Sec. 32.03.05.05. Assessment of Application

A. Upon receipt of an enrollment application for the Program, the Department or an entity it has retained to administer the Program shall determine whether the applicant is eligible to participate in the Program.

B. If an applicant is determined to be eligible for the Program, the applicant will be enrolled as a participant in the Program.

C. Applicants whose applications are not complete or legible will be classified as not eligible.

D. If the Department or an entity it has retained to administer the Program determines that an applicant is not eligible for the Program, and if the applicant has provided such applicant’s current name and address in a legible format, the Department will provide the applicant with a written notification of ineligibility. The notice shall include the following information:

(1) Decision;

(2) Reason for ineligibility;

(3) Specific regulation supporting the action;

(4) Applicant’s right to appeal the decision; and

(5) Method for obtaining a hearing.

E. If an applicant was determined to be ineligible because the applicant’s application was incomplete or illegible, the notification of ineligibility shall also inform the applicant that the applicant may apply again by submitting a new, complete, and legible application. An individual whose application is determined ineligible may appeal the determination of ineligibility to the Department in accordance with COMAR 32.01.01.