HHS Takes Important Step to Thaw Chill

Dear Allies,

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took an important step towards thawing the chilling effect of the former Trump-era public charge policy. Today, we’re sharing what exactly the HHS’s Informational Bulletin says, and what Secretary Becerra had to say in his press release. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) asked state Medicaid and CHIP directors to take an active role in thawing the public charge chilling effect. The Informational Bulletin, sent to states by HHS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, underscores that the DHS 2019 Public Charge Final Rule is no longer in effect. This informational bulletin confirms for states and individuals that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is applying the 1999 Interim Field Guidance on public charge and will not consider an individual’s receipt of Medicaid benefits (except Medicaid for long-term institutionalization) as part of the public charge determination.
 

The bulletin was accompanied by a strong HHS press release quoting Secretary Becerra as urging state leaders “to spread this message far and wide: we are here to help and the public charge rule is no longer in effect.”

MomsRising’s great CTC website has now been translated into a Spanish-language version! This site is a great resource for people with questions about CTC eligibility or how to claim their credit. A note, MomsRising is in the process of updating both the English & Spanish versions of the site, so be sure to continue checking back for more up-to-date information soon!

• Washington Post – PIF partners CASA sue on behalf of immigrant renters alleging landlord targeted immigrant and other families of color, refusing to maintain buildings and putting families at risk. An important reminder of what can happen when folks don’t have access to basic supports that might give them better housing options.

• New York Times – The Trump public charge policy continues to deter hospitality workers from health coverage months after Biden reversed it.

• Chicago Sun-Times – PIF partner Illinois Hunger Coalition LTE urges state lawmakers to make children eligible for school lunches regardless of immigration status.

In Solidarity,

Eddie Carmona & Renato Rocha, on behalf of the PIF Team

Visit us at https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/