NHF Responds to New CMS Guidance

New guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services encourages states to educate eligible immigrants about Medicaid coverage. In a response from NHF, Dr. Len Valentino stated that given this change, “health care providers and administrators are encouraged to share this update with their communities.”

On Thursday, July 22, 2021 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an informational bulletin to the state level Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies reiterating that the Public Charge Final Rule of 2019 “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds” is no longer in effect and the states should seek to encourage their qualified immigrant populations to seek access to public benefits related to health and housing in the US.

“This guidance from CMS gives consistent access to quality healthcare across the U.S. for all members of the inheritable blood disorders community, regardless of their legal immigration status,” said Dr. Leonard Valentino, President and CEO of the National Hemophilia Foundation. “Health care providers and administrators are encouraged to share this update with their communities. NHF applauds the Administration for issuing this critical change that will provide  patients with life-saving and cost effective care.”

The immigrant community was previously discouraged from seeking critical government services (including health care) that are legally available to them because of the 2019 Final Rule. This informational bulletin is a reminder to  states that they have a responsibility to protect the rights of Medicaid applicants and their families.

For more information you can read the HHS Press Release here and the CMCS Informational Bulletin here.

Source: National Hemophilia Foundation

Media Contact:
Brett Spitale, VP of Advancement
bspitale@hemophilia.org
646-784-0368