Important Announcement from MassHealth 

New Citizenship Documentation Requirements  


Due to a change in Federal law, effective July 1, 2006, MassHealth now requires 
individuals who state they are U.S. citizens or nationals to provide acceptable 
documentation of their citizenship and identity when first applying for 
MassHealth or upon MassHealth redetermination. 

• Verification of citizenship and identity is a one-time activity. Members who 
have verified citizenship and identity satisfactorily will not be asked to do so 
again. 

• The new Federal Law does not include changes for documented immigrants, who 
must continue to provide proof of their status when they apply for MassHealth. 

• MassHealth will use electronic data matching to the greatest extent possible 
and allowable to assist members with fulfilling this new requirement. 

Timeframes: 

. Applicants: MassHealth coverage will not begin until all necessary 
documentation, including proof of citizenship and identity, are submitted within 
the necessary timeframes. MassHealth will inform applicants when documents are 
due - either 60 or 30 days, depending on coverage type. 

• Time-limited presumptive coverage for pregnant women and children will not be 
delayed pending documentation of citizenship and identity, but this 
documentation must still be submitted within 60 days of application in order for 
MassHealth benefits to continue. 

. Current members: MassHealth requires a redetermination of eligibility at least 
once each year. When a member’s redetermination is due, the member will be 
notified that they have either 60 or 30 days, depending on coverage type, to 
provide documentation of citizenship and identity. These timeframes may be 
extended if the member indicates to MassHealth that he or she is making a good 
faith effort to submit the documentation. 


Phone Numbers for Assistance in Obtaining Necessary Documentation: 

. To receive or renew a Passport:  National Passport Information Center, U.S. 
Department of State: 1-877-487-2778 

. For Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship:  U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security: 1-800-375-5283  / TTY 1-800-767-1833 

. For Massachusetts Birth Certificates: Registry of Vital Records and 
Statistics, Massachusetts Department of Public Health:  150 Mount Vernon Street, 
1st Floor,  Dorchester, MA 02125-3105,  617-740-2600 

. For a Massachusetts Driver’s License or Massachusetts ID card: Massachusetts 
Registry of Motor Vehicles: 617-351-4500 / TTY 617-536-7534 or 1-877-768-8833 

. General questions: MassHealth Customer Service: 1-800-841-2900  / TTY 1-800-
497-4648 

Please see next page for acceptable documentation to verify citizenship and 
identity.