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Medicaid Document Requirements
Aloha Chapter Members,
At the end of June we told you about the new Federal requirements for all Medicaid recipients who are enrolling or renewing which asks them to provide proof of citizenship and photo identification, or lose benefits. As you might imagine, providing an "official" form of photo identification for children can be a challenge, particularly for young children. If parents/guardians hand carry the documents to one of the appropriate offices, they are able to self-declare that the child's photo presented is authentic. However, if they mail their documents (as preferred), they need a third party to sign the photo. Physicians are suggested as one of the sources families can go to for help. There is no liability on your part for assisting the family by signing that the photo is that of the child named. The following statement is included in the Question/Answer sheet provided to 211, Med-QUEST staff, and other agencies that are helping families gather the necessary documentation.
"Will the physician be held liable? No. The patient or the patient's parent or guardian is responsible for all information provided to Med-QUEST."
This should be a temporary need. Once all current Medicaid recipients have provided the required documents as part of their renewal process, they won't have to resubmit those documents. New applicants should have other options as a Hawaii Covering Kids task force is working with the AG's office on an affidavit form for families to complete in lieu of a child's photo.
If you have any questions, please contact me or Barbara Luksch at Hawai`i Covering Kids - 536-8442 or coverkids@aol.com.
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