The Trump Administration released its Public Charge Final Rule today announcing it will take effect October 15. This rule is changing immigration policy that had been in place for more than a hundred years, and will adversely impact the health of lawful immigrants through the denial of critical social services.
The new rule says lawful immigrants could be penalized for simply accessing essential services like Medicaid, SNAP food benefits, and housing assistance. They are currently eligible to receive those benefits without any risk to future efforts to become a permanent resident, also known as a green card holder. The Final Rule will change that.
At L.A. Care, we estimate more than 170,000* of our members could be lawful immigrants who will bear the brunt of the proposed changes. They will be forced to choose between essential benefits, including health coverage, or getting a green card.
L.A. Care's mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents, and that includes lawful immigrants who will be impacted by this rule.
L.A. Care Health Plan offered public comment against the rule back in October and will stand in support of all legal challenges that are certain to be filed.
John Baackes
CEO, L.A. Care
*Estimate based on publicly-available data. L.A. Care does not have access to members’ immigration status.