(a) The Department shall certify an individual as eligible for benefits under the Program if the Department determines that:

(1) The individual has chronic kidney disease as defined in the Commission’s regulations; and

(2) The individual meets the residency, citizenship, and other nonmedical eligibility requirements established by the Department.

(b) (1) The certification of an individual under this section shall be for a period of 1 year.

(2) The certification is renewable after each 1-year period if the individual meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.