CMS to remove noncitizens from Medicaid, CHIP coverage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a nationwide initiative to reinforce eligibility standards for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program by verifying enrollees’ immigration status. CMS will issue monthly enrollment reports to states beginning this month, flagging individuals whose immigration status could not be confirmed in federal databases. States are expected to promptly review the cases, request additional documentation if necessary and take appropriate steps to ensure compliance with federal eligibility rules. Individuals who do not meet immigration requirements may receive only limited services under specific circumstances. The initiative could create additional steps for enrollees whose immigration status cannot verify through the databases. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for traditional Medicaid coverage. (CMS news release, 8/19/25)