Glossary A-words (MAM)

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Administrative Error - An action or lack of action by BFA resulting in the underpayment or overpayment of an individual's level of benefit or resulting in an incorrect determination of eligibility or ineligibility.

Alien - A foreign-born person who has not been naturalized and is still a citizen of a foreign country; any individual who is not a citizen of the U.S.

Alien Sponsor - Any individual who executed an affidavit of support or similar agreement on behalf of an alien (who is neither the child of the sponsor nor the sponsor's spouse) as a condition of the alien's entry into the U.S. When deeming the sponsor's income, "sponsor" refers only to individuals and does not apply to churches, agencies, or organizations.

Alimony - Payments for maintenance and care made to and on behalf of former or estranged spouse.

Allowable Deduction - The amount subtracted from an income which represents an expense that has been made or must be made by an assistance group member or an individual whose income is counted when determining eligibility.

Alternate Payee Organization - Any organization that provides guardian, conservator, protective payee, authorized representative, or power of attorney services to NH citizens and receives Department of Health and Human Services benefits or notices on behalf of the individual.

Annuity - Any instrument which gives the right to receive fixed, periodic payments, either for life or a term of years.

Anticipated Change - A change that is expected to occur in the future.

Application - A formal request for assistance signed and dated by the applicant. BFA Form 800, Application for Assistance, is used to apply for most BFA programs. BFA Form 800MA, Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs, is used to apply for Medicaid.

Assets - All income and resources of an individual and the individual's spouse, if married. Assets include income or resources to which the individual or spouse is entitled but does not receive because of any action by the individual or spouse, or person, including a court or administrative body, with legal authority to act in place of or on behalf of the individual or spouse or any person, including a court or administrative body, acting at the direction or upon the request of the individual or spouse.

Assignment of Rights to Support - A process whereby the right to receive and collect an individual's support is transferred to DHHS for the purpose of reimbursing CHIP medical assistance.

Assistance Group - The individuals living together, with or without benefit of a dwelling, whose needs, income, and resources, if resources are counted, are considered and combined together when determining eligibility and the amount of medical assistance.

Authorized Representative (AR) - An individual who acts on behalf of the casehead in some or all aspects of initial and continuing eligibility. The AR may be anyone designated by the casehead or an individual acting responsibly on behalf of the casehead.

Available Income - All income considered to be regular and recurring or which is considered to be available for use regardless of actual receipt.