Page 2

2

Intent to reside does not mean:

1. An intent to stay permanently or indefinitely in the state,

2. Nor does it require an intent to reside at a fixed address.

B. Have entered the state with a job commitment, or

C. Be seeking employment in NC.

II. POLICY PRINCIPLES

A. An applicant is required to provide one proof of NC residency.

1. Residency must be verified for all Medicaid applicants.

2. Residency shall not be verified during recertification.

• If there is a reason to believe a change in residency may have occurred, the caseworker may re-verify the address.

3. Review existing agency records, electronic sources, and Online Verification System (OVS) in NC FAST to verify the same address on the application before asking for verification.

4. There is no minimum requirement for the length of time an applicant must be physically present in NC.

B. Temporary Absence

1. Beneficiary:

The caseworker may not deny or terminate the beneficiary’s Medicaid eligibility when the beneficiary is temporarily absent from NC and intends to return to the state in less than 12 months. The caseworker must document in NC FAST.

During recertification, if there is a reason to believe a change in residency may have occurred, the caseworker may re-verify the address.

Example: At recertification, the caseworker reviewed the case, the beneficiary reported temporary absence and there were no other notes that the beneficiary returned to NC. The caseworker will re-verify the address.

2. Applicant: