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By Jenna Sundel and Gabe Whisnant
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The Trump administration's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a new initiative requiring states to conduct monthly checks on Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) enrollees.
Why It Matters
The change could affect those whose citizenship or immigration status cannot be confirmed through federal databases like the Social Security Administration and DHS's SAVE program.
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CMS said the new initiative will help maintain the integrity of Medicaid and CHIP and protect taxpayer funding.
In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal departments and agencies to identify federally funded programs providing financial benefits to illegal immigrants.
Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James and 20 other attorneys general sued the administration last month over directives preventing health, education and social services programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status.
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What To Know
According to CMS, the first round of individual reports went out Tuesday to the states, and all states will receive a report over the course of a month. States are expected to verify citizenship or immigration, request additional documentation if needed and take "appropriate actions when necessary, including adjusting coverage or enforcing non-citizen eligibility rules."
The agency said individuals who do not have satisfactory immigration status may only receive limited services in certain circumstances.
Medicare vs. Medicaid: Differences Explained
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicare has set standards for costs and coverage, meaning a person's Medicare coverage will be the same no matter where they reside.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. The federal government has established rules that all state Medicaid programs must follow, but eligibility requirements and benefits can differ from state to state.
What People Are Saying
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a statement: "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, in a statement: "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, in a statement last month: "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 said it will monitor progress on a monthly basis.
Update: 8/19/25, 3:54 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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