DHS has provided answers to some questions that were asked during the June webinar presentation on Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA). The full presentation can be found on Navigator One Stop: /assister-central/navigator-one-stop/performance-support/index.jspMeetings and Webinars.

Q: Which certain circumstances can a verbal attestation cover in the event that electronic or paper proof is unavailable?

A: Self-attestation, either verbal or in writing, of the following eligibility factors may be accepted if electronic data sources are unsuccessful or unavailable and paper proof does not exist or is not available:

• Income
• Assets
• Medical expenses to meet a spenddown
• Certification of Disability through Social Security Administration (SSA) or State Medical Review Team (SMRT)
• Exceptions to having a Social Security number

Paper proof is considered not available if neither the applicant or enrollee, nor the agency can obtain it. The county, tribal and state servicing agency must make efforts to assist the applicant or enrollee in obtaining the requested paper proof, if it exists. This includes obtaining authorization from the applicant or enrollee to contact a third party on their behalf, if appropriate. Decisions to accept an applicant’s or enrollee’s self-attestation must be based on the individual case circumstances. Self-attestation cannot be accepted in lieu of electronic verification or paper documentation of an applicant or enrollee’s citizenship, immigration status or Social Security number.

Q: Can you get EMA for diabetes treatment?

A: EMA covers the care and treatment of emergency medical conditions provided in an emergency department or in an inpatient hospital, when the admission is the result of an emergency department admission. Minnesota Health Care Programs, through its medical review agent, will determine actual cases based on case-by-case circumstances and medical documentation. The Provider Manual has EMA sample scenarios. Scenario #1 is about diabetes.

Patient is treated in the emergency department for diabetic ketoacidosis. Patient is diagnosed with Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening emergency. Patient is stabilized and discharged to home. According to the treating physician’s documentation, the patient is expected to return to a diabetic ketoacidosis state within 24-48 hours without ongoing insulin therapy. Through the care plan process, patient may be determined eligible for coverage for insulin treatment and blood glucose monitoring, as well as physician visits directly related to diabetes and insulin management.