New Federal Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Documentation Rules Causing Delays in Accessing HUSKY A Coverage

Connecticut, like all other states, must implement a dramatic change in its Medicaid application process that could result in thousands of citizens, including children, parents, and pregnant women, being denied health care coverage or experiencing delayed access to care. Effective July 1, 2006, a new federal law requires that states must obtain proof of citizenship and identity for most United States citizens who apply for Medicaid or renew their Medicaid coverage. This fact sheet outlines problems with the needlessly rigid requirements, and recommendations for repealing them or limiting the damage they are likely to cause. This fact sheet was revised in March 2007 to reflect changes in federal regulations.