Modern Healthcare published an op ed by L.A. Care CEO John Baackes entitled, "Commentary: Proposed changes to 'public charge' rule could damage public health efforts". The piece talks about the Trump Administration's proposed changes to the "public charge" rule that would make receipt of certain public assistance, like Medicaid, grounds for denying a legal immigrant a green card.
Many will likely drop out of Medicaid and SNAP, the nutrition assistance program formerly known as food stamps, to safeguard their eligibility for permanent legal residency. Without insurance, these people will likely have to forgo preventive healthcare. What happens then? How can we, as a nation, force families to choose between nutritious food and necessary medical care or the opportunity to become a citizen?
--John Baackes
CEO, L.A. Care
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