Massachusetts is asking the Biden administration for permission to use money from Medicaid, the health program for low-income and disabled Americans jointly funded by the states and the federal government, to pay for temporary housing for homeless families and pregnant women, including newly arrived immigrants.
It’s only the latest request by states to spend money specifically earmarked for providing health coverage for the poor on, well, something that is not health coverage for the poor.
Housing is not healthcare, and “undocumented immigrants” aren’t eligible for federally funded health coverage, including Medicaid, under federal law.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Medicaid shouldn’t pay for housing
Sally C. Pipes
Massachusetts is asking the Biden administration for permission to use money from Medicaid, the health program for low-income and disabled Americans jointly funded by the states and the federal government, to pay for temporary housing for homeless families and pregnant women, including newly arrived immigrants.
It’s only the latest request by states to spend money specifically earmarked for providing health coverage for the poor on, well, something that is not health coverage for the poor.
Housing is not healthcare, and “undocumented immigrants” aren’t eligible for federally funded health coverage, including Medicaid, under federal law.
Click to read the full article in the Washington Examiner.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.