Medicaid Citizenship Documentation

Publication Date: October 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

Due to recent changes in federal Medicaid law, individuals who declare that they are citizens must present documentation that (1) proves citizenship and (2) documents personal identity. This Medicaid citizenship documentation requirement was included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171) and modified by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432). This report discusses issues related to the documentation requirement that have received considerable media and interest group attention, as well as proposed legislation (including H.R. 210, H.R. 1238, H.R. 1328, H.R. 1535, S. 751, and S. 909 in the 110th Congress) that would modify or repeal the requirement. It will be updated periodically to reflect significant legislative or other activity.