Health Care Insurance & Financial Resources

State Medical Review Team (SMRT)

What?
The State Medical Review Team (SMRT) is a division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and is primarily responsible for certifying that an individual applying for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits has a disability. The SMRT is composed of state staff and medical professionals. Being approved by the SMRT is the first step towards accessing Medical Assistance and Social Security disability services for an individual with FASD. SMRT Fast Track: Expediting Cases Under certain circumstances, the SMRT will expedite cases at the county's request. There are several reasons for the county to request this. First is the Compassionate Allowance Listing (CAL). In these cases, an individual has very likely a disabling condition that can be quickly verified. Second is the Facility Referral. The county will request this if there is an individual awaiting discharge from a facility and can be discharged if MA is approved. Third is the Life Threatening Situation. The county will request this if a client does not have access to a medication or treatment due to a lack of MA.

Who?
In order to be certified disabled, an individual must have a physical or mental health condition that has persisted at least 12 months that significantly limits their ability to work and live in the community and perform daily living tasks. Medical Assistance (MA) applicants who indicate disability on the MA application are referred to the SMRT division by the county.

How?
The SMRT collects forms and medical evidence that show the individual has a disability. County case managers can help get the necessary documentation together. Make sure you submit current applicable medical and psychological records to help the SMRT make a decision. Documentation should be less than one year old. A lack of documentation supporting disability, out of date information, information irrelevant to the disabling condition, and illegible information are all things that can slow down the SMRT process. The SMRT reviews this evidence and works with the individual and providers to collect any additional information and perform any medical or psychological tests necessary to determine whether a disability is present. Once the SMRT gathers all of this information, the case is sent to the Medical Review Agent (MRA) for the final determination of disability. The first review is completed by an RN, and if no disability can be determined, it is sent to an MD, Psychologist, or both for a second independent review. Approval or denial is then sent to the individual and the county within 2-4 weeks. The county determines eligibility for health care benefits based on the SMRT outcome and then informs the individual about eligibility for many different social services.

Where?
For more details about the SMRT process, visit the MN Department of Human Services website or call the SMRT Hotline: 651-431-2493 or 1-800-235-7396.