The State Medical Review Team (SMRT) determines disability as required by specific programs. See Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual 2.3.2.2 (MA-ABD Certification of Disability) for more information on specific program requirements.

SMRT performs disability determinations for individuals seeking a disabled basis of eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA) and certain other health care related programs. SMRT completes disability determinations for people not certified disabled by SSA or those requiring a level of care decision for MA-TEFRA. SMRT certifies disability using the same disability criteria as the SSA.

A SMRT disability certification establishes a basis of eligibility for certain programs, including home and community-based service (HCBS) waivers, MA under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (MA-TEFRA), and MA for Employed Person with Disabilities (MA-EPD). A SMRT disability certification also gives people access to state funded programs including the Family Support Grant (FSG), and Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC).


Referral Process
The county, Tribal Nation or state servicing agency completes a SMRT Referral for a Disability Determination and submits it through Integrated Services Delivery System (ISDS). For those who have access to the ISDS system, use the link in LoginMN and follow ONEsource procedures for submitting a referral under the ISDS Instructions.

Expedited Case Criteria
SMRT expedites the disability determination for applicants in the following high-risk categories:

●	The person has been diagnosed with a condition listed on SSA’s Compassionate Allowance Listing (CAL).
●	The person is in a facility and cannot be discharged without home and community-based services or long-term care supports in place.
●	The person is experiencing life-threatening medical conditions requiring urgent access to treatment or prescription medication.
●	Children under the age of 2 who have screened positive for a rare disease recognized by national medical registries or evidence-based standards.

State law also permits hospitals to request expedited disability determination referrals through SMRT for people in these high-risk categories. Hospitals must assist the person in completing the MA application prior to submitting the referral and providing the medical evidence needed to determine disability status.

Continuing Disability Review
People certified disabled by SMRT need a continuing disability review every 1 to 7 years. Children turning 18 need a new disability certification under the adult standards to continue using a blind or disabled basis of eligibility.

Counties may contact SMRT directly at:
SMRT Hotline 651-431-2493 or 1-800-235-7396.


MFIP:
No provisions.


SNAP:
Do not refer SNAP cases to the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) for disability determinations, but accept a disability determination that SMRT makes for another program. See 0010.18.06 (Verifying Disability/Incapacity – SNAP).


MSA, GA:
Do not refer GA or MSA cases to SMRT for disability determinations, but accept a disability determination that SMRT makes for another program. See 0010.18.05 (Verifying Disability/Incapacity – Cash).

For GA clients whose SMRT certification ends, allow 30 days to obtain new verification of disability status before taking negative action. Refer clients to Social Security Advocacy Services when appropriate. See 0012.12.06 (Special Services – Applying for Social Security).


HSP:
Follow MSA for aged, blind, and disabled participants. Follow GA for all other adults.