Kansas Family Medical Assistance
Manual (KFMAM)
Eligibility Policy - 11/21/2024
02000 >>> 02140
02130
02140 Temporary Absence of a Child or Caretaker - A child who remains a part of the household, but is, or is expected to be, out of the home for 180 consecutive days or less, shall, if otherwise eligible, qualify to receive assistance. In addition, a caretaker who is out of the home for employment or to fulfill a work requirement, for the purpose of school attendance, or due to being in a Medicaid approved facility for a period not to exceed the month of entrance and two following months shall also qualify as a part of the household regardless of the length of time away.
A caretaker who is out of the home for any other reason, is no longer considered to have care and control of a minor child, therefore, no longer meets the definition of a Caretaker. Once it is determined an adult no longer meets the definition of a caretaker, negative action should be taken as soon as possible, allowing timely and adequate notice.
A child who is out of the home for a temporary visit with the non-custodial parent and who is expected to return within 180 days shall remain on the custodial parent's medical case and CSS (if CTM) shall be notified of the absence. A child out of the home attending school or in Job Corps remains a part of the household if he/she intends to return to the household, regardless of the expected length of absence. The determining factor in the case of a temporarily absent child shall be the caretaker's continued responsibility for the care and control of the absent child. The determining factor in the case of a temporarily absent caretaker shall be the caretaker's continued responsibility for the care and control of the children remaining in the home.
Note: A child may be out of the home for purposes such as visiting the absent parent or vacation. Even though the caretaker's responsibility for care and control is lost, if the absence is less than 180 days, they are still considered a caretaker.