by A coalition of 20 mostly Democrat-led states, including California and Colorado, has filed a lawsuit to block the federal government from sharing Medicaid enrollment data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern California and targets the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
What the Lawsuit Claims
- The coalition argues that the transfer of Medicaid data to ICE violates federal law by disclosing confidential health and immigration status information.
- Plaintiffs assert the data is meant solely for public health purposes and program integrity, not immigration enforcement.
- The lawsuit states that sharing this data could create fear and discourage vulnerable populations from enrolling in Medicaid.
- It also raises concerns that such actions could lead to a national database used for mass deportations.
- States argue that fewer people enrolling in Medicaid could lead to higher public health costs and increased illness and death.
Why It Matters
- The Medicaid program is designed to provide health assistance to low-income individuals and families, many of whom are immigrants.
- Federal law does not allow illegal immigrants to access full Medicaid benefits except for emergency services.
- However, states like California, Oregon, and Colorado have expanded Medicaid access to include undocumented residents, sparking controversy.
- DHS claims the data is needed to prevent ineligible individuals from receiving benefits and uphold President Trump’s promise to protect Medicaid for legal residents.
Statements From Both Sides
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser: “There’s no reason to share this sensitive data with immigration or law enforcement agencies. We’re suing to protect Colorado’s Medicaid program and the health and welfare of the people it serves.”
- DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin: “CMS and DHS are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.”
- Rep. Gabe Evans, R-CO: “There are 21,000 illegal immigrants receiving taxpayer-funded health care in Colorado. That’s money that could be going toward care for seniors and people with disabilities.”
Coalition Members
States joining the lawsuit include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
What the Coalition Wants
- The court to block HHS from transferring Medicaid data to DHS or any other federal enforcement agency.
- DHS to be barred from using Medicaid data in immigration-related investigations or actions.
What Happens Next
- The court will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.
- If successful, the ruling could limit how federal agencies use personal health data in immigration enforcement.
- A ruling against the coalition could allow ICE greater access to personal information from Medicaid databases, potentially fueling broader enforcement actions.
