Community | September 28, 2009 | 3 comments

Liberals Seek Health Care Access for Illegals

source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/27/liberals-seek-health-care-access-illegals/?loomia...

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Ihatethemall
Fearful that they're losing ground on immigration and health care, a group of House Democrats is pushing back and arguing that any health care bill should extend to all legal immigrants and allow illegal immigrants some access, The Washington Times reported on Monday.

The Democrats, trying to stiffen their party's spines on the contentious issue, say it's unfair to bar illegal immigrants from paying their own way in a government-sponsored exchange. Legal immigrants, they say, regardless of how long they've been in the United States, should be able to get government-subsidized health care if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

"Legal permanent residents should be able to purchase their plans, and they should also be eligible for subsidies if they need it. Undocumented, if they can afford it, should be able to buy their own private plans. It keeps them out of the emergency room," said Rep. Michael M. Honda, California Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Honda was joined by more than 20 of his colleagues in two letters laying out the demands.

Coverage for immigrants is one of the thorniest issues in the health care debate, and one many Democratic leaders would like to avoid. But immigrant rights groups and the Democrats who sent the letters say they have to take a stand now
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3 comments // Liberals Seek Health Care Access for Illegals

  • JohnA
    • 0
      JohnA  

    • What if they can't afford to pay, do the taxpayers take up their burden too? What if they can pay but won't, will we fine them too (assuming we can find them)?

    • 2 years ago
  • mcjk
    • 0
      mcjk  

    • ihatethemall,
      Any representative that voted Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, voted to provide health care for illegals. Including Joe Wilson.

      Here is the reality of illegals being covered by this bill: http://www.cis.org/IllegalsAndHealthCareHR3200

      Illegals already can buy health care in this country, and 38% did in 2007.
      Because the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (or SAVE) program isn't included in this bill, illegals could theoretically enroll into it. And that would actually lessen the cost on taxpayers. But there is the possibility they could manage to obtain affordability credits. If they are below the poverty level, they could get affordability credits, which lessens the cost to them. And if you are 400& below the poverty level, you basically get free care. So if an illegal alien managed to enroll, and prove they are 400% below the poverty level, they could theoretically get free care. To be serious, not a lot of them are going to try that, and manage to do it.
      I agree it is a problem that needs to be worked out. But the reality is that this is an IMMIGRATION ISSUE, NOT a health care reform issue.

      No need for the sensationalist outrage over this.

    • 2 years ago
  • Ihatethemall
    • 0
      Ihatethemall  

    • Eventually we all knew some of the dems would come out and say that even illegals should get healthcare.
      Looks like theres 31 now that are calling for it.

    • 2 years ago
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