301.05 Absence from New Hampshire (MAM)

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An individual’s medical assistance is not affected by a temporary absence from New Hampshire. A temporary absence is when an individual or assistance group is out of the state but intends to keep New Hampshire residency and return to the state as soon as the reason for the absence is complete. Examples include visiting, vacationing, temporary hospitalization, *rehabilitation services, and school attendance.

In questionable cases, or when an individual has been absent from New Hampshire longer than 30 days without notifying DHHS, evaluate residency status. Recurring out-of-state EBT card transactions, out-of-state home ownership or rental, or use of a PO Box, rural route address, or general delivery address to receive mail are examples of factors that may raise questions about residency. Any one of these factors by itself is not proof that the individual is not a NH resident. If residency is questionable, evaluate information in the client’s electronic case file and information received about the client’s household circumstances or call the client, to consider the following:

• reason for the absence;

• duration and frequency of absence;

• where personal and household possessions are kept;

• where the individual votes or pays resident taxes;

• place of employment;

• future plans; and

• in general, all factors which would establish a place of residency.

A verbal statement from the individual is sufficient to document his or her intent unless there is conflicting evidence. If after evaluation residency remains doubtful, mail New HEIGHTS-generated AE0055, Proof Needed to Determine Your Assistance, (or paper backup DFA Form 808, Proof Needed to Determine Your Assistance, if New HEIGHTS is unavailable) to the client to request verification of residency. Enter an expected change in New HEIGHTS to check for verification in 10 days.* If the individual does not respond within 10 days or provides insufficient information*, deny or close the case.

Example: An FSS receives information that Stuart, who is receiving APTD medical assistance, owns a house in Florida despite his claiming New Hampshire residency. This prompts the FSS to assess other factors. The FSS calls Stuart, but Stuart does not answer. The FSS immediately mails Stuart the New HEIGHTS-generated AE055 to request verification of residency. Stuart submits proof that he does own a house in Florida, and this house is an excluded resource. He also submits proof from his landlord in New Hampshire verifying that he lives in his rental apartment for 10 months out of the year and returns to New Hampshire after his out-of-state visits. The FSS determines that, based on this information, Stuart’s New Hampshire residency is not questionable. She reminds Stuart to notify DHHS anytime he plans to leave New Hampshire for more than 30 days.

For individuals who move out of New Hampshire permanently yet meet all other eligibility criteria, continue eligibility for a period not to exceed 30 days from the departure date or from the date on which the individual applies for assistance in another state, whichever occurs first. If the new state furnishes benefits before the 30-day grace period expires, discontinue New Hampshire benefits effective with the start date of the new state’s benefits.

References: He-W 601.06(w), He-W 601.07(e), He-W 601.08(b), He-W 606.10, He-W 606.11, He-W 699.02, RSA 21:6, 42 CFR 435.403, 42 CFR 435.945(a), 42 CFR 435.952, 42 CFR 435.956