Standard Means Test
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Standard Means Test | Reimbursements
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1. Can child support payments be used as a reduction to gross income?
If you have proof the child support payments are being made.
2. How can I show proof of dependents?
A copy of the income tax form with the names of the dependents listed on the form.
If there is a dependent that was born within last year you can use a copy of the birth certificate to show proof of dependents. If you have someone who can claim the dependent every other year you can use the divorce document if they didn’t claim them on last years taxes.
When no proof of dependents is provided you can only count one dependent.
3. The Standard Means Test assigns a zero ability to pay if a consumer has Medicaid. Is a person considered to have Medicaid if their income has been included for determining Medicaid eligibility for someone else?
No, they are not. The consumer must have active Medicaid to have a zero ability to pay. If the consumer's income is included in determining active Medicaid for a family member, their income will be put on the scale to determine their ability to pay.
4. A seasonal worker is currently unemployed. (i.e. construction) how do you calculate the monthly income?
Take the most recent 12 months income and divide by 12 to come up with the monthly income to apply to the scale.
5. Someone who was recently terminated and has worked for the past 11 months. How would you figure the income?
That person would be considered having no income. However, they must provide you proof that they are unemployed. A letter signed from the previous employer on his letterhead stating they are no longer employed by them, or a statement from the Division of Employment Security would suffice.
6. A person is a seasonal worker and receiving unemployment benefits. How would you calculate their monthly ability to pay?
Add the unemployment income and average it by number of months you have documents for.
7. Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income counted in total household income in determining the ability to pay?
Yes. Unearned income is included when determining the monthly income. It is only when they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you do not have to complete the Standard Means Questionnaire in detail.
8. What do I do when someone says they receive cash as their income?
Take their word for it and apply the sliding fee scale and request verification from Department of Mental Health.
9. What deductions are allowed from the gross income?
The only deductions from gross income you can use is paying medical expenses above the 7 ½ percent of the adjusted gross income, business expenses, maintenance/alimony and child support. You must have proof these payments are being made, not that they are owed.
10. An individual was recently released from jail and does not have proof of income. What can I do?
A statement from a probation or parole officer will be sufficient for verification of income, dependents and Missouri residency.
11. What can I use as verification of residency?
You can use a rent receipt, utility bill, bank statement with their name and address on it, or a current driver’s license. Last years income tax form will also work.
12. Do you count the income of a child you are NOT treating?
No. Only count the unearned income of the child receiving the service. If that child is working and earning an income, do not count the earned income, but do count the unearned (SSA, Child Support, etc.) toward the household income.
13. Do you count the income of the non-custodial parent?
No. Not unless the non custodial parent brings the child in for services.
