STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:  MC Manual Change #46

MANUAL:  Family Medicaid

DATE:  May 1, 2010

A recent change in federal law provides that individuals who claim to be U.S. United States citizens or nationals and who meet all other eligibility factors can receive Medicaid coverage for 90 days while proof of U.S. United States citizenship is being sought.  We no longer need to pend Medicaid applications while we wait for proof of U.S. United States citizenship when that is the only proof needed to determine Medicaid eligibility.

In most cases, proof of citizenship will be available within a few days through the new SVES State Verification Exchange System data match with SSA Social Security Administration.  If the SVES State Verification Exchange System data match does not verify the individual's citizenship, and the caseworker determines that proof of citizenship is needed, we will give the household 90 days to provide the necessary proof.  If the proof is not received within this 90 day period, the individual’s Medicaid must be ended with a ten-day adverse action notice. This applies even to children who normally would receive 12 months of continuous eligibility.

If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or email dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 5007  Continuous Eligibility for Children

1. • Adds a note to clarify that children under the age of 19 are not eligible for a 12-month continuous eligibility period if their claim to be a U.S. United States citizen or national is not verified.

MS 5011  U.S. United States Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status

1. • Adds new Medicaid policy that individuals who declare they are U.S. United States citizens or nationals must be given a reasonable period (90 days) to provide proof of citizenship, and may not have their Medicaid eligibility denied or delayed if they are otherwise eligible.  Also clarifies that Medicaid benefits must be ended if proof of citizenship is not received by the end of this 90-day period.
   • Adds a note to clarify that children under the age of 19 are not eligible for a 12-month continuous eligibility period if their claim to be a U.S. United States citizen or national is not verified.

MS Manual Section 5011-2A  Acceptable Documentation

1. • Clarifies that a SVES State Verification Exchange System data match will be initiated for all new Medicaid applications and reviews.
   • For new applications, removes policy that states that verification must be obtained before authorizing benefits.
   • For review applications, removes policy that states the individual must be making a good faith effort to obtain citizenship verification before benefits are authorized.