The Massachusetts Health Connector has strongly opposed the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule on “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds.” In a detailed comment letter, the Health Connector argues that the rule would create widespread fear and uncertainty, discouraging immigrant families, including those with U.S. citizen children, from enrolling in the health coverage they are legally entitled to receive.
The letter warns that this chilling effect would destabilize the insurance market by causing healthier individuals to forgo coverage, leading to higher premiums for everyone. It highlights the potential for increased uncompensated care costs and adverse public health outcomes, undermining the progress Massachusetts has made in achieving near-universal health coverage. The Health Connector strongly urges DHS to withdraw the proposed rule to protect access to affordable health care, safeguard market stability, and uphold health equity for all residents.
