MANUAL TRANSMITTAL
Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services
Division of County Operations
Policy Directive Issuance Number: MS 06-07
Medical Services Policy Manual Issuance Date: September 15, 2006
From: Joni Jones, Director Expiration Date: Until Superseded
Subj: Citizenship Requirement – Secondary or Lower Verification: Verification of Identity for Adult Medicaid Applicants/Recipients
As you are aware, the citizenship requirement was initially implemented July 1, 2006. Because of the need for quick implementation, only one part of the requirement was implemented. The Deficit Reduction Act also requires identity documentation when accepting documentation other than primary to verify citizenship for individuals applying for or receiving Medicaid assistance. This process will be implemented in two phases. The procedures below implement the first phase of obtaining the additional documents needed to verify citizenship for adults who are applicants or recipients of Medicaid. Procedures will be provided at a later date for children when using secondary or lower levels of documentation to verify citizenship.
When an adult Medicaid applicant or recipient visits the county office for an interview, proof of identity must be obtained if the second level or lower of citizenship verification is used (Refer to MS 6705). If there is an existing case record that includes a copy of the adult’s driver’s license, the worker can use it as verification. The worker will document in ANSWER that a copy is included. If there is not a copy in the case record, the worker will ask to view the license and make a copy. If a driver’s license is not available, the applicant or recipient must provide acceptable verification identified below. The individual will be given sufficient time to provide the verification as long as an attempt is being made to obtain it. If it is determined that the individual is not making an attempt to get the needed verification, it will result in denial of Medicaid for the adult or closure of the adult’s Medicaid case.
For applications or reevaluation forms that are mailed to the county office, the caseworker will first check to see if there is an existing case record that has the driver’s license for the adult who is applying for or receiving Medicaid assistance. If available, the worker will document in ANSWER that a copy is included. If a driver’s license is not available, the worker will send a 10-day notice requesting documentation to verify identity for adults applying for or receiving Medicaid. The notice will advise the individual to contact the caseworker if s/he cannot bring the verification to the office. The caseworker will discuss with him/her options to get the information to the office. The caseworker does not have to see the documentation. Any county office staff (e.g., clerical) can accept it. Medicaid for the adult will not be denied or case closed as long as the individual is making an attempt to obtain the needed verification.
(Note: If the expiration date has expired, the ID is still acceptable.)
Forms of Identity Documentation when Using Secondary or lower levels of Citizenship Verification
1. Driver’s license issued by the State or Territory either with a photograph of the individual or other identifying information of the individual such as name, age, sex, race, height, weight or eye color.
2. Identification card issued by the Federal, State or local government with the same information included on driver’s licenses (e.g., ID card issued by DF&A)
3. School identification card with a photograph of the individual
4. U.S. military card or draft card
5. Military dependent’s identification card
6. Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or other U.S. American Indian/Alaska Native tribal document. This document must carry a photograph of the applicant or recipient.
7. Native American Tribal document
8. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card
Inter-Office Procedures
The county office will develop interoffice procedures for ensuring that the verification is documented in ANSWER and filed in the case record.
ANSWER Changes
Changes are being made to ANSWER to document what type of identity document was used and that the citizenship requirement has been met. Instructions will be issued when those changes have been completed.
Inquiries to: Judy Key, 501-682-8259 Carmen Banks, 501-682-8258
Carla Droughn, 501-682-8254 Dona Young, 501-682-1562