The Legislature had cut Commonwealth Care coverage for legal immigrants in order to address the state budget crisis. Patrick told reporters that efforts to provide the benefits and keep alive the Commonwealth’s commitment to health care coverage for all has been “daunting.”
Published 22:03, August the 31st, 2009
Lifeline thrown to immigrants about to lose health care
BOSTON. Gov. Deval Patrick announced yesterday a plan to provide health care coverage for 31,000 legal immigrants who were set to lose those benefits today.
Using $40 million in funds appropriated by the Legislature, the last-minute lifeboat will provide basic coverage through CeltiCare Health Plan, but is not expected to kick in until Oct. 1, leaving some to rely on emergency care or other alternatives for a month.
All members of the new plan will be enrolled by Dec. 1.
“This innovative solution ensures hard-working individuals and families have access to the care they need,” Patrick said.
Citing the gap in coverage, Immigrant advocates were cautiously optimistic.
“We commend the efforts and leadership of the Governor and his administration in making the best of this difficult situation,” said Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, “but we remain concerned about the disruption in access to and continuity of coverage for this population.”
