Joint Statement by NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz, Mount Sinai Health System President and CEO Dr. Kenneth Davis, Community Health Care Association of NYS President and CEO Rose Duhan, NYLAG LegalHealth Director and Founder Randye Retkin in Response to SCOTUS Ruling Regarding Public Charge
Jan 27, 2020
Today the Supreme Court lifted a nationwide injunction in a ruling which will allow the Trump administration to enforce changes to the public charge inadmissibility rule for now. The rule itself is still the subject of litigation across the United States and here in New York. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling today, healthcare in New York City remains open to all. Whether you are seeking care at the city’s public hospital system, a voluntary system, or a community health center, our doors remain open and we want you get the care you need.
The new public charge rule primarily affects specific categories of immigrants applying for a greencard. The new rule does not affect all immigrant New Yorkers enrolled in public benefits. It does not directly impact citizen children of immigrants. It does not penalize people for enrolling in Emergency Medicaid, Medicaid for Pregnant Women, the Essential Plan, or the City’s new NYC Care program.
The public charge policy intends to instill fear even in those who are not directly impacted. Fight that fear with facts by learning if it impacts you. In New York City, you can call 311 and say “public charge” to get free, confidential legal advice.