A snapshot of citizenship, identification and income documentation required for approval of Medicaid, a program of the Georgia Department of Community Health [Sept. 2007]

A Program Of The Georgia Department Of Community Health
A SNAPSHOT OF
Citizenship, Identification and Income Documentation Required for Approval of Medicaid
Overview
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) sets Medicaid eligibility policy based on State and Federal laws and regulations.
The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) implements the policies at the county Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) offices and determines eligibility for Medicaid applicants.
DCH has provided DFCS with policy guidance to implement the Citizenship and Identity Documentation Requirement as defined in the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA).
An overview of the DRA Citizenship and Identity Documentation policy is below.
Note: Medicaid applicants and recipients are required to verify their citizenship and identity only once. It is not required at their next eligibility review.
Citizenship/Identification Policy Overview
nIn January 2006, the state of Georgia began requiring that Medicaid applicants and recipients verify their U.S. Citizenship. The DRA provided further guidance to Georgia regarding the documentary evidence required before Medicaid eligibility is granted or renewed. This new guidance became effective July 1, 2006. The DRA provisions require that a person submit evidence of both citizenship and identity.
nThe DRA specifies certain forms of acceptable evidence of citizenship and identity, and provides for the use of additional forms of documentation as established by federal regulations, when appropriate.
A n hierarchical approach must be used in which documentary evidence of citizenship and identity is sought first from a list of primary documents
nIf an applicant or recipient presents evidence from the listing of primary documentation, no other information will be required. When such evidence cannot be obtained, the state will look to the next tier of acceptable forms of evidence
Exempt Groups
nIndividuals who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits nChildren who receive Federal foster care or adoption assistance benefits nChildren in foster care receiving child welfare services nIndividuals on Social Security disability nIndividuals receiving Medicare nNo verification of citizenship/identity are immediately required for newborns whose mother was enrolled
in Medicaid on their date of birth. Their eligibility will be reviewed after one year of eligibility. Citizenship and identity verification must be provided at that time in order for Medicaid eligibility to continue

2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 w www.dch.georgia.gov

September 2007

A Snapshot Of Payment Error Rate Measurement
Citizenship AND Identification Documentation Rules
Citizenship and identity can be verified using a: nU.S. Passport nCertificate of Naturalization nCertificate of U.S. Citizenship
If these documents are not available, then the following documents can be accepted to verify citizenship. A second document must also be presented to verify identity.
To verify citizenship only: n Birth Certificate n Adoption Records n A hospital record on hospital letterhead established created near the time of the person's birth
In some cases, the DFCS caseworker may be able to complete a computer match with the Vital Records department to verify citizenship in place of a birth certificate. Additional information may still be required. The DFCS worker will contact the applicant if another document is still needed.
The DFCS caseworker will assist in identifying additional documents that verify U.S. citizenship if none of the documents listed above are available.
To verify identity only: n State driver's license or state identity card n School identification card n U.S. Military ID
For children under age 16: n School or nursery school records n Medical, clinic or hospital records n Affidavit signed under penalty of perjury
The document must provide identifying information that relates to the person named on the document. The DFCS caseworker will assist the applicant in identifying additional documents that verify identity and citizenship if none of the documents listed above are available.
Citizenship AND Identification Documentation Rules
Income consists of wages, child support, Social Security, unemployment benefits, etc. Income can be verified using four weeks worth of check stubs, employer statements, Social Security award letters, unemployment compensation award letters, court documents, tax records, etc. nMedicaid applicants and recipients are required to verify their citizenship and identity only once. It
should not be required at their next review
For additional questions, contact the DFCS at 1-800-869-1150.