A. The Medicaid agency has a system of hearings that meets all the requirements of 42 CFR 431, Subpart E.

The Medicaid agency is responsible for all Medicaid fair hearings. Medicaid fair hearings are de novo proceedings and are conducted pursuant to 12VAC30-110 through 12VAC30-110-370.

B. The entities that conduct fair hearings with respect to eligibility based on applicable modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) are the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Health and Human Services appeals entity within the Exchange.

C. The Commonwealth assures the following with respect to delegations of authority to conduct fair hearings regarding eligibility based on MAGI:

1. There is a written agreement between DMAS and the Exchange appeals entity that has been delegated authority to conduct Medicaid fair hearings in compliance with 42 CFR 431.10(d).

2. When authority is delegated to the Exchange appeals entity, individuals who have requested a fair hearing are given the option to have their hearing conducted instead by DMAS.

3. DMAS does not delegate authority to conduct fair hearings to entities other than government agencies that maintain personnel standards on a merit basis.

4. The delegated entity is capable of performing the delegated function.

D. All fair hearings not related to an eligibility determination based on MAGI are conducted at DMAS.