UPDATES ON MASSHEALTH CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTATION

Undocumented patients: You will recall that when this new requirement was first implemented in July, even patients who indicated that they were non-citizens were being asked for proof of citizenship via a VC-1 form. This glitch has supposedly been fixed by the state, and now those who indicate they are a non-citizen should not be getting asked by the state for proof of citizenship.

Free birth certificates: The state passed a law saying that those born in MA could get access to their birth certificates for free if they are applying for MassHealth. Since individuals need to show that their request for a birth certificate is for a MassHealth application, providers can print out the attached letter on their letterhead for patients to take with them to the Registry or to mail to the address shown on this letter.

Proof of identity for children: Mass Law Reform Institute has prepared an affidavit form that parents or guardians of a US citizen child under 16 can use to verify the child’s identity if no government-issued ID is available. The affidavit is not proof of US citizenship; a birth certificate or other document will also be required. Here are links to the English and Spanish versions of the form:

www.compartners.org/pdf/news/9-1-06_affidavit_eng.pdf

www.compartners.org/pdf/news/9-1-06_affidavit_spn.pdf

- Adapted from e-mail “Update and resources: MassHealth proof of citizenship requirement” from Kim Simonian , Health Access and Community Partnerships, Partners Community Benefit Programs 9/7/06

9/06