5125           DEPRIVATION

To be eligible for Family Medicaid, a dependent child must be deprived of the parental support and care of one or both of the child's parents.  Deprivation occurs when a parent does not continue to live in the home of the child, except for a temporary absence allowed at Section 5120-5, or because of under-employment of the parents.

Deprivation is based upon the condition of the parents, not the condition of the child or of another relative.  Deprivation must always be verified and documented.

There are three causes of deprivation recognized in Alaska:

• Deprivation by Death (See Section 5125-1)
   

• Deprivation by Under-Employment (See Section 5125-2)
   

• Deprivation by Continued Absence (See Section 5125-3)

Historical Note:  

Historically, when one or both natural or adoptive parents were incapacitated by a physical or mental defect, illness, or disability, the child was considered deprived of parental support and care.  While this form of deprivation is recognized under federal law, it no longer has a practical application in Alaska.  Effective July 1, 1997, Alaska Medicaid policy on deprivation by unemployment was expanded, such that all two parent households who would have had to rely on deprivation by parental incapacity to qualify for Family Medicaid will meet the requirements for deprivation by unemployment.