AAMC Supports Legislation
to Cover Legal Immigrants
May 3, 2002- The AAMC and several other hospital organizations
reiterated their support for the Immigrant Children's Health
Improvement Act (H.R.
1143/S.
582) in an April 23 letter to the House Energy and Commerce
Committee. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart
(R-Fla.) and Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.). It would allow states
to cover legal immigrants under the Medicaid and the State
children's health insurance (SCHIP) programs. Denying public
benefits to legal immigrants, the letter warned, "will
continue to add to the financial burden already faced by many
hospitals across the country." It added that such action
was increasingly important, given that hospitals are beginning
to face "a host of emergency response and bioterrorism
preparedness-related responsibilities."
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Analyst
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
