Work First 101 – Initial Screening and Assessment

II. RECEPTION

Upon an individual's request for assistance the agency must ensure that:

A. All applicants and/or individuals who inquire about receipt of Work First are provided with the DSS-8227, Immigrant Access Notice. (Figure 2)

B. The individual understands and signs the DMA-5094 (Notice of Your Right To Apply for Benefits), with the individual receiving the original copy and a copy retained by the agency. The DMA-5094 is the agency's proof that the individual was informed of the right to apply for Medicaid.

C. The individual signs an application for Medicaid and/or food stamp benefits and a DSS-5097 (Notice of Information Needed to Complete Your Medicaid Application), if needed, on the date he/she requests either of these programs. If the individual signs a Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) application, he/she does not need to sign a separate Medicaid application.

If an individual is unable to be interviewed that day and expresses an immediate need for medical care, the agency must have him/her sign an application (DSS-8124) for Medicaid that day.

D. The individual is not discouraged from applying for Medicaid. (Refer to the Family and Children’s Medicaid Manual for examples of discouragement.)

Discouragement includes, for example:

• Requiring or suggesting that the individual wait to apply;
• Stating or suggesting the individual is ineligible for Medicaid;
• Giving incorrect or incomplete information about the programs or options;
• Requiring information be provided before making an application; and/or
• Failing to explain and have the individual sign a DMA-5094.

E. The Daily Reception Log (DMA-5093) is maintained, recording every individual visiting the agency expressing a medical or financial need.