Trump Administration Policies Have Chilling Effect On Hispanics Seeking Medical Care, Advocates Say
The trend applies to those who are in the country legally. Advocates say they fear their family and friends could be tracked through them and sent home. Meanwhile, an entire population forgoing health care will have ripple effects across the entire country, experts say.
The Associated Press:
Deportation Fears Have Legal Immigrants Avoiding Health Care
The number of legal immigrants from Latin American nations who access public health services and enroll in federally subsidized insurance plans has dipped substantially since President Donald Trump took office, many of them fearing their information could be used to identify and deport relatives living in the U.S. illegally, according to health advocates across the country. (Kennedy, 1/21)
CQ:
Immigration Crackdown Raises Fears Of Seeking Health Care
With fears of arrest causing undocumented residents to recalibrate their everyday lives — including fewer trips for medical care — the consequences could cascade beyond the immigrant population. Skipped vaccinations or treatments could hasten the spread of infectious diseases. Avoiding treatment for chronic ailments invites a cascade of potential trouble, including more expensive and invasive care later. And when the patient is uninsured, those costs often are absorbed either by government health programs or by hospitals, which may cover the expense by hiking prices for insured patients. (Adams, 1/22)
And in other news —
CQ:
Undocumented Kids Get Health Care In Six States, D.C.
On Jan. 1, Oregon became the sixth state, plus the District of Columbia, to offer health care coverage to undocumented children. Hospitals, doctors and other providers, as well as insurers that will administer the coverage, supported the move as a way to ensure that children stay healthy. The insurance will help families pay their medical bills, which will benefit the hospitals and doctors that care for them. (Adams, 1/22)
