In early July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services changed the way individuals with certain immigration status can access federal public benefits, including many critical health care programs.
HHS indicated a policy shift that now restricts taxpayer-funded services to U.S. citizens and prevents access by those with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS). The impact of this decision is far-reaching for families, communities and organizations that provide fundamental services.
Many important programs may be affected, including:
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
- Community Mental Health Services Block Grants
- Health Center Programs (Community Health Centers/FQHCs)
- Health Workforce Programs, including grants, loans, scholarships and loan repayment
- Services administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Title X Family Planning
These changes stand to impact mission. Every health care and social services organization that receives federal funding or state support consisting of pass-through federal funding faces adjusting its service delivery. For example, assessing patients or participants for immigration status where previously that was not required.
Not only is it the antithesis of what drives hospitals, Community Health Centers, other medical providers and human services organizations to fulfill their service missions, logistically it presents compliance concerns and creates an environment of unease among key stakeholders including staff, clients, donors, board members and communities. Proactive, transparent engagement is the key to maintaining healthy operations and weathering these changes without losing the confidence of vital stakeholders.
If you are an organization facing the impacts of this decision:
Understand the impact on your organization and align your position. It’s vitally important to seek the council of trusted advisors, legal and other operational experts on your internal or advisory teams to understand the impact. What’s true today may change tomorrow.
Remember silence is not an option. While we are early in the information gathering process, that should not deter you from sharing information with internal teams and advocates, educating stakeholders and building ongoing support. Wait and see is never a winning strategy.
Communicate changes early and often. Carefully planned and sequenced communication builds trust and understanding; prevents rumors and misinformation; helps stakeholders understand reasoning; fosters engagement and two-way feedback; engenders faith and trust in leadership; and mitigates risk. Authenticity is critical.
Be clear about what you know and don’t know regarding the current environment. While the list of programs and services affected by the change is long, it is not yet fully clear how changes will be implemented.
Prioritize internal teams. This announcement was not a surprise given the administration’s focus on reducing immigration overall, but staff will have many questions. It’s critical to consider their education, morale and engagement.
Be the voice of truth and compassion. Clients, customers, patients and enrollees may be afraid or discontinue program participation altogether. Many immigrant community members are already self-selecting out of programs, even if they remain eligible.
Connect with Lovell Communications CEO Amanda Maynord and Health Management Associates expert Warren Brodine to help your organization align operational goals and develop critical communications strategy.
