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Effective: March 1, 2011 |
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09.20ar1 - Verification of American Indian Status (Archive) |
Archived: September 1, 2012 |
People who are American Indians are eligible to receive MinnesotaCare or MA-EPD without payment of a premium as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements. To qualify for premium-free coverage, individuals must verify their status as American Indians.
Acceptable Forms of Verification
Accept any formal documentation from a tribe, Indian Health Services (IHS), or the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that verifies a person is an American Indian. Examples of such verifications include, but are not limited to the following:
l A document issued by a federally-recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribe, such as an enrollment or membership card, a tribal census document, or a document issued by a tribe indicating the person’s affiliation with the Tribe.
l A document issued by the IHS indicating that the person is eligible for IHS services as an American Indian.
l A document obtained from the BIA recognizing the person as an American Indian.
Only require a client to verify American Indian status once. Do not require additional verification if documentation of tribal enrollment or a membership card or a certificate of degree of Indian blood issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe has already been provided as proof of citizenship or for the purpose of excluding certain assets owned by American Indians. While several members of a household may be American Indians, only one enrolled member needs to verify their status to exempt the household from premiums. If more than one member provides verification, retain the additional verifications in the case file. The additional verification can be used later for breakaway cases or if the verified American Indian leaves the household. Enter a case note to document receipt of the verification and retain it as a permanent part of the client’s case record.