*** The Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM) has been replaced by the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM) as of June 1, 2016.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: June 1, 2012 |
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03.20.30 - MinnesotaCare for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Attendants |
Archived: June 1, 2016 (Previous Versions) |
MinnesotaCare for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Attendants (MVFAA) provides coverage for Minnesota volunteer firefighters and ambulance attendants through the MinnesotaCare Basic Plus One benefit set based on limited eligibility and verification requirements.
Definitions of Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Attendant.
Citizenship/Immigration Status.
Insurance and Benefit Recovery.
Definitions of Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Attendant
To be eligible for MVFAA, a client must be a volunteer firefighter or ambulance attendant as defined below:
l Volunteer Firefighter: A person who is regularly charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection with a regularly organized Minnesota fire department, fire protection district, or fire company who has passed his or her probationary period.
l Volunteer Ambulance Attendant: A person who provides emergency medical services for a Minnesota licensed ambulance service without the expectation of remuneration and who does not depend in any way upon the provision of these services for the person's livelihood. A person who receives an hourly stipend may still be considered a volunteer ambulance attendant as long as such stipends and other nominal fees do not exceed $6,000 annually.
Application Process (standard guidelines)
People apply for MVFAA by submitting the MinnesotaCare Application for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Attendants (DHS-5960) to DHS. Applications can be downloaded from the DHS web site. MVFAA applicants cannot apply for this program with ApplyMN.
MinnesotaCare Applications for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Attendants received at a county agency should be faxed to DHS MinnesotaCare Operations at (651) 282-5100.
The MinnesotaCare Application for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Attendants cannot be used to apply for any other Minnesota Health Care Program.
An individual reapplying for MVFAA must submit a new application if the previous application is 11 months or older.
Eligibility Begin Date (standard guidelines)
Follow standard MinnesotaCare guidelines.
Renewals (standard guidelines)
Enrollees are not required to submit a renewal form to maintain eligibility.
Verifications (standard guidelines)
Applicants are only required to submit verification of their status as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance attendant. A verification form is included with the application and should be returned to DHS MinnesotaCare Operations. Enrollees must report the following changes within 10 days:
l A change in their status as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance attendant; or
l A change in address.
Social Security Number (standard guidelines)
Follow standard MinnesotaCare guidelines.
Citizenship / Immigration Status (standard guidelines)
Do not request information about citizenship or immigration status.
Residency (standard guidelines)
Follow the requirements in State Residence for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
Insurance and Benefit Recovery (standard guidelines)
Enrollees are not subject to MinnesotaCare insurance barriers or third party liability requirements.
Household Composition (standard guidelines)
Coverage through this program is available only for the volunteer. Do not count other household members. Other household members are not eligible for coverage under MVFAA and must apply for coverage following current policy. See Applications for Minnesota Health Care Programs.
Asset Guidelines (standard guidelines)
Asset guidelines do not apply to MVFAA applicants and enrollees.
Income Guidelines (standard guidelines)
Income guidelines do not apply to MVFAA applicants and enrollees.
Spenddowns/Premiums (standard guidelines)
The MVFAA premium is paid separately from other premiums paid by other household members.
MVFAA enrollees are not subject to the four-month penalty period for the following:
l Failing to pay a MinnesotaCare premium.
l Voluntarily request closure of MVFAA.
Close eligibility for MVFAA when an enrollee is no longer a Minnesota resident or is no longer a volunteer firefighter or ambulance attendant.