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State Papers Medical Program

BASIC ELIGIBILITY: Eligibility is determined by income and resources levels of the applicant household and an assessment of the individual circumstances regarding the applicant's ability to pay the bill.

1. Income: See income guidelines. Gross income must be less than 185% of poverty level.
2. Resources: All resources are accounted for, including, but not limited to, checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, IRA's, cash value of life insurance. Exempted from resources consideration are the homestead and one personal automobile with a reasonable equity. All other real property is considered as a resource. Resources limitation is $10,000 per household.
3. Assessment of ability to pay: individual circumstances will be assessed to determine the ability of the applicant to pay the bill over a reasonable length of time. Assessment will include information regarding basic need expenses, available income and available resources.
   
   1. At 100% or less of poverty level the bill for which assistance is requested must exceed $500.
   2. At 100% - 150% of poverty level the bill for which payment is requested must exceed $750.
   3. A-b 150% - 185% of poverty level, the bill for which payment is requested must exceed $1000.
   4. If available resources equal or exceed the amount of the bill, resources must be utilized and the ability to pay the bill is assumed.
   5. If resources are less than the bill, a determination of ability is made taking into consideration the reduction of the bill which would occur through utilization of the available resources.

General Guidelines:

1. All applicants must: apply through the Department of Human Services for Title XIX and must provide written verification certifying ineligibility for Title XIX or medically needy programs. Verification must be received prior to approval for state papers. Denial of Title XIX or medically needy eligibility based on action or lack of action by the applicant results in
2. Elective medical services are no"t covered by this program.
3. If health insurance has been available to the applicant through the place of employment and the applicant has chosen not to access this, such voluntary lack of participation in available medical coverage may result in ineligibility.
4. If exceptional individual circumstances are present, the case aide may present such circumstances for a Director's Exception to current guidelines.
5. IAC Ch 82 will be followed for Indigent Obstetrical and Orthopedic Patient Care Programs.

To provide the greatest flexibility and access to the University of Iowa Hospital State Papers program, applications are taken following provision of the medical service. This allows persons to access medical services based on medical need, and retains for potential applicants their right to apply for financial assistance. In addition, in order to allow information to potential applicants for the "State Papers" program, the following procedure will be instituted.

1. Procedure: Persons interested in applying for "State Papers" may,
   upon request, be seen for an informational interview prior to
   receiving medical services through University Hospitals.
   
   1. The applicant will be scheduled for interview with the CSD Case Aide.
   2. Application form will be completed at the time of the interview.
   3. Case Aide will provide a tentative determination as to whether eligibility guidelines would appear to be met.
   4. Client will be informed that final determination of eligibility will be made only upon completion of an updated application and follow-through with all eligibility requirements.