NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Bismarck, North Dakota
September 20, 2004
IM 4954

TO:	Directors, County Social Service Boards
	Regional Representatives
	Quality Control Reviewers

FROM:	David J. Zentner, Director, Medical Services
	Blaine L. Nordwall, Director, Economic Assistance Policy 

SUBJECT:	Termination of QI-1 Coverage
	
PROGRAMS: 	Medicaid and Food Stamps

RETENTION:	December 31, 2004

The Qualifying Individual (QI-1) program is scheduled to end on September 30, 2004.  Accordingly, all current QI-1 cases will be closed effective September 30, 2004.  A mass mailing is being sent from the state office to inform all current recipients that their benefits will end.  A copy of the notice is attached.  

There is a possibility that Congress could extend this coverage before it expires on September 30, 2004.  If that should happen, we will send another mass mailing to these same recipients to inform them that their benefits will continue.  Because of this possibility, we will not actually close these cases in the TECS system until we are sure there will be no extension of the coverage, which will not be until at least September 30, 2004.  At that time we will do a mass closing of these case from the state office.  The only action that you will need to take is to update your physical file.  We will send you a printout of any QI-1 cases in your caseload that we close.
Because QI-1 applicants can receive up to three prior months of eligibility, applications can still be accepted through December 2004, for July, August, and September benefits.  For any application for QI-1 coverage that is processed after September 30, 2004, it will be necessary to terminate the coverage as of September 30, 2004.  The ‘PE’ (program ending) close reason must be used.  The ‘PE’ close reason will prompt the correct closing notice.  The notice will inform the individual that eligibility is ending due to federal law and that there is no right to request a fair hearing.  In the event that the entire case should not close because another individual in the case remains eligible for some other Medicaid coverage, contact the Help Desk for assistance.  The ‘PE’ close reason is used to close an entire case and will not work to close only one individual.  
For food stamp purposes, do not allow the Medicare premium for the benefit month of October.  If Congress does not extend this coverage before it expires on September 30, 2004, the Medicare premium must be added to the EXSA screen for these cases when working November 2004 benefits in the processing month of October 2004.

If you have questions call your Regional Representative.