Helpful Tips

Tips for a successful SED/SMI evaluation meeting

The best way to make sure that the SED/SMI Determination is done right and as quickly as possible is for you to be prepared. If you can, bring as much information with you as possible to the SED/SMI evaluation meeting. 

Below are some helpful tips.

  • Tip 1

    Provide a list of any past behavioral health providers (school IEP’s, doctors, hospitalizations, therapists, etc.) with their name, address and telephone number.

  • Tip 2

    The evaluator will ask you to complete a release of information (ROI) so that they can request medical records from each of the past providers.

  • Tip 3

    Provide copies of complete records, if available. Often family members can help you with this piece and will have this information.

  • Tip 4

    You should know that you can bring friends and/or family to the first assessment meeting. Family members can help by giving additional background information about symptoms and functional impairment.

Your right to appeal the decision 

The letter (Notice of Decision) that Solari will send you will include information on your rights to appeal the decision if you do not agree with the eligibility determination. Applicants have 60 days from the date of the decision to appeal the decision. The letter will also include a form that can be completed and mailed to Solari to file an appeal, or you can appeal by phone by calling Solari at 855-832-2866.

After an appeal has been received, Solari will schedule an informal meeting with you to discuss your eligibility determination and review any new records or information that may impact the eligibility determination. If, after the informal meeting, Solari determines you do not meet criteria, you then have the right to request an Administrative Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. Requests for Administrative Hearings must be made in writing and sent to Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) at the following address:

AHCCCS/OALS
Behavioral Health Grievance and Appeals
801 E. Jefferson Street, Mail Drop 6200,
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Read frequently asked questions about SED/SMI Determination

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