Sponsor Deeming and Repayment for Certain Immigrants

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter to states in response to the May 23, 2019 Presidential Memorandum, “Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens,” on requirements related to determining eligibility for certain sponsored immigrants who seek coverage under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The letter provides direction to states on provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA requires that the income and resources of the sponsors of certain immigrants be counted in determining the immigrant’s eligibility for federal means-tested benefit programs, including Medicaid and CHIP.

• Sponser Deeming and Repayment for Certain Immigrants Letter

CMS will soon release Medicaid and CHIP State Plan Amendment pages that will be required by states to document their sponsor deeming policies and procedures. Additionally, CMS staff is available to provide technical assistance regarding the sponsor deeming and repayment provisions discussed in this letter.