Starting July 1, millions of low-income Americans will have to show proof of United States citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a U.S. passport, if they seek health care through their state Med
July 7, 2006 (Press Release) --
Starting July 1, millions of low-income Americans will have to show proof of United States citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a U.S. passport, if they seek health care through their state Medicaid programs. The new requirement will apply to all Medicaid applications, as well as all applications to renew Medicaid coverage after that date, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
Health analysts and advocacy groups for the poor and mentally ill say they fear the provision, designed to root out cases of illegal immigrants getting their care paid for by the government, could prevent some citizens from getting their own care. The advocates have asked the Bush administration to presume those seeking care are eligible and be given time to get the necessary documentation.
Mark McClellan, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the agency was sensitive to the consumer groups' concerns and was crafting a process for exceptions, according to AP.
Federal law says a person must be a citizen to receive Medicaid benefits; however, emergency care cannot be denied. Forty-six states now can accept a signed declaration as proof of U.S. citizenship, but only Montana, New York, New Hampshire and Texas require applicants to submit documents verifying citizenship, the AP said.
Source: http://health.msn.com/centers
Health analysts and advocacy groups for the poor and mentally ill say they fear the provision, designed to root out cases of illegal immigrants getting their care paid for by the government, could prevent some citizens from getting their own care. The advocates have asked the Bush administration to presume those seeking care are eligible and be given time to get the necessary documentation.
Mark McClellan, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the agency was sensitive to the consumer groups' concerns and was crafting a process for exceptions, according to AP.
Federal law says a person must be a citizen to receive Medicaid benefits; however, emergency care cannot be denied. Forty-six states now can accept a signed declaration as proof of U.S. citizenship, but only Montana, New York, New Hampshire and Texas require applicants to submit documents verifying citizenship, the AP said.
Source: http://health.msn.com/centers
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