Proof-of-citizenship law and Medi-Cal

Re “State to Delay Benefit Rule,” June 8

The story on California’s decision to ignore the federal law requiring those who want free medical care through the Medicaid (Medi-Cal) program to produce proof of citizenship includes two incomprehensible statements. One, attributed to federal and California officials, is that “there is no evidence that many noncitizens are defrauding Medicaid.” The other, unattributed, is that “nearly all of the 50 million Medicaid recipients nationally are citizens.”

Because no state or federal government has asked for proof of citizenship from Medicaid enrollees, how can anyone make these statements?

MARGARET MANNING

Los Angeles

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California is working with the federal government to implement the new U.S. law that requires Medi-Cal recipients to provide proof of citizenship. However, that process cannot be completed without several key actions:

* The federal government needs to provide states with guidance on implementation and verify specifics on acceptable identification.

* The federal government must provide legally required notification to beneficiaries.

* Counties, which administer Medi-Cal, need direction on how to implement the law.

Without these key actions, California cannot fully implement the new law. Working closely with the federal government, California is doing its part to resolve this issue as quickly as possible without jeopardizing the care of the 6 million citizens who rely on Medi-Cal.

KIMBERLY BELSHe

Secretary

California Health and Human Services Agency

Sacramento