Section 405IAC2-1-2. Interview of applicants and recipients

   (a) In addition to the requirements of 470 IAC 2.1-1-2, each applicant for and recipient of medical assistance or the individual authorized to act in the individual's behalf must be interviewed by the division of family resources (division) at the time of the initial investigation and at each annual reinvestigation of eligibility.

  (b) The initial investigation interview required under subsection (a) may be conducted:

(1) in a division office;

(2) at a home visit;

(3) by telephone; or

(4) at a community location designated by the division or designee.

  (c) The annual reinvestigation interview required under subsection (a) may be conducted:

(1) in a division office;

(2) at a home visit;

(3) by telephone;

(4) by mail; or

(5) at a community location designated by the division or designee.

  (d) An application for medical assistance shall be filed on the form prescribed by the division.

  (e) The applicant or recipient may use an authorized representative to apply for medical assistance, to represent the applicant or recipient in all interviews, and to notify the division of any changes. The authorization must be in writing except as provided in subsections (g) and (h).

  (f) Notwithstanding the availability of an authorized representative, the division may require personal contact with the applicant or recipient in order to obtain information necessary for the determination of eligibility.

  (g) The parents of an applicant or recipient under twenty-one (21) years of age may apply for medical assistance on behalf of the applicant or recipient without the written authorization specified in subsection (e).

  (h) The written authorization specified in subsection (e) shall not be required if medical documentation shows that the applicant or recipient is medically unable to provide such authorization.

  (i) For any applicant or recipient of long-term care services, the application of the individual for such assistance, including any recertification of eligibility for such assistance, shall disclose a description of any interest the individual or community spouse has in an annuity (or similar financial instrument as may be specified by the Secretary of HHS) regardless of whether the annuity is irrevocable or is treated as an asset.

(1) Such application or recertification packet shall include a statement signed by the individual that the state will become a remainder beneficiary under such an annuity or similar financial instrument by virtue of the provision of such medical assistance.

(2) Upon disclosure by an applicant or recipient under this subsection, the state will notify the issuer of the annuity of its right as a preferred remainder beneficiary for medical assistance furnished to the individual.

  (j) The division will accept an application for medical assistance signed with an electronic signature.

  (k) An applicant or recipient who does not meet the requirements of this section shall be ineligible for medical assistance.

  (l) The formal initial investigation interview required under subsection (a) is not required for individuals subject to the modified adjusted gross income methodology set forth under 42 CFR 435.603. (Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services; 405 IAC 2-1-2; filed Mar 1, 1984, 2:31 p.m.: 7 IR 1013, eff Apr 1, 1984; filed Jun 19, 1984, 10:25 a.m.: 7 IR 1821, eff Jul 1, 1984 [IC 4-22-2-5 suspends the effectiveness of a rule document for thirty (30) days after filing with the secretary of state. LSA Document #84-29 was filed with the secretary of state June 19, 1984.]; filed Feb 16, 1993, 5:00 p.m.: 16 IR 1781; readopted filed Jun 27, 2001, 9:40 a.m.: 24 IR 3822; readopted filed Sep 19, 2007, 12:16 p.m.: 20071010-IR-405070311RFA; filed Feb 19, 2009, 10:53 a.m.: 20090318-IR-405080195FRA; filed Aug 18, 2009, 11:33 a.m.: 20090916-IR-405080325FRA; readopted filed Oct 28, 2013, 3:18 p.m.: 20131127-IR-405130241RFA; filed Apr 8, 2014, 12:37 p.m.: 20140507-IR-405130533FRA) NOTE: Transferred from the Division of Family and Children (470 IAC 9.1-1-2) to the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services (405 IAC 2-1-2) by P.L.9-1991, SECTION 131, effective January 1, 1992.