AHA calls on DHS to withdraw proposal to expand ‘public charge’ rule

Dec 07, 2018 - 03:38 PM
AHA COmment

AHA today urged the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw a proposed rule that could limit legal immigrants’ future immigration status if they receive benefits from Medicaid, the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or select housing programs. “Hospitals have long served as leaders in their communities by connecting individuals and families to needed public programs, thereby allowing them to maintain their health and wellbeing in order to remain productive members of their communities,” AHA said in comments submitted to the agency. “The policies proposed by this rule are contrary to this hospital mission of service to vulnerable members of our society. If adopted millions of individuals would be at risk for loss of coverage – consequently putting hospital payments in jeopardy. This loss of coverage would inevitably lead to poor health outcomes for legal immigrant communities and greater financial strain for the hospitals that serve them.”

Related News Articles

Headline
KFF analysis highlights limited physician access in Medicare Advantage plans
A new report from KFF reveals that Medicare Advantage enrollees had access to just 48% of the physicians available to Traditional Medicare beneficiaries in…
Headline
AHA shares concerns, recommendations with CMS on WISeR model
The AHA Oct. 23 recommended changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction model to address…
Headline
CMS releases guide on prior authorization submissions, determinations under WISeR model  
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an operational guide for Medicare-enrolled providers and suppliers on the Wasteful and…
Headline
OIG says MA, Medicaid managed care plans have limited, inaccurate behavioral health provider networks 
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…
Headline
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 begins
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. During the annual enrollment period, Medicare-eligible individuals can check their…
Headline
AHA encourages MedPAC to refine analysis of MA enrollment impacts on patients, providers
The AHA Oct. 3 responded to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s recent analysis on the financial impacts of Medicare Advantage enrollment growth on…