August 15, 2006
DHSS News Release
(Juneau, Alaska) Beginning August 1, U.S. citizens in Alaska applying for or renewing Medicaid benefits, including long-term care and Denali KidCare, will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. This is due to a change in federal law that took effect on July 1, 2006.
For most citizens, a birth certificate and some form of identification will be needed to prove citizenship. A list of some of the documents that can be accepted as proof of citizenship and identity can be found online at www.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/programs/dkc/MedicaidApplicationFlyer.pdf.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance, will be working with current Medicaid recipients to help them provide the necessary information.
The Division of Public Assistance is doing everything it can to meet the new federal requirements and get the information out to those enrolled to prevent people from losing their Medicaid benefits, Public Assistance Director Ellie Fitzjarrald said.
This new law does not apply to individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income or are enrolled in Medicare because the Social Security Administration has already verified citizenship and identity for those individuals.
The Division of Public Assistance is available to help find other ways to prove U.S. citizenship or identity. To find a local Public Assistance Office call 907-269-5777 ext. 5 in Anchorage or 1-888-804-6330 ext. 5 outside of Anchorage, or visit the department Web site at health.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/features/org/dpado.html.