The Trump administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new initiative requiring states to perform monthly checks on Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) enrollees.
Why It Matters
The policy could directly impact individuals whose citizenship or immigration status cannot be confirmed through federal databases such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE program.
CMS officials say the measure is designed to maintain the integrity of Medicaid and CHIP while ensuring taxpayer funds are used appropriately.
In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to identify programs that provide financial benefits to illegal immigrants.
Last month, Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 20 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against the administration, challenging directives that they argue restrict health, education, and social services for all residents regardless of immigration status.
What To Know
According to CMS, the first set of reports was sent to states on Tuesday, and all states will receive them within a month. States are expected to:
- Verify applicants’ citizenship or immigration status.
- Request additional documentation when necessary.
- Take “appropriate actions,” which could include adjusting coverage or enforcing non-citizen eligibility rules.
The agency clarified that individuals without satisfactory immigration status may only qualify for limited services in certain circumstances.
Medicare vs. Medicaid
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. Coverage and costs are standardized nationwide.
Medicaid, by contrast, is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage for people with limited income and resources. While all states must follow federal guidelines, eligibility rules and benefits can differ from state to state.
Learn more about Medicaid.
What People Are Saying
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “Medicaid is a lifeline for vulnerable Americans — and I will protect it from abuse. We are tightening oversight of enrollment to safeguard taxpayer dollars and guarantee that these vital programs serve only those who are truly eligible under the law.”
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz: “Every dollar misspent is a dollar taken away from an eligible, vulnerable individual in need of Medicaid and CHIP.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James: “For decades, states like New York have built health, education, and family support systems that serve anyone in need. These programs work because they are open, accessible, and grounded in compassion. Now, the federal government is pulling that foundation out from under us overnight, jeopardizing cancer screenings, early childhood education, primary care, and so much more.”
What Happens Next
CMS will continue monitoring state compliance and progress on a monthly basis.
