Fact Sheet No. 28

~ Fact Sheet No. 28 ~
The Transition off Welfare
TRANSITIONAL MEDICAID (TMA)

If you are no longer eligible for public assistance as a result of a new job or a raise, you may still be eligible to receive Transitional Medicaid (TMA), which will help cover your medical expenses for up to twelve months.

Important Note

Even if you are ineligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for FAMILY HEALTH PLUS, a new program which goes into effect on January 1, 2001. In addition, your children may already be able to get Non-Public Assistance Medicaid or Child Health Plus. See brochures information on "Child Health Plus".

Eligibility for Transitional Medicaid (TMA):

You and your family may be eligible for TMA if:

1 your public assistance case has been closed due to increased income from employment (of any household member)

AND

2 you have received Medicaid during three out of the six preceding months

In addition you must be one of the following:

1 a parent with children under the age of 21 living at home

2 a young person under the age of 21 who is not living with a caretaker or relative

3 a pregnant woman

How To Get TMA:
There is no application process for TMA.

If you are eligible, the Human Resources Administration should automatically start providing it to you.

NOTE

If you believe you are eligible for TMA and your medicaid is cut, immediately ask for a fair hearing. See the reverse side of this fact sheet on requesting a fair hearing.

The TMA Time-Limit

1 Eligible households receive 6 months of automatic coverage regardless of income.

2 When your time on TMA begins to run out, the Human Resources Administration will send you a form to report your wages. If you return this form, DSS will see whether you are eligible for another 6 months of TMA. (An additional 6 months can be authorized if your income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level ).

When Your TMA Runs Out:

When you cannot get any more TMA, you and/or your children may still be eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus. To find out, you should go to the Medicaid office nearest you and fill out an application. If you live in North Brooklyn, this office is located at 737 Flushing Avenue.

If the Human Resources Administration
Does Not Give You TMA:

HRA cannot reduce or stop your Medicaid without a 10-day notice! If you call for a fair hearing before the 10 days are up, you will continue receiving your Medicaid until you receive a fair hearing decision on the matter.

You can request a fair hearing by:

1 calling (212) 417-6550, or
2 visiting the Fair Hearing Office at
14 Boerum Place in Brooklyn

WE CAN Help!

If you live in North Brooklyn and need assistance, call the WE CAN Hotline at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A: (718)487-2300 or (800) 696-6778.

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