Many healthcare organizations warned a Texas federal judge that changing the Biden administration’s updated public charge rule may discourage immigrants from applying for needed Medicaid benefits. The groups, which include the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society, are concerned that such changes could lead to confusion and fear among immigrants trying to access necessary healthcare.

Texas is actively trying to reverse the Biden 2022 rule, which replaced the Trump administration’s public charge policy. Under the previous policy, immigrants coming to the U.S. had to meet specific financial criteria to ensure they wouldn’t rely on public resources after arrival. These organizations argue that reinstating the Trump-era policy would limit immigrant communities’ access to immunizations and treatment for known and unknown health issues, leading to worse health outcomes for individuals and increased costs for the whole system.

In addition, these organizations noted studies finding that nearly 28% of low-income immigrant families reported turning down non-cash benefits, such as Medicaid. The number of uninsured children in the U.S. increased by more than 300,000 while the Trump public rule was being considered, the country’s largest annual rise. Texas had the highest increase in uninsured children, according to a Georgetown University study.

The Biden administration is challenging Texas’ lawsuit by arguing that there is no evidence showing that the 2022 change had an effect on the state’s costs.

We are actively monitoring legal actions that may affect individuals seeking immigration benefits in the U.S. If you have questions about immigration-related matters, please reach out to us. We provide tailored guidance to our clients and stay with them every step of the way.