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\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid10059351 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs32 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs32\insrsid10059351\charrsid10059351 OFFICE OF ADMINIST}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs32 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs32\insrsid10059351 R}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs32 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs32\insrsid10059351\charrsid10059351 ATIVE HEARINGS}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs32 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs32\insrsid10059351 \par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li-630\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid10059351 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs32 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs32\insrsid10059351 \par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li-630\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid10059351 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs28\insrsid10059351\charrsid10059351 INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEDIATION PROCESS}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs28\insrsid10059351 \par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs28\insrsid13784400 \par MEDICAID APPEALS \par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13379414 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13379414\charrsid13379414 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s19\ql \li-630\ri0\sl231\slmult0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\cf1\insrsid16201447 Mediation Process }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\cf1\insrsid16201447 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-630\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid11023005 Mediation is the first step in the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 appeal}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid11023005 process}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 for your Medicaid benefits}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid11023005 . It is the process where a }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 Medicaid recipient}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid11023005 and a representative}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 for DHHS}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid11023005 , the respondent, use the assistance of a neutral third party to explore options for a mutually acceptable resolution. The focus is on reaching agreement based on each party\rquote s interest rather than making a decision as to who is right or wrong. The expectation is that the parties will enter into mediation in good faith wi th the goal of reaching an agreement. 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A mediator does not act as a judge, give advice, express an opinion on who is right or wrong, and does not render decisions. At times the mediator may meet separately with the participants during the mediation to further the communicat}{ \rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 ion}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 process. \sect }\sectd \ltrsect\margtsxn1440\margbsxn1440\sbknone\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6041043\sftnbj \pard\plain \ltrpar \s19\ql \li-630\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16201447 Participant\rquote s Role }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-634\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-634\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 You}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 and the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 agency}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 should come to mediation prepared to tell }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 your}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 version of what happened, prepared to listen to the views of the other side, prepared to clearly state }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 your}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 requirements for resolving the grievance, and to be willing to negotiate a settlement agreement that will be mutually satisfying for both sides}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11410624 if possible.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \sect }\sectd \ltrsect\margtsxn1440\margbsxn1440\sbknone\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6041043\sftnbj \pard\plain \ltrpar\s19\ql \li-630\ri630\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin630\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16201447 Who Attends }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-630\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 Mediation is a formal part of the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 appeal}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 process; therefore, only the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400 recipient}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 and the respondent can attend the mediation}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11552155 . Representatives and }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 advisors}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11552155 may be permitted to attend as required to mediate the dispute.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \sect }\sectd \ltrsect\margtsxn1008\margbsxn1440\sbknone\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6041043\sftnbj \pard\plain \ltrpar\s19\ql \li-630\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16201447 Time Expectations }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-630\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid13784400 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 S}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328\charrsid13784400 essions typically last }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 approximately an}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328\charrsid13784400 hour}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 ;}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328\charrsid13784400 however,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 t}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid13784400 here is no time limit on the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 length of the mediation process}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid13784400 . The time spent in the mediation is governed by the complexity of the issues and the participants\rquote commitment to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. If the parties are close to reaching agreement, mediation may be reconvened for another date for the additional time needed}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 so long as it remains within the statutory time-lines}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447\charrsid13784400 . }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid13784400\charrsid13784400 \par }\pard \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-630\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid16082328 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16201447\charrsid13784400 Consultation During the Mediation Process}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16082328 \par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16082328 You}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 and the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid8274173 agency}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 will have the option to request a recess at any time during the mediation to obtain legal advise or consult with anyone }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid8274173 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 feel would be helpful as alternatives for resolution are discussed and to review the mediation agreement. It is vital that both }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid8274173 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 and the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid8274173 agency}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 make prior arrangements with those individuals to be available for co nsultation during the scheduled mediation. Both parties may have their legal counsel or other advisors review the mediation agreement during the mediation if desired. Due to time constraints, recesses }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11552155 of}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid8274173 no}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 more than 15 min}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11552155 utes are recommended.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \sect }\sectd \ltrsect\margtsxn1440\margbsxn1440\sbknone\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6041043\sftnbj \pard\plain \ltrpar \s19\ql \li-630\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1\fs20\ul\insrsid16201447 Confidentiality }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s18\ql \li-630\ri0\sa230\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin-630\itap0\pararsid11410624 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 The mediation process is considered confidential with only information shared that is needed to effectuate reaching and processing a mediation agreem ent. Both parties are asked to respect the confidentiality of the process by not disclosing information that is discussed in the course of the mediation session. }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid10059351 E}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 xceptions to confidentiality}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid10059351 as set forth in}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid11410624 the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid10059351 Supreme Court rules}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 are: reports of abuse, threats of physical harm to self or others, and threats to }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid12395686 c}{ \rtlch\fcs1 \af1\afs20 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1\fs20\insrsid16201447 ause significant damage to real or personal property. \par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14369679 \rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs24\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af37 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16201447 \par }}