Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sent a notice to the administrators of state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs agencies saying that eligible immigrants should be encouraged to apply for these crucial programs. Having Medicaid (except Medicaid for long-term institutionalization) is no longer a factor in determining someone’s immigration status.

“We invite states and our community partners to spread this message far and wide: we are here to help. All our communities deserve the peace of mind that comes with having access to quality care,” said HHS Secretary, Xavier Becerra.

States have a duty to protect patient data and are not permitted to share a Medicaid applicant’s or beneficiary’s information for any purpose other than to administer the state’s Medicaid plan.

For more information about this important guidance, please read the CMS press release here.