Page 15

10

discontinuing benefits because the individual has not obtained a new birth certificate from Puerto Rico. Please note that persons of Puerto Rican birth who are reapplying for medical assistance or whose eligibility is being redetermined are not to be required to obtain new birth certificates if their citizenship has been documented previously.

2402.15.15.20 INCOME/RESOURCE CONDISERATION FOR NATIVE AMERICANS/ALASKAN INDIAN Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) who meet Medicaid eligibility standards. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Medicaid provides certain income and resource exclusions as well as the exemption of Medicaid premiums and other cost sharing for AI/AN enrollees who are affiliated with a federally recognized tribe.7 Any individual declaring Native American racial-ethnic heritage should be asked if they are members of a federally recognized tribe. If it is attested that the individual is a member of a recognized tribe, membership must be verified. Verification is accomplished by viewing the I.D. card or tribal letter issued to each enrolled member. The I.D. card or letter should specifically state that the individual is an enrolled member, and that the tribe is recognized by the federal government. If documentation has been lost, AI/AN members may provide the telephone number of the tribal administrative office so that membership can be verified. If member declares potential tribal membership but has never been formally enrolled, they are not eligible for the cost sharing exemption. The following provisions are afforded to AI/AN enrollees who are members of a federally recognized tribe.

Consideration of Income and Resources for Medicaid/CHIP Eligibility Income is defined for Medicaid and CHIP purposes as anything an individual receives (e.g., wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, Social Security payment (IHCPPM 2805.00.00)) that the individuals can use to pay for family’s necessities. Resources are defined as cash or anything an individual owns (e.g., checking or savings accounts, real estate, personal property, stocks, bonds (IHCPPM Chapter 2600) that the individual can convert to cash to pay for the family’s necessities. All Income remaining (not paid out) during the month of receipt is considered a resource in the following months (IHCPPM 2605.20.00). Income and resources are countable or excluded based availability or ownership. Refer to IHCPPM 2805.10.00 and 2805.15.00. Income and resources owned by AI/AN individuals who do not have the legal right or power to liquidate resource; or access income for usage, is exempt for Medicaid or CHIP eligibility).8

Income Exceptions