121 INTERVIEWS SR 98-35, 08/98 (AAM-A)

Interviews are official and confidential discussions of household circumstances. The worker must do all of the following:

• Evaluate all available information, including any existing case record;

• Resolve any unclear or incomplete information;

• Inform individuals of their rights and responsibilities; and

• Provide information about program policies and procedures.

Conduct a personal interview:

• Prior to each initial eligibility determination;

 Exceptions:

- Do not require a personal interview for individuals applying for QMB through the NH Housing Authority via Form 800q, Application for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program.

- Do not require a personal interview for individuals reapplying for In and Out medical assistance because they want to change from a one- to a six-month spend down period, if the reapplication is made within 6 months of the previous eligibility interview.

- If the information provided for an initial determination of eligibility establishes that the individual is ineligible, the worker may deny the case without an interview.

• At regularly scheduled redetermination of eligibility;

 Exceptions:

- QMB, QDWI, SLMB, or SLMB135 redeterminations,

- Individuals in independent living arrangements who do not receive food stamps may, at the discretion of the District Office, use Form 771, Adult Redetermination Form, and

- Individuals residing in nursing facilities or swing-bed hospitals who receive nursing facility care or who are only eligible for medical services other than payment for nursing facility care may, at the discretion of the District Office, use Form 771a, Nursing Home Redetermination.

- AP/MA, MA-Only, and related food stamp cases selected to receive Form 800R (ADULT), Application for Redetermining Eligibility for Assistance; and

• As a result of reported changes, or the discovery of conflicting information regarding eligibility criteria.

Waiver of the personal interview does not exempt the individual from the verification requirements. Arrange for the completion and return of Form 771, 771a or 800R(ADULT) and required verification by the date specified on Form 808, Proof Needed to Determine Your Assistance, if applicable. Document in the case record why the personal interview was waived.