Benefit Blast-February 2021

Volume 2 | FEBRUARY 2021

Benefit BLAST

News You Can Use

from your Benefit Coordination Partner!

The verification of income is the most common eligibility requirement for any government benefit. Although seemingly an easy requirement, there are some potential barriers.

Gross vs. Net - Gross income is the income total BEFORE any deductions are taken out. Eligibility, for most government programs, is based on gross income. Most people know what is being deposited in their bank account (net) but struggle when having to confirm their gross amount. The Social Security award letter received at the beginning of the year is a good example of proper verification.

Verification from a Pension - Gathering proof of a pension can be challenging especially if the applicant is unable to participate. Some Pension companies do not recognize POA, or have their own form, so getting a simple verification of gross income can be challenging. Starting early, communicating with the Pension company regarding how to secure an income statement is prudent.

Misunderstanding of where income is from. Is the income from the Department of Defense or Veterans Administration? Social Security or OPM? The difference can make a big difference. Understanding the specifics of income will allow you an easier time getting the proper documentation needed.

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Benefit Update:

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

What is OPM anyway? The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government that manages the US civilian service retirement benefits.

It is important to note that Federal employees did not pay Social Security taxes before 1984. Some state and government employees are covered by both Social Security and their government pensions. To be eligible, at least 5 years of creditable civilian service needs to be completed. OPM manages these benefits.

Challenges communicating with Social Security are common, sadly, it can be even more difficult to connect and communicate with OPM.

An important key is the claimants CSA (Civil Service Active) number – this is a 7 digit number and must be included on all correspondences to/from OPM. If the applicant is a survivor of an OPM recipient, OPM will issue a CSF (Civil Service Final) number. This number is like a Social Security number. If you have a client/resident who receives OPM – please be careful to save letters containing the OPM number – it will likely prove important some day!

There is a process to secure Representative Payee authority with OPM similar to Social Security – use form RI-207 to apply. (see link below)

Requesting help from OPM can be challenging, call 1-888-767-6738 or go to: www.servicesonline.opm.gov Be persistent!

Click HERE to Download OPM Application form RI-20-7

RECENT RESULTS!

Benefit Results is focused on finding solutions.

We received a facility referral regarding a case with multiple Medicaid denials because of the inability to access OPM information, costing the facility months of revenue loss. This client was not able to figure out the OPM process herself, and her family was unsuccessful as well. After our assessment and creation of a plan, we were able to locate her CSA number and coordinate efforts with OPM.

We were able to assist with her direct deposit, which is now deposited into her correct account. Her federal life insurance benefit statement and monthly benefit statement were able to be retrieved answering all the eligibility concerns to then gain approval to benefits! The facility now receives a consistent revenue stream with Medicaid and the client can pay her share of cost (patient liability) because her income and necessary documentation is now accessible to her!

Click here to see what our clients are saying about Benefit Results

What is coming up?

Don’t miss the AZTV morning show Arizona Daily Mix with Brad Perry.

Benefit Results is proud to be a LiveWell partner – we will be making an appearance on the show once a month to discuss government benefit concerns and case results.

For more information on the Live Well program visit https://www.aztv.com/livewell

Click HERE to see our first show, which aired on Feb. 9th.