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DSS ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER NO. FOOD ASSISTANCE AND ENERGY
PROGRAMS 3-2006, Effects of Medicaid Citizenship Verification on Food
Stamps (June 21, 2006)
(Food Stamps)
TO: |
County Directors of Social Services |
ATTENTION: |
Food Stamp Supervisors |
DATE: |
June 21, 2006 |
SUBJECT: |
Effects of Medicaid Citizenship Verification on Food Stamps |
EFFECTIVE: |
July 1, 2006 |
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The recently enacted Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requires that Medicaid applicants present documentary evidence of citizenship effective July 1, 2006. This provision does not expand or restrict eligibility for Medicaid; it simply imposes the requirement for Medicaid applicants to present documentary evidence of citizenship. This provision affects only American citizenship; it does not affect the verification of alienage.
This letter addresses the possible effects on Food Stamp Program applicants who apply for both Medicaid and food stamps.
II. POLICY PROCEDURES
A. Under current food stamp policy, a client’s signed statement is acceptable as verification of citizenship unless questionable. The applicant's statement regarding citizenship is considered questionable when:
1. The claim of citizenship is inconsistent with statements made by the applicant or with other information on the application or previous applications; or
2. The claim of citizenship is inconsistent with information received from another source.
B. Potential effects on Food Stamp applicants are clarified as the following:
1. Failure to provide documentary evidence of citizenship for the Medicaid Program alone does not make the client’s claim of American citizenship questionable for the Food Stamp Program. Do not delay the household’s eligibility determination for food stamps unless the claim of citizenship is questionable.
2. When the Medicaid Program discovers after obtaining documentary evidence of citizenship that a client is a non-citizen, follow normal procedures outlined in current food stamp policy for determining alien eligibility.
III. IMPLEMENTATION INSTRUCTIONS
Apply these new procedures to all applications, reapplications, recertifications and changes in situation taken and/or processed on or after July 1, 2006.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your Food Assistance and Energy Programs Representative.
Sincerely,
Jane Schwartz, Chief
Economic Services Section
JS:dl
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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