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Asset Verification Service (AVS)
Certain Medical Assistance and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) applicants who are subject to an asset limit must authorize the use of the Asset Verification Service (AVS) to qualify for and maintain coverage. The AVS is a tool required by federal law to verify assets held in financial institutions, like checking and savings accounts.
- To authorize the use of AVS, these applicants along with their spouses and sponsors, if applicable, must fill out and sign the Authorization to Obtain Financial Information from the Asset Verification Service (AVS) form
- The requirement to authorize the use of AVS does not apply to people who are not subject to an asset limit, including people applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD), children under age 21, or Social Security Income (SSI) recipients with 1619a or 1619b status.
Do I need to authorize use of the AVS to apply for Medical Assistance or Medicare Savings Plan?
When you apply for Medical Assistance or Medicare Savings Plan, your county or Tribal worker will determine if you need to authorize use of the AVS. If so, the worker will send you a request and the AVS authorization form to complete. Return the completed form by the date the worker requests it, so they can determine your Medical Assistance or Medicare Savings Plan eligibility.
Does my spouse and/or sponsor need to sign the AVS authorization form?
If you have a spouse who lives with you, they must sign the form, unless you are receiving services through the Brain Injury (BI), Community Alternative Care (CAC), Community Access Disability Inclusion (CADI) or Developmental Disability (DD) waiver program.
If you have a spouse and you are applying for MA for Long-Term Care Services (MA-LTC) for the Elderly Waiver (EW), or for services in a long-term care facility, your spouse must sign the form.
If you have a sponsor who signed an Affidavit of Support (USCIS I-864) as a condition of you or your spouse’s entry to the United States, the sponsor must sign the form. If your sponsor has a spouse who signed the I-864, that spouse must also sign the form.
Ask your financial worker at your county or Tribal agency if you aren’t sure whether your spouse or sponsor should sign the form.
What will happen if I don’t complete the form?
For applicants: Your Medical Assistance or Medicare Saving Program application will be denied.
For enrollees: If you are an existing Medical Assistance enrollee who is transitioning to MA with an asset limit, you must complete the AVS authorization form. If you do not complete and return the form in a timely manner, your Medical Assistance eligibility will end. Your county or tribal agency will send you a closing notice at least 10 days before your coverage ends.
Can I have more time to complete the form?
Call your worker at your county or Tribal agency right away. If you are an applicant or an enrollee, your worker may be able to give you more time to complete the form.
What if I got a Health Care Notice of Action saying my coverage will close because I didn’t authorize use of the AVS?
Your coverage can be extended if you return the form before the closing date listed on the notice.
You will need to reapply for Medical Assistance or Medicare Savings Programs if the county or tribal agency does not receive your authorization by the closing date.
How to apply for people over 65, people who are Blind or people who are disabledHow do I find out if I’m enrolled in Medical Assistance or Medicare Savings Plan?
Contact your county or Tribal agency or call Health Care Consumer Support at 651-297-3862 or 800-657-3672.
Contact your county or Tribal agency Health Care Consumer SupportWhere can I get more information?
The request cover letter gives more information. You can also contact your county or Tribal agency at the phone number listed on the request cover letter.
Contact your local county or Tribal agency