To:All SSP Staff

From: Sandy Dugan, Administrator, CW/SSP Field Services

Date:February 14, 2014

Subject:SSP Update: Information on Fast-track & Medical Referrals

In my last message, I wrote about the transition to a medical referral agency as being the most predominate change for Self Sufficiency in 2014; focusing on providing the best customer service by offering referral and contact information based upon the customer’s need or request.

Along with a big change like this, there are many small changes needed to settle into a new way of doing things. It’s important that you feel comfortable to connect with Central Office when you have questions, need clarification or come across a potential issue. As you connect with us, we will do our best to provide you with information to ensure you can provide assistance within our new role as a medical referral agency.

Recent updates included how to report changes to OHP and where to direct OHP members who need assistance. Below is additional information and clarification on hot topics based on your recent inquiries:

Clarification on Fast-track Eligibility: Many of you have asked, “What makes someone eligible for fast-track enrollment? And are fast-track letters still being mailed?”

  • First, Fast-track enrollment is only available to adult Oregonians, who meet qualifications for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and –
  1. Are currently receiving food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or
  1. Have children enrolled in Healthy Kids.
  • An important note: Fast-track eligibility only applies to the person the letter is addressed to; meaning the person receiving the letter is the only individual who will receive medical if the consent form is returned.
  • Fast-track letters are still being mailed to adults who meet the above criteria.
  • If the adult returning the consent form has requested medical assistance for anyone else in the household, date stamp a 7210 application and route it to 5503 for eligibility determination.

Fast-track Letters Dated January 31, 2014: “We have been getting reports from customers who have received a Fast-track letter with incorrect information – is there a known issue?”

  • The January 31 mailing was sent to eligible fast-track customers but listed an incorrect first name. All other information, including the last name, address and the prime number were correct.
  • OHA will be sending corrected fast-track consent forms along with a cover letter to those impacted explaining that there was an error. They will be asked to use the corrected form to sign and consent to enrollment.
  • Those who have returned the form with the incorrect first name will still be accepted. If local offices receive one of these forms, cross out the first name and replace it with the correct name and return it to OHA. OHA will make the corrections to their fast-track file.
  • Note: This mix up in mailings was reported to the Privacy office.It is important to inform customers that there was no breach of confidentiality in the mailings; identifiable information was not shared with other customers.

Clarification on Priority Medical Referrals for TANF Case Recipients: “Can we mark a 7210 as high priority if a TANF case has been pended?”

  • If a TANF case is in pending status, a 7210 application will not be considered high priority until the benefits have been approved.
  • If you would like to get a 7210 out immediately and the TANF case is in pending status, you can follow the regular 7210 referral process – just be sure not to mark “TANF” on the top of the application if the status is in pend.
  • Note: Whichever method you decide to use, the date stamp on the 7210 establishes the DOR. The application will be treated with the priority given when it was originally sent.

Thank you for the outstanding work you do on a daily basis to support vulnerable Oregonians as they seek DHS and medical services!

For more information or clarification needed, contact Courtney Hill at or by phone at (503) 945-6577.