alt.social-security-disability

Report: Government To Deny Illegal Immigrants Chemotherapy

September 22, 2007

The federal government is reportedly delivering a blow to illegal
immigrants in New York who need cancer treatments.

According to the New York Times, the federal government has reportedly
told state health officials that illegal immigrants no longer qualify
for chemotherapy under an Medicare emergency medical care program.

The decision sets up a battle between Albany and Washington over the
definition of a medical emergency. The federal law says that routine
medical care is not covered for illegal aliens, although the statute
doesn't specifically exclude chemotherapy.

According to the paper, the state Heath Department has sent a letter
to the federal Medicaid agency saying doctors should make the decision
on what is considered an emergency.

The federal government’s decision could cost the state $11 million in
chemotherapy reimbursement over the last six years.

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