask SMRT to review your case more quickly if:
- You have a life-threatening condition.
- You are leaving a hospital, nursing home, or other facility.
- You have a condition on the SSA’s “Compassionate Allowance List.”
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat if I already get Social Security disability benefits?
You don’t need SMRT. Submit your SSA award letter when applying for MA.
QHow long does the SMRT process take?
At least 3 months after SMRT gets your referral and documents.
QCan I send original documents to SMRT?
No. Only send copies. Always write your PMI number on every page.
Pros and Cons of SMRT vs. Social Security
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SMRT | May be faster to access services in Minnesota. Fewer steps to qualify for MA. |
Does not qualify you for Social Security benefits. |
| Social Security | Gives access to cash benefits like SSI or SSDI. | You must already be approved by SSA. Takes longer and is a federal process. |
Tips for Parents and Trusted Supporters
- Help gather updated medical records from the past year. More detailed records lead to faster decisions.
- Write a “bad day” letter. Explain how the disability affects daily life. This gives SMRT a full picture.
- Watch deadlines. Submit all documents quickly after getting the welcome letter to avoid delays.
Disclaimer
The Arc Minnesota shares information to help and support you. We do our best to keep it correct and up-to-date, but we can’t promise everything will always be complete or accurate. We recommend double-checking information to be sure.
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The Arc Minnesota is not responsible for any mistakes, missing details, or any problems caused by using our website.