5014           SOCIAL SECURITY ENUMERATION

Social Security enumeration is a requirement for Medicaid eligibility, including Denali KidCare.  To meet this requirement, an applicant must provide a social security number (SSN) for each individual in the household for whom benefits are desired.  If an individual does not have an SSN, the individual must apply for one.

Exceptions:

• Social security enumeration is not required for children eligible under Denali KidCare newborn coverage (see Section 5330); or

•  Illegal aliens needing treatment of an emergency medical condition (see Section 5600).

There are some classes of aliens for whom the Social Security Administration will not normally issue an SSN, even though they are qualified aliens, unless they are required by law to have an SSN 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 DPA letterhead) to the Social Security Administration explaining the need for an SSN for the purpose of qualifying for Medicaid.

5014 A.       NEW SSN

If applying for an SSN for the first time, the individual can apply through an SSA office.

SSA will send the individual a “Receipt of Application for an SSN” form verifying that an application has been submitted.

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

5014 B.       VERIFICATION

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

Application for SSN Social Security Number:  Accept the individual’s statement that he or she has applied for an SSN Social Security Number with the SSA Social Security Administration.  If questionable, request the individual to provide the receipt once it is received from SSA Social Security Administration.  Instruct the individual to report the SSN Social Security Number once the SSN Social Security Number is received from SSA Social Security Administration.

Enumeration at Birth:  Children born in Alaska are presumed to be enumerated at birth. No verification of this is required.  Obtain the social security number, or proof of application for an SSN, at the next review.  

Note:  

Enumeration is not required for an applicant under the Newborn eligibility category.

5014 C.       FAILURE TO ENUMERATE

Each individual of the household must have or apply for a social security number or eligibility for Medicaid for that person does not exist.  If an individual is found to be eligible for Medicaid in every respect except for the enumeration requirement, and the applicant refuses to cooperate fully in providing a number or proof of application for a number, the individual without the SSN may not be included in the household.