Fact Check: "The dataset includes the information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state and Washington, D.C., all of which allow non-U. S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars."
What We Know
The claim states that certain states and Washington, D.C. allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayer dollars. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Trump administration provided personal data of Medicaid enrollees, which included individuals living in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. These states reportedly allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that are funded by state resources rather than federal funds (AP News).
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that while federal law generally prohibits noncitizens from accessing Medicaid, states have the authority to create their own programs that can cover immigrants using state funds (PBS NewsHour). This means that California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. can indeed provide Medicaid coverage to non-U.S. citizens under specific conditions.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, primarily stemming from credible news sources that detail the actions of the Trump administration regarding Medicaid data sharing and the legal framework surrounding Medicaid eligibility for noncitizens. The Associated Press article highlights that the dataset shared with deportation officials included information on non-U.S. citizens enrolled in Medicaid programs in the specified states (AP News).
Furthermore, the CMS's acknowledgment that states can fund their own Medicaid programs for noncitizens adds another layer of credibility to the claim. This is consistent with the information provided by the Healthcare.gov website, which outlines the eligibility of lawfully present immigrants for Medicaid and CHIP, reinforcing that states have the discretion to extend coverage beyond federal requirements.
While the sources used are reputable, it is important to note that the political context surrounding the Trump administration's policies may introduce some bias in reporting. However, the factual basis regarding Medicaid enrollment for non-U.S. citizens in these states is supported by multiple independent reports.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayer dollars is accurate. The evidence from credible news sources confirms that these states have provisions for noncitizen enrollment in Medicaid, which is funded through state resources.
