(1) The individual whose needs are included must meet the citizenship and noncitizen status established in: P.L. 104-193, The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996; P.L. 105-33, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997; P.L. 105-185, the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998; P.L. 105-306, the Noncitizen Benefit Clarification and Other Technical Amendments Act of 1998; P.L. 109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005; and, the Immigration and Nationality Act.
    (2) For Medicaid, an individual who indicates they are a U.S. citizen, and who is not subject to an exemption as specified in 42 C.F.R. § 435.406(2007) (incorporated by reference). The Department will assist with obtaining documentation if the applicant or recipient indicates they are having a problem obtaining the documentation.
    (3) The eligibility specialist must verify the immigration status of noncitizens through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), formerly the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Verification will be requested electronically using the alien number, or based on a USCIS or prior Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) document provided by the applicant. The system of verification is known as the Verification Information System-Customer Processing System (VIS-CPS), which is part of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. When the noncitizen provides neither an alien number nor USCIS document to indicate their status, the noncitizen must contact the USCIS to obtain documentation or verification of noncitizen status. The department will assist in obtaining documentation if requested. If the noncitizen provides any form of USCIS documentation, regardless of the expiration date, showing an eligible Immigration Act section, the eligibility specialist must accept the documentation and verify the individual’s status. Electronic verification of an eligible immigration status is acceptable proof of the individual’s eligible status for all programs. Automated verification is attempted first. If automated verification cannot be obtained, noncitizenship status must be verified manually (i.e., secondary verification) through use of a USCIS form. Benefits will not be withheld when VIS-CPS indicates secondary (i.e., manual) verification is required and response from the secondary verification is pending, provided all other technical factors of eligibility are met. Benefit recovery is required when such individuals are determined to not have been in an eligible noncitizen status.
    (4) Noncitizens who would experience an undue hardship in obtaining current USCIS documentation, hospitalized noncitizens or noncitizens with a medical disability will be considered eligible for benefits on the noncitizen factor of eligibility while awaiting the return of USCIS secondary or manual verification. Undue hardship includes living a prohibitive distance from the USCIS office, lack of transportation, inability to travel to or attend appointments due to a medical condition, or a long waiting period for an appointment with the USCIS. However, these individuals are subject to recoupment for any benefits issued while verification is pending should they subsequently be determined to have been in an ineligible noncitizen status.
Rulemaking Authority 409.919, 414.45 FS. Law Implemented 409.903, 409.904, 410.033, 414.095(3), 414.31 FS. History-New 4-9-92, Amended 11-22-93, Formerly 10C-1.301, Amended 4-18-99, 6-26-08.