Congressman José E. Serrano

Representing the Sixteenth District of New York

PRESS RELEASE

 

The Bronx, NY – November 3, 2006 – Today, Congressman José E. Serrano condemned a recent federal policy change that prevents automatic enrollment of newborn children of low-income undocumented immigrants in Medicaid.

 

“These changes are both shameful and cruel.  I am stunned that our nation is seeking to prevent needed health care for newborn citizens,” said Serrano.  “This continued war on immigrants has gone too far.  The United States cannot, and should not, permit such discriminatory practices.”

 

As reported in today’s New York Times, a provision in the Deficit Reduction Act tightened documentation requirements for Medicaid eligibility.  In interpreting the provision, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has included newborns as part of this new rule, thus requiring their parents to file a Medicaid application for the newborn child, and to offer proof of that child’s citizenship through a birth certificate or other form of documentation.  Previous regulations deemed qualifying newborn children eligible for Medicaid for up to one year.

 

“That these newborn children have been born in the United States is indisputable,”  said Serrano.  “What more must we know?  This is simply another attempt to tighten restrictions on undocumented immigrants.   It will only further drive them into the shadows of society, and it will hurt our newest American citizens- who need important health care and immunizations during their first year of life.”

 

 

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Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the Bronx in the House of Representatives since 1990.