The Attorneys General of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and 16 others are suing the Trump Administration over its unfettered access to personal health data for use in immigration cases.
“The indiscriminate sharing of personal health information by the Trump Administration is unnecessary and unlawful,” said Attorney General Neronha. “As a country, we made the decision that all individuals residing in the United States are entitled to emergency Medicaid coverage, regardless of immigration status. This Congressionally-authorized emergency coverage aims to prevent people residing in the United States from dying in the streets while avoiding necessary medical treatment. By sharing this information with DHS and ICE, this Administration is attempting to scare residents away from receiving the federally mandated medical treatment to which they are entitled. Further, when people don’t seek medical care for infectious diseases, we are all put in harm’s way. As Americans, we care about the health and well-being of our neighbors, and we must reject this newest unlawful attempt to harm the people of this country.”
States often share information for Medicaid funding purposes, but never on a wide-ranging basis.
State Attorney General Peter Neronha says that it is both unlawful and unnecessary.
(Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for SEIU Care Campaign)
Photo: Brian Stukes / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images