Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded decades old policy that allowed health centers — and many other health care and education programs — to serve individuals regardless of immigration status. This new guidance asserts that health center services are now considered “federal public benefits,” and many non-citizens will no longer be eligible to access care.
In the announcement, HHS stated the new policy is effective immediately but also opened a 30-day public comment period and indicated further guidance will be forthcoming to ensure full implementation. The limited details provided in the press release create uncertainty and confusion on how this policy will be implemented, but the goal is clear: to prevent non-citizens from accessing health care.
The United States is the only wealthy country without universal health care. Denying health care services based on citizenship status is a moral failure. The National Health Care for the Homeless Council strongly opposes any additional barriers to providing care to patients. We believe health care is a human right, and all human beings deserve dignity and respect, not threats and intimidation.
We will keep the HCH Community updated as more information about this guidance becomes available. Subscribe to our policy newsletter at the link below to stay on top of HCH policy news.
