Action

The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 exempted children who are in contact with child protective services from the burdensome ID requirements introduced by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

If you are a relative still trying to prove a child’s citizenship or identity, you can get some help from the Grandfamilies Partner Resources section of GU’s website.  You’ll find some great information from the Children’s Defense Fund, including a state-by-state breakdown of how to get a birth certificate, and what other forms of ID will be accepted in your state. If you have had difficulties accessing resources because you didn’t have the right documents, e-mail us to let us know.

Background

From July 1, 2006, Medicaid beneficiaries were at risk of losing their health benefits if they were unable to prove their US citizenship.  Although many helpful changes to the requirement were implemented by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, identification requirements remain for eligible children who are being raised by relatives with no input from child protective services.  Paperwork may be difficult to find, and in some states, relatives do not have automatic permission to obtain copies. Even where relatives are able to request copies, the process can be time-consuming and relatively expensive. With these recent exceptions, everyone who applies for Medicaid, or renews their application, must produce either a US passport or a combination of a US birth certificate with another proof of identity.

Safeguarding access to Medicaid for those in most need should be a priority.

Connect

If you are a grandparent or other relative raising grandchildren, you can get information about the resources that exist to help you from GU’s website, as well as from the Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway.