CHA Public Charge Comments Update
Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) and numerous providers and staff across the organization submitted robust and compelling public comment letters in response to the Federal Government's proposed change to the public charge rule recently.
This proposed regulation, if adopted, would alter longstanding immigration policies that allow people to participate in essential health, nutrition, and housing programs without jeopardizing their immigration status, such as green card or visa applications.
If finalized, it would negatively impact more than 500,000 Massachusetts residents who are lawfully present immigrants, many of our patients, and our mission. CHA strongly opposes this proposal and is part of a national effort to urge that it be withdrawn. Nationally, over 216,000 comments were submitted, far exceeding the 100,000 goal. Click here to read CHA's submission to the Federal Government in opposition to this proposal that was submitted last week.
U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren mentioned CHA in their own transmittal in opposition to this rule change. Specifically, they mentioned a WBUR opinion piece co-authored by CHA Everett Care Center physician Elissa Poorman, MD, that brought attention to the life and death choices immigrants are faced with in response to this proposal. Click here to read their comments.
It is important for patients to continue accessing their benefits and health care during this time. Nothing has changed, and any future changes will not be retroactive. Advocacy on behalf of our patients and communities is a critical component of CHA's mission. A tremendous thank you to everyone involved in efforts to support our patients.