(Washington, DC, March 30, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen has introduced a bill to repeal a provision of law which requires citizens applying for Medicaid to produce a birth certificate or passport as a condition for enrollment in the program. Senator Daniel Akaka introduced similar legislation in the Senate on February 16, 2006.
  
“It is so obvious that this provision is little more than unnecessary and wrongful bashing of immigrants who live in the United States,” said Delegate Christensen. “If the birth certificate and passport provision is not repealed, then thousands of Americans – some of whom will be African American and other people of color and rightfully and lawfully eligible for Medicaid – will not be able to access much needed health care services.” 

Christensen said that the provision will put Americans applying for Medicaid at great risk for discrimination.  She pointed out that for some Americans who are elderly, low income, members of  racial and ethnic minorities, and reside in rural areas, obtaining a birth certificate is impossible because many of these individuals were born at home and not in hospitals where such records were issued.  She added that due to the discriminatory admission practices by many hospitals and health clinics during much of the 20th century, many African Americans were denied access to these facilities, thus preventing them from being issued a birth certificate.   She added further that those on limited incomes, will not be able to obtain a passport because they are unable to afford the cost of obtaining one.  

“Because racial and ethnic minority Americans are likely to be wrongfully targeted by this provision, and are likely to lose access to health care because of it, I am deeply concerned that this will be yet another health policy that exacerbates – not reduces – racial and ethnic health disparities in our country.”