Field Office (FO) 872 in Kalispell, Montana is responsible for developing proof of
presence in Lincoln County, Montana.
A claimant states on the application for EHH Medicare, “I was present at least a total
of 6 months in Lincoln County, Montana, from MM/CCYY to MM/CCYY.” If the claimant
cannot make this statement, enter the appropriate statement based on the claimant's
allegation.
The claimant must provide evidence to prove the claimant meets the presence requirement
for EHH Medicare. The evidence does not have to document every month in the 6-month
period, but it must support the period in which the claimant can meet the presence
requirement. Identifying the period(s) of presence that meets the presence requirement
and acceptable evidence requires discussion with the claimant and guidance from the
interviewer.
Primary evidence is preferred and considered convincing. For additional information
on primary evidence, see HI 00803.040C in this section. Since the claimant must establish presence 10 or more years in the
past, it may be difficult to obtain primary evidence. If primary evidence is unavailable,
the CR must develop secondary evidence and prepare a special determination.
NOTE: A single document (e.g., an EHH Checklist from the Center for Asbestos Related Disease
(CARD)) may provide evidence of both presence and diagnosis.
To store evidence, follow instructions in GN 00301.286, Electronic Evidence Documentation and Retention.