Exemption eases, not erases, Medicaid threat: group

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said Medicaid coverage for an estimated 1 million to 2 million U.S. citizens remains potentially in danger because of new proof-of-citizenship requirements. Recent changes by the CMS reduced the number at risk from a previous estimate of 3.2 million to 4.2 million, the center said. Earlier this month, the agency exempted 8 million people considered particularly vulnerable -- those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid or enrolled in Medicaid because they receive Supplemental Security Income. The CMS also clarified that states may use computerized matches of state vital records databases to check beneficiaries' status. -- by Jennifer Lubell