512          SOCIAL SECURITY ENUMERATION

Social Security enumeration is a requirement for Medicaid eligibility.  To meet this requirement, an applicant must provide a Social Security number (SSNSocial Security Number).  If an individual does not have an SSNSocial Security Number, the individual must apply for one.

Exceptions:

Social Security enumeration is not required for children eligible under MAGIModified Adjusted Gross Income newborn coverage (see MAGI MS 816-1A) or for illegal aliens needing treatment of an emergency medical condition (see Section 576).

There are some classes of aliens for whom the Social Security Administration will not normally issue an SSNSocial Security Number, even though they are qualified aliens, unless they are required by law to have an SSNSocial Security Number as a condition of receiving federally funded benefits.  If this is the case for an applicant who is otherwise eligible for Medicaid, the caseworker will need to write a letter (on DPADivision of Public Assistance letterhead) to the Social Security Administration explaining the need for an SSNSocial Security Number for the purpose of qualifying for Medical Assistance.

If this is the case for an applicant who is otherwise eligible for Medicaid, the caseworker must send a letter to the SSA explaining the need for an SSNSocial Security Number for the purpose of qualifying for Medicaid.  A template has been provided for caseworker's use in Addendum 9.  This letter must be printed on DPA letterhead.  

512 A.      NEW SSNSocial Security Number

If applying for an SSNSocial Security Number for the first time, the individual can:

1. Use SSA’s automated application process by calling toll free 1-800-772-1213; or
    
2. Apply directly at a local SSASocial Security Administration office if one is available.

SSASocial Security Administration will send the individual a "Receipt of Application for a SSNSocial Security Number" form verifying that an application has been submitted.

Parents may also apply for a newborn’s SSNSocial Security Number through the Bureau of Vital Statistics "Enumeration at Birth Program".  The hospital will give the parent(s) a SSASocial Security Administration-2853 form, "Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby’s Social Security Card".  This form certifies that an SSNSocial Security Number was requested for the baby.

512 B.      VERIFICATION

Social Security Number: An SSNSocial Security Number does not need to be verified unless it is questionable.

Application for SSNSocial Security Number:  Accept the individual’s statement that he or she has applied for an SSNSocial Security Number with the SSASocial Security Administration.  If questionable, request the individual to provide the receipt once it is received from SSASocial Security Administration.  In addition, instruct the individual of the requirement to report the SSNSocial Security Number once the SSNSocial Security Number is received from SSASocial Security Administration.

512 C.      FAILURE TO ENUMERATE

An individual must have or apply for an SSNSocial Security Number or Medicaid eligibility for that person does not exist.  However, initial eligibility may not be denied or services delayed to an otherwise eligible applicant pending issuance or verification of the individual’s SSNSocial Security Number by SSASocial Security Administration.