Proof of Citizenship Needed for Medicaid Applications or Renewals

Beginning July 1, 2006, Medicaid applicants in most states will have to show proof of citizenship or nationality in order to be eligible for the program. The new requirement is part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which Congress passed in February 2006. It also applies to Medicaid recipients who are renewing their Medicaid eligibility. Applicants have 45 days to supply the documentation. Applicants with disabilities have 90 days. Some states, including California and Ohio, are delaying implementation of the citizenship requirement.

You can prove citizenship by providing one of the following documents:

• U.S. passport (it does not have to be currently valid as long as it was issued without limitation)
• Certificate of nationality
• Certificate of citizenship