No easy answers to this one. We all want better lives for our children of course.
Newborns must now apply for Medicaid
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Under new federal regulations, children born to undocumented mothers in the United States must apply separately for Medicaid.
Under the previous policy, all children whose mothers received emergency Medicaid coverage for the delivery were automatically entitled to insurance for their first year. The new policy would require that parents prove the newborn is a U.S. citizen, The New York Times reported.
All children born in the United States are automatically eligible for citizenship. But doctors and state welfare officials say many undocumented parents would be afraid to submit applications.
"The federal government told us we have no latitude," said Marilyn Wilson of the Tennessee Medicaid Program. "All states must change their policies and practices. We will not be able to cover any services for the newborn until a Medicaid application is filed. That could be days, weeks or months after the child is born."
Federal officials say the Deficit Reduction Act, which included tighter requirements for Medicaid applications, made the change necessary.
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