400 INCOME STANDARDS

Effective: July 1, 2008

Previous Policy

To be eligible to enroll in CHIP, the gross countable household income must be equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty guideline for a household of equal size. The income of a child who is under the age of 19 and is not the head of household is not counted when determining CHIP eligibility.  The income of any other individual included in the household size and the income of a child under age 19 who is the head of household is countable income.  Refer to sections 230 and 420 for the policy explaining who is counted in the household size.

This section begins with rules for determining what income is countable and what is exempt. It includes the rules for calculating the amount of the client's income which must be used to determine CHIP eligibility; the rules for budgeting income; and how to determine if a client meets the CHIP income guidelines.

Employees of the Department of Health and the Department of Workforce Services are prohibited from advising or encouraging applicants for, or enrollees to terminate employment or to otherwise reduce income for the purpose of qualifying for CHIP or any public assistance program.  This does not mean that employees cannot tell applicants or recipients about CHIP and/or the Medicaid spenddown program and the ways to reduce or meet a Medicaid spenddown with medical bills to be able to receive Medicaid.  Workers can explain eligibility policies, what income deductions a client receives, and can respond honestly to direct questions a client asks about policies.