Statement on Public Charge Rule

Rick Pollack

President and CEO

American Hospital Association

August 12, 2019

America’s hospitals and health systems work every day to provide care for those who need it and ensure patients are able to access programs that provide critical services. This rule is a step in the wrong direction when it comes to fairness with regard to the treatment of legal immigrants seeking a pathway to citizenship. And, it creates barriers to appropriately caring for the sick and injured, and to keeping people healthy. Failure to provide such services also has public health implications that could have widespread impact. 

For example, this rule would lessen access to services under Medicaid for legal immigrants. Access to nutrition aid, housing support and other programs that address the social determinants of health would also be jeopardized. No one should have to fear obtaining needed services and medical care.

We ask that the Department of Homeland Security immediately reconsider this misguided and harmful rule.

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Contact:         

Sean Barry, (202) 626-2306, sbarry@aha.org