*** The Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM) has been replaced by the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM) as of June 1, 2016. Please refer to the EPM for current health care program policy information. ***
Effective: December 1, 2006 |
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03.15.05 - Child Under 21 Becomes Pregnant |
Archived: June 1, 2016 |
When a child under age 21 becomes pregnant, consider data privacy, documentation, and other requirements. The specific age of the child and the source that reports the pregnancy determine how the case should be handled.
Pregnancy Reported by Outside Source.
Child Under Age 21 Reports Her Pregnancy.
Documentation and Follow-up Contacts.
Pregnancy Reported by Outside Source
When you are notified of the possible pregnancy of a child under age 21 living with parents through reports from a source other than the enrollee or household (for example, from a medical provider), do not contact the enrollee or household. Enter a case note regarding the information received and the source.
Child Under Age 21 Reports Her Pregnancy
When a child under age 21 reports her pregnancy, advise her of all of the following:
l How the pregnancy will affect the household's MinnesotaCare premium or Medical Assistance (MA) eligibility.
l The date the premium notice will show the new amount, if appropriate.
l That the premium or other change notice will not show the reasons for the change.
Inform her that verification of pregnancy is required (for both MinnesotaCare for pregnant women and MA for pregnant women). Offer to send a Pregnancy Verification Form (DHS-3236) and ask if she would prefer to receive the form at an address other than the case mailing address.
If the child who reports her pregnancy is age 18 or older:
l Explain that information about pregnancy is private and cannot be shared with other household members unless she signs a Consent Form (DHS 2243A).
l Do not share information about the pregnancy with other household members without a signed Consent Form.
If a child under age 18 reports her pregnancy:
l Explain that data privacy laws dictate what information about a child can be shared with parents and other family members.
l Inform her that you will not disclose the information unless you have reason to believe her health is in danger.
l If the child states that you can share the information with others in the household, record this in case notes.
Note: You do not need a Consent Form to share pregnancy information for a child under age 18 who has stated that you may share the information.
Documentation and Follow-up Contacts
Enter case notes for all contact with the household. If another household member inquires about a premium or eligibility change resulting from the reported pregnancy of a child:
l Do not disclose the pregnancy unless you have a signed Consent Form if the child is age 18 or over, or the child is under age 18 and has stated that you may share the information.
l If you cannot disclose the pregnancy, inform the caller that a change was reported by a member of the household, but that you cannot discuss the change due to data privacy laws.