SR 07-26 Dated 11/07

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION

SUMMARY

This SR releases the expansion of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as a method of payment to include Bridges-linked providers. Form EFT-V/P, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)-Vendor/Provider, and its associated instructions were updated accordingly.

POLICY

The option of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as a method of payment has been expanded to include use by Bridges-linked providers. Providers who elect to have their reimbursement checks from the Department deposited directly into their bank accounts, in lieu of being mailed paper checks, can now request EFT. This method of payment issuance will afford providers more timely access to their reimbursements, expedite the payment process, save time and money, and reduce errors by eliminating the printing, transporting, posting, and mailing of paper checks.

POLICY MANUAL REVISIONS

Revised Family Assistance Manual Topic

PART 831   PAYMENT TO NHEP PROVIDERS

FORMS REVISIONS

The following revisions were made to Form EFT-V/P, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)- Vendor/Provider, to include use by Bridges-linked providers:

·   the title of the form was changed to incorporate the form’s new use to include providers as well as vendors;

·   a box was added near the top of the form to indicate the type of transaction: new, changed, or termination; and

·   an "Agency Use Only" section was added to allow Bridges Resource ID numbers to be recorded by staff.

The current version of this form may be used until the new version containing the revisions has been printed.

Form EFT-V/P(i), Instructions for Form EVT-V/P, was updated to now include specific instructions for both Family Services Specialists and NHEP Employment Counselor Specialists.

Revisions to the associated New HEIGHTS-generated AE0006 to align and maintain continuity with the newly revised paper Form EFT-V/P will occur when resources allow and under separate cover.

IMPLEMENTATION

Begin using the new version of Form EFT-V/P upon receipt.

The current versions of Form EFT-V remain valid and can be used until the new forms are received from the printer. New HEIGHTS-generated Form AE0006 will be revised when resources allow, and the current version remains valid for use by vendors and Bridges providers until that time.

CLIENT/PROVIDER NOTIFICATION

No client notification is needed or planned.

In January, a special mailing will be generated to existing Bridges-linked providers to inform them that they can now elect to have their reimbursement payments processed electronically via EFT in lieu of receiving paper checks from the Department. The letter, attached for reference, will include a copy of the new version of Form EFT-V/P so that providers can elect to begin the option immediately, if interested.

TRAINING

No special training is needed.

FORMS MANUAL POSTING INSTRUCTIONS

DISPOSITION

This SR may be destroyed or deleted after its contents have been noted and the revised manual topics released by this SR have been posted to the On-Line manuals.

DISTRIBUTION

This SR will be distributed according to the electronic distribution list for Division of Family Assistance policy releases. This SR, and revised On-Line Manuals, will be available for agency staff in the On-Line Manual Library, and for public access on the Internet at http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/DFA/LIBRARY, effective December 3, 2007.

This SR, and printed pages with posting instructions, will be distributed under separate cover to all hard copy holders of the Family Assistance and Forms Manual.

DFA/KD:s