B-5000, Previously Completed Application

Revision 20-4; Effective December 1, 2020

A previously completed application for assistance is valid for 90 days. It may be used to reopen the application or renewal in the following situations.

Failure to Provide Requested Information

  • An application is denied for failure to provide information and all requested information is provided within 90 days of the date of denial.
  • A renewal is denied for failure to provide information and all requested information is provided after the date of denial but within 90 days of the last day of the last benefit month.  

Reopen and re-evaluate eligibility using the information provided and the previously submitted application or renewal form. A written request to reopen is not required.

The date all the information and verification that was originally requested is provided is the new file date. If additional information is needed to make an accurate eligibility determination based on the new file date, request the needed information following regular policy and process.

Failure to Provide Verification of Level of Care (LOC) or Medical Necessity (MN)

If an application is denied for failure to provide verification of LOC or MN and all other eligibility criteria are met:

  • Reopen and re-evaluate eligibility using the previously submitted application if verification of LOC or MN is received within 90 days of the date of denial. A written request to reopen is not required. The date the verification is received is the new file date.
  • If additional information is needed to make an accurate eligibility determination based on the new file date, request the needed information following regular policy and processes.

Application or Renewal Denied for Reasons Other Than Failure to Provide Information

If an application or renewal is denied for a reason other than failure to provide information and the person requests to reapply:

  • Obtain a written, dated and signed statement of request to reapply from the person or authorized representative to establish the file date.
  • The previously completed application for assistance is valid for 90 days from the date of denial.
  • The previously completed renewal form is valid for 90 days from the last day of the last benefit month.
  • Verification must be updated if circumstances have changed.

Application or Renewals Denied in Error

  • If an application is denied in error, the original file date of the application must be used regardless of the age of the application.
  • If a renewal is denied in error, the receipt date of the renewal packet must be used regardless of the age.
  • If the application or renewal denial is determined to be agency error, do not require a new application or statement to reapply from the person or authorized representative to reopen the application if supervisory approval is obtained.

Applications Received from Other HHSC Areas

Applications for assistance may be received by other areas within HHSC, including Community Care Service Eligibility (CCSE) staff or waiver staff. Regardless of the signature date, the applications must be forwarded to Medicaid eligibility staff for an eligibility determination. Staff must contact the applicant or authorized representative to obtain current information.

Example: CCSE staff refer a person receiving Family Care to MEPD for a financial eligibility determination for Community Attendant Services (CAS). The application was signed and dated two months prior. MEPD staff must contact the person to obtain current income and resource information.

Related Policy

Date of Application, B-4000
Processing Deadlines, B-6400