National Update 7/18
This week health care advocates are working to make sense of a couple of federal changes. On July 10, HHS announced fundamental changes to eligibility for SNAP and Medicaid benefits, among other programs. This announcement puts Federally Qualified Health Centers (which serve populations without regard to their immigration status) in a difficult position. Oregon state law holds that people can be enrolled in the Healthier Oregon Program if they aren’t eligible for Medicaid otherwise, but that is in seeming conflict with the new Medicaid policy.in
Meanwhile, HHS has given Medicaid data to ICE to assist in their identification of people who are undocumented but have been receiving benefits. Oregon is one of 14 states and DC that cover children regardless of status, and one of five states and DC who cover adults.
The final version of the bill included some relief for rural hospitals and for Federally Qualified Health Centers.
OAFP and AAFP continue to advocate for access to care for all patients.