MAHP, the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, has written to EOHHS Secretary Bigby on the Medicaid citizenship documentation issue (see this blog entry for background).
You can read the letter here.
The letter commends MassHealth for taking positive steps to protect coverage for citizens caught in the new paperwork requirement. MassHealth has extended the time deadlines and is using computer matches where possible.
The letter makes some important recommendations: “We therefore encourage the state to undertake the following steps: continue and expand the data match process; assist individuals in obtaining documentation, including out-of-state documents; and provide the maximum amount of time allowed to applicants and current members in order to produce the required documents.”
The letter also requests MassHealth to track the impact of the new requirement. Accurate data will be helpful when Congress re-examines the issue.
HCFA strongly endorses the MAHP recommendations and commends MAHP for letting state officials know of their concerns.
Brian Rosman
As it states in the letter, it is important to note that this impacts both MassHealth and Commonwealth Care enrollment and eligibility reviews.