NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA
October 5, 2004

IM #4956

TO:		County Director
EA Policy Regional Representatives
Quality Control Reviewers

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

SUBJECT:	Extension of QI-1 Coverage

PROGRAMS:	    Medicaid and Food Stamps

RETENTION: 	N/A

An extension of the Qualifying Individual (QI-1) program was signed into law in a Continuing Resolution on September 30, 2004.  The coverage has been extended through November 20, 2004.  Accordingly, all QI-1 cases that received a notice informing them that their coverage would end effective September 30, 2004, and who have not legitimately closed for another reason or switched to another coverage, are being sent another notice informing them of the extension.  A copy of the notice is attached.  

Because of the possibility of this extension, we did not close these cases in the TECS system. Continue to process QI-1 cases as you have in the past. 
In the future, notification will not be sent to county’s or recipients regarding these potential coverage endings.  Notification will only be sent if the coverage actually does end.
For food stamps, no changes are needed, as you will continue to process these cases without allowing the Medicare premium as an expense.  

If you have questions call your Regional Representative.