The judge ruled that the administration “is clearly authorized by law” to share data across six categories.
U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled last week that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may share location data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for illegal aliens who receive public health benefits. While foreign nationals residing in the U.S. illegally are not eligible for federal Medicaid benefits, several states have allowed them to receive it despite their immigration status.
The judge refused to extend a preliminary injunction requested by multiple states to block the data sharing, stating, “The motion is denied as to the data that is the primary focus of the new policies—basic biographical, location, and contact information—because the sharing of such information is clearly authorized by law and the agencies have adequately explained their decisions.”
Judge Chhabria had placed a preliminary injunction against the data sharing early on during the case and had extended it through January 5. The new order takes effect takes effect Tuesday, January 6. The decision limits the data sharing to the following categories: citizenship, immigration status, address, phone number, date of birth, and Medicaid ID.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For district judges to be prudent in their rulings regarding the authority of federal officials.
- For Administrator Oz as he oversees the sharing of Medicaid information with ICE.
- For Acting Director Todd Lyons as he manages Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sources: MSN, Washington Examiner, Townhall
