Deemed Newborns

Children born to a mother eligible for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® (PCK) at the time of the child’s birth are considered “deemed newborns”. No additional verification of Citizenship (including identity) is required.

A child who is deemed Newborn is considered to have provided satisfactory proof of citizenship and is not required to provide any additional verification at CMD or future application for another Medical Assistance COA. If a child is determined to meet “deemed newborn” status then document Client level case notes, “child deemed newborn” and include the Case ID of the Medical Assistance case in which the child’s mother was enrolled at the time of birth.

Verification of Citizenship may be submitted in person, by mail, by guardian, by authorized representative, or by an authorized agency. See 2215-10 below for a list of authorized agencies.

Copies of citizenship documents must be maintained in the case record or State eligibility system and must be made available for compliance audits (DCH MEQC, PERM, etc.). Documentation in Gateway should clearly state what documentary evidence was used; including, but not limited to, the documents assigned number and the information on the document.

A hierarchical approach should be used in verifying citizenship. At application provide each head of household or authorized representative with a copy of “Providing Verification of Citizenship for Medicaid”. Use Form 218 , “Citizenship/Identity Verification Checklist” to give to the applicant/member or representative when actual verifications are requested. Both forms are found in Appendix F, Forms.

When requesting verification, do not indicate the specific types of documents for applicants/recipients to provide, e.g., do not request “Birth Certificate”. Request any missing citizenship verification with the Form 173 and include Form 218 Citizenship/Identity Verification Checklist.

If an applicant or recipient presents evidence from the listing of primary documents, no other information will be required. When such evidence cannot be obtained, the next tier of acceptable forms of verification should be used. An attempt to obtain primary documentation should be made before continuing to secondary or tertiary lists. The second, third, and fourth level documentation also require verification of identity.