CMS launched a new oversight initiative to ensure that all Medicaid and CHIP enrollees can prove that they are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or have a satisfactory immigration status.
CMS has begun to provide states with monthly enrollment reports identifying individuals whose citizenship or immigration status could not be confirmed through federal databases, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
In announcing the initiative, CMS stated, “States are responsible for reviewing cases, verifying the citizenship or immigration status of identified individuals, requesting additional documentation if needed, and taking appropriate actions when necessary, including adjusting coverage or enforcing non-citizen eligibility rules…. We expect states to take quick action and will monitor progress on a monthly basis.”
While this initiative does not explicitly impact CHCs, they may be asked (or want) to assist patients in proving their citizenship/ immigration status so that the patients do not lose Medicaid/CHIP eligibility.