Medi-Cal data sought—
Suzanne Potter, producer/reporter, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.
The Trump administration is now demanding immigration data for all Medi-Cal recipients.
The feds just sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, citing concern that undocumented immigrants may be receiving full-scope Medi-Cal, and alleging fraud in home care and hospice programs.
Last spring, California officials sought answers after the administration allegedly turned over some Medi-Cal data to immigration enforcement.
Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children & Families, said these moves – plus widespread ICE raids – mean undocumented parents may be too scared to bring their American-born children to the doctor.
Mixed-status families suffer the most
“Mixed-status families are not going to want to be sharing any information with the government,” she said. “These, in most cases, are citizen children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. And that’s what is known as the ‘chilling effect.'”
One in four American children lives in a mixed-status family.
In December, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families submitted public comment on the administration’s new “public charge” rule, arguing that it gives the government virtually unlimited discretion to decide whether a prospective immigrant is likely to need social services such as Medi-Cal or Cal Fresh benefits, and reject asylum or citizenship applications on that basis.
Alker said Georgetown estimates the number of children with health insurance could drop as much as 25% in the near future.
“If we see the numbers rise when we get the data this fall, and certainly next fall,” she said, “we believe that the extraordinary campaign by the Trump administration to intimidate, deport, harass, and terrify immigrant families will be a main cause for that.”
The administration is also taking steps on several fronts to reduce federal funding. Two weeks ago, it announced a review of federal funding to 14 states – all led by Democrats – including California. On Jan. 6, the feds moved to freeze $10 billion in child-care grants in five “blue” states, including $5 million for California, citing concerns about fraud. California’s attorney general sued, and a judge ordered the funds unfrozen.
