Obsolete 0914 - 394-1 When to Use the RMA Program

Policy Effective May 1, 2010 - August 31, 2014

Contact DWS Program Specialist for Previous Policy

1. If the refugee doesn't qualify for Medicaid, PCN or CHIP, and the date of entry is within 8 months of the date of application, determine eligibility for RMA. For Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants, use either the date of entry, or the date they were granted status as Special Immigrants if later.  This includes children of refugees who are US citizens and do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.  

2. If a refugee listed in 394-2 loses eligibility for Medicaid because of increased earnings or assets, or because the refugee no longer falls into a Medicaid category (such as a pregnant woman is no longer pregnant and the 60 day post natal period has passed) within the 8 month time limit for RMA, re-determine RMA eligibility using the income and assets held on the date of the original medical assistance application.  

3. Close RMA at the end of the 8th month. Determine eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP or PCN. For Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants, close RMA at the end of the 8th month.  For Afghan Special Immigrants, see section 205-2 for policy that changed their eligibility for RMA from 6 months to 8 months in March 2009.  Beginning December 19, 2009, treat Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants as qualified aliens.  The 5-year bar does not apply even if they received the status before December 19, 2009.