Automating Lifeline Eligibility Verification

The Federal Communications Commission took a step in its efforts to streamline and strengthen consumer eligibility verification for the Lifeline program, as a nationwide automated connection between the Medicaid program and the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier went live Sept 17. The connection between the Medicaid and Lifeline databases means that the eligibility of up to 60% of the Lifeline-eligible population can be confirmed automatically. Automation will streamline the process for both subscribers and service providers, and result in more effective protection against waste, fraud, and abuse. Lifeline is the FCC program that provides subsidies to make phone and broadband service more affordable for low-income consumers. Medicaid, which is overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.