House Passes Reform Package
Friday, 11. 13. 2009 – Category: Access to Quality Health Care
Health care reform was the big topic this week, with the House passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3692) over the weekend. The legislation included several provisions that affect immigrants, where it addresses racial and ethnic health disparities, and includes U.S. Terrorities in the health exchange. However, the 5-year wait for legal immigrants to access public health benefits is still present.
Moreover, while all immigrants will have access to purchase insurance from the exchange, certain categories of immigrants will be barred from accessing financial support despite their income levels. The bill also has developed a verification process, in which patients will have to verify their identity. These processes have proven in other programs to be a barrier for citizens and non-citizens alike. Senate leaders aim to start their own debate next week.