This report examines the February 2006 provision of budget legislation requiring all Medicaid applicants and recipients who are U.S. citizens to provide a birth certificate or passport to become eligible for the program. While the provision was passed as an effort to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving Medicaid benefits, it is more likely to create unnecessary challenges to a significant number of low-income U.S. citizens. The report describes how the documentation requirement may pose a significant challenge to those who do not have a valid copy of their birth certificate readily available, such as low-income or homeless individuals, those who have experienced a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, and the significant number of elderly African Americans who were never issued a birth certificate. Moreover, as the report describes, there is significant evidence that the requirement is unnecessary and will substantially increase administrative burdens.
CHLP fights stigma and discrimination at the intersection of HIV, race, health status, disability, class, sexuality and gender identity and expression, with a focus on criminal and public health systems. As part of this work, we support movement building that amplifies the power of individuals and communities to mobilize for change rooted in racial, gender and economic justice. We do this through legal advocacy, high-impact policy initiatives, and creation of cross-issue partnerships, networks, and resources.