Trump admin announces new push to purge illegal immigrants from Medicaid programs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made headlines this week with their announcement of a new initiative aimed at removing illegal immigrants from public health insurance programs. This nationwide push will involve monthly enrollment reports being sent to states to identify Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees whose citizenship or immigration status cannot be confirmed through federal databases.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring that these vital programs serve only those who are truly eligible under the law. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz echoed this sentiment, stating that every dollar misspent is a dollar taken away from an eligible, vulnerable individual in need of Medicaid and CHIP.

Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, efforts have been made to prevent non-citizens from accessing public benefits meant for American citizens. An executive order issued in February directed federal agencies to identify programs allowing illegal immigrants to receive federal benefits and take necessary action to enforce the law.

The Department of Health and Human Services has expanded the list of federal government-operated programs considered public benefits from 31 to 44. Additionally, the recent Republican spending package included provisions requiring states to more frequently check the eligibility of Medicaid enrollees at least twice per year.

However, not everyone is on board with these new policies. A coalition of over 20 Democratic attorneys general, led by New York AG Letitia James, is suing the Trump administration over the verification of immigrant status for participation in federally-funded programs. James argues that these policies are jeopardizing essential services like cancer screenings, early childhood education, and primary care.

Overall, the push to remove illegal immigrants from public health insurance programs is sparking debate and legal challenges. As the initiative moves forward, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact access to healthcare for both citizens and non-citizens alike.