Biden Administration Releases New Draft Public Charge Rule
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THE CHCF WEEKLY
March 8, 2022
On February 24 the Biden administration proposed a new draft public charge rule, essentially reverting back to the more limited definition of public charge that existed before changes were made under President Trump. Sandra Hernández, MD, president and CEO of CHCF, urged California organizations and individuals to submit comments in support of the new draft rule by April 25.
The Trump-era public charge rule created a widespread “chilling effect,” as many immigrants avoided health and social services for fear it would hurt their future immigration status. This CHCF collection includes research that quantified the impact of this chilling effect in California. These resources can be used as references in comments.
Due to actions taken by the Biden administration, the Trump-era public charge rule has not been in effect since March 2021. Immigrant families should access the services they need without fear. For questions about public charge, visit Keep Your Benefits (available in English, Spanish, and Chinese).
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Recent Releases
Physician services account for 20% of total health care spending. Yet information about the structure, characteristics, and financing of physician practices is piecemeal and often not publicly available. This paper reviews available information sources on the physician practice landscape in California with a focus on existing regulatory and reporting requirements.
Stories That Caught Our Attention
- L.A. County Health Plan Hit with Huge Fines for Delays in Treating Poor Patients
The state levied $55 million in fines against L.A. Care health plan, which insures more than 2 million people with low incomes. The state cited long delays in referrals to medical specialists. It is by far the largest such penalty in state history. (Los Angeles Times) Many California health centers serving people with low incomes use eConsults to overcome challenges accessing specialists such as dermatologists, neurologists, and rheumatologists.
- Newsom Unveils ‘Completely New Strategy’ for California’s Mental Health Crisis
Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a much anticipated proposal to empower courts to compel people with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders into treatment, while also providing participants with supportive housing and wrap-around services. (CalMatters)
- Millions of Californians at Risk of Losing Health Coverage When Federal COVID-19 Programs End
Up to three million Californians could lose their Medi-Cal coverage this summer after the federal government’s COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Another 150,000 state residents might not be able to afford their Covered California health plans unless federal subsidies from the American Rescue Plan are renewed. (CalMatters)
- California Nurse Practitioners Could Perform Abortions Without Doctor Supervision Under New Plan
A new California bill would allow independent nurse practitioners to perform abortions without doctor supervision — a shift supporters say would improve access to the procedure in rural areas with few doctors. (Sacramento Bee) California nurse practitioners await greater independence as the state nursing board deliberates over the implementation terms of legislation enacted in 2020.
- Watch: California’s Top Health Adviser on Learning to Live With Covid
Reporter Samantha Young met with California HHS Secretary Mark Ghaly for a wide-ranging 30-minute interview hosted by the Sacramento Press Club. (California Healthline)
- In San Francisco, Hundreds of Homes for the Homeless Sit Vacant
Despite increased efforts by the San Francisco Department of Homelessness, eligible people still wait months or even years after being approved for assisted housing while hundreds of units remain unused. (San Francisco Public Press) CHCF is partnering with the Community for Supportive Housing to provide training and technical assistance to managed care plans and homeless service providers to strengthen the collection and exchange of data, and to align housing and health care resources.
Partner Spotlight
Central Valley and Inland Empire primary care clinics are invited to apply to join the Transitions Clinic Network. Up to five sites will be selected for this year-long learning collaborative to improve the health of adults transitioning from incarceration. Technical assistance, training, and up to $61,750 will be provided to support program implementation. Deadline: Monday, March 21.
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