WAG 02-07-03-c
See policy memorandum dated 10/03/13 Verifications for Medical Programs.
For all programs, verify United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) status for all noncitizens.
Medical Programs
For persons who report that they are U.S. citizens, documentation of citizenship and identity is required for all medical programs except for persons requesting or receiving Repatriate Assistance.
An electronic federal data connection, known as the Federal Data Hub, is available to electronically verify:
- U.S. citizenship from the Social Security Administration; and
- Immigration status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
U.S. Citizens
When the electronic data source fails to verify citizenship for an applicant who reports to be a U.S. citizen, and the person meets all other factors of eligibility, medical benefits may be approved pending verification of U.S. citizenship.
Medicaid Qualifying Noncitizen
When the electronic data source fails to verify the status of a noncitizen, or the applicant cannot provide adequate information to run the clearance, for a person who reports to meet one of the Medicaid qualifying criteria that is listed in PM 03-01-02 sections b through i, medical benefits may be approved pending verification of immigration status.
90 Day Reasonable Opportunity Period
In both of the above situations the recipient is allowed a reasonable opportunity period of up to 90 days to provide the documentation necessary to verify their citizenship or immigration status.
Cash and SNAP
For all cash programs and SNAP, verify citizenship of a person born outside of the U.S. Do not verify USCIS status of a noncitizen who is not applying for SNAP benefits because they are unable or unwilling to provide information about USCIS status.
Do not deny SNAP benefits to a noncitizen who is a SNAP applicant if they claim to have satisfactory USCIS status and the Family Community Resource Center is waiting for proof of USCIS status through SAVE. Include the noncitizen in the SNAP unit. If the SAVE inquiry indicates the noncitizen is not eligible, remove the noncitizen from the SNAP unit. In this instance, benefits issued prior to removal from the SNAP unit are not an overpayment.
