Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The suit challenges HHS's decision to allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) access to personal health data, arguing that this violates multiple federal laws.
The coalition filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, contending that this mass transfer of data breaches legal standards. The attorneys general are asking the court to halt any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes.
“This is just the latest example of the callous and cruel decision making that, tragically, has become all too common from this administration,” said Attorney General Platkin. He expressed concerns about privacy violations deterring individuals from enrolling in Medicaid, potentially leading to worsened health outcomes and increased costs for state taxpayers.
Medicaid provides crucial health insurance for lower-income individuals and vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. States develop their own plans under federal guidelines but must adhere to certain statutory criteria.
In New Jersey alone, about 1.9 million people rely on Medicaid, with approximately 78.4 million enrolled nationwide in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Historically, DHS acknowledged restrictions on using sensitive Medicaid information for immigration enforcement as per a 1965 law. However, reports indicate that HHS transferred Medicaid data files en masse to DHS without public acknowledgment, purportedly to ensure benefits go only to those lawfully entitled.
The federal government claims this action was necessary “to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them.” However, Congress had extended emergency Medicaid coverage regardless of immigration status.
Today's lawsuit highlights fears that these actions by the Trump Administration could lead noncitizens and their families to disenroll or refuse emergency Medicaid enrollment due to fear and confusion.
The coalition argues these actions violate several acts including the Administrative Procedure Act and HIPAA among others. They also seek an injunction preventing DHS from using this data for immigration enforcement purposes.
Attorney General Platkin joins attorneys general from states including California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington in this legal challenge.
