New York Medicaid: U.S. Citizenship and Identity Documentation Requirements (GIS 26 MA/01)

GIS 26 MA/01 is a New York State Department of Health General Information System message issued on January 22, 2026, regarding "U.S. Citizenship and Identity Requirements for Citizens and Non-citizens". It reminds local districts citizenship and identity documentation requirements.

Highlights of GIS 26 MA/01:

• Electronic Verification: Most U.S. citizens applying for Medicaid have their citizenship and identity verified automatically through a data match with the Social Security Administration (SSA); if verified, no further documentation is required.
• Reasonable Opportunity: If electronic verification fails, applicants must be given a reasonable chance to provide satisfactory documentation of citizenship and identity.
  Stand-Alone Documents: Certain documents, such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Enhanced Driver’s License, can independently prove both citizenship and identity.
• Citizenship Documentation: If no stand-alone document is available, documents like a U.S. birth certificate, adoption decree, or military record can prove citizenship, but must be paired with a separate identity document.
• Identity Documentation: Acceptable identity documents include a state-issued driver’s license, school ID with photo, military ID, or a combination of corroborating documents if standard IDs are unavailable.
  Special Provisions for Children: Children under 19 can prove identity using school, clinic, or hospital records, or, if unavailable, an affidavit from a guardian; however, an identity affidavit cannot be used if a citizenship affidavit was already used.
• Non-Citizen Documentation: Many immigration documents (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card) can prove both immigration status and identity; if not, a combination of immigration and identity documents is acceptable.
• Assistance for Homebound Individuals: Homebound individuals have asked the Department of Motor Vehicles for help getting non-driver ID cards to prove their identity when applying for Medicaid. Although a non-driver ID card is one way to prove identity, other documents can also be used. To support this process, the Department created a pamphlet summarizing acceptable documents for proving identity, citizenship, or immigration status.