Prometheus 6

Medicaid Documentation Law Has Little Effect on Immigrants
Associated Press
Wednesday, July 25, 2007; A02

Medicaid rolls declined in many states after Congress imposed new documentation requirements, but most of the drop-off appears to be among people eligible for coverage -- not among illegal immigrants.

A law that took effect July 1, 2006, requires states to obtain evidence of citizenship and nationality when determining Medicaid eligibility.

The Government Accountability Office surveyed 44 states on the impact of the new rules. Twenty-two of those states reported enrollment declines, the GAO said yesterday. Most said the decline was due to delays in coverage or loss of coverage for eligible citizens.

Twelve states said the requirement had no effect on enrollment. Ten others did not know.

Medicaid is a program that provides health coverage to the poor.