Newsom Slams U.S. for Reportedly Sharing Sensitive Medicaid Info
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) slammed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for reportedly abusing personally identifiable information, in violation of privacy rights.
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In a press release Friday, the governor cited a media report that said HHS provided deportation officials with personal data, including immigration status, of millions enrolled in Medicaid.
"This action by the federal government has implications for every person on Medicaid, but it is especially alarming for our immigrants and American mixed-status families, who are already under relentless, indiscriminate attack by this administration," Newsom said. "The federal government continues to instill fear across this nation and shroud its continued violation of Americans’ privacy rights in propaganda."
"Every state should be concerned about this data sharing and its implications for the safety and health of its communities.”
In an emailed statement to Privacy Daily, HHS said it "acted entirely within its legal authority -- and in full compliance with all applicable laws -- to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them."
"HHS and [the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] take the integrity of the Medicaid program and the protection of American taxpayer dollars extremely seriously," the statement added. "This oversight effort -- supported by lawful interagency data sharing with DHS -- is focused on identifying waste, fraud, and systemic abuse."
The Trump administration said earlier this month that it would halt its demand that states send the federal government the personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients (see 2506030014).