Thread: Agency to consider prenatal care for undocumented immigrants

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is set to consider a rule change Thursday that would give limited prenatal care to undocumented immigrant mothers, a move one lawmaker says is illegal.


Federal law requires the authority to pay for emergency labor and delivery services for women who are in the country illegally and therefore do not qualify for Medicaid. Because children born in the United States are citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status, health care officials say paying for prenatal care will help reduce medical costs likely covered by the state later in the child's life.

But Rep. Randy Terrill said allowing illegal immigrant mothers to receive some Medicaid benefits is against state and federal law.

"If this new welfare benefit is approved, it will cause more desperate women to illegally cross our borders under dangerous circumstances that will likely jeopardize the lives of their unborn children while diverting resources that should go to Oklahoma's poor citizens,â€

Federal law requires the authority to pay for emergency labor and delivery services for women who are in the country illegally and therefore do not qualify for Medicaid. Because children born in the United States are citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status, health care officials say paying for prenatal care will help reduce medical costs likely covered by the state later in the child's life.

The article acknowledges that it is known that the expectant mother is in the country illegally. Prenatal care indicates the baby has not yet been born. I fail to see why the mother just can't be deported to give birth in her own country.

cmon NVP that would be too logical

Well they updated the story now................


Gov. Brad Henry said Wednesday he would sign a proposed rule to allow the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pay for prenatal care of pregnant women who are illegal immigrants.


The federal government requires states to pay for the delivery of babies of illegal immigrants, who otherwise do not qualify for Medicaid.

The newborns become U.S. citizens at birth and are covered by Medicaid if their families meet certain income levels.

A dozen states, including neighboring Arkansas and Texas, currently pay for prenatal care of women who do not have legal status in the United States.

"The governor views this as a pro-life, pro-health issue," said Paul Sund, spokesman for Henry. "By providing prenatal care, we can encourage an expectant mother to carry her baby to term and ensure that the child, a U.S. and Oklahoma citizen, gets a healthy start in life.

"We can also save taxpayers money in the long run by heading off the kind of complications and accompanying medical costs that are often associated with children who do not receive prenatal care."

The governor's office responded after Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Oklahoma City, protested the proposed rule, saying it runs counter to a law he sponsored to crack down on benefits to illegal immigrants.

"Like most pro-life lawmakers, I believe life begins at conception and a child in the womb should be treated as a human being," he said. "However, that is not the same thing as being a legal citizen of this state or nation."

Sen. Tom Adeleson, D-Tulsa, disagreed. "It is morally reprehensible to deny prenatal care to innocent unborn children, who through no fault of their own, have no access to prenatal care. The fact is, it's a matter of life or death."

A spokeswoman said the Health Care Authority would consider the rule on Thursday.

According to a fact sheet released by the agency, studies show that prenatal care can save $1 to $3 in the first year of life for each $1 spent on prenatal care.

The state paid $8.5 million for the delivery of 2,778 children of illegal immigrants in 2006.

http://newsok.com/article/3145130/1192053856

How did so many of us, without pre-natal care, ever get here? It amazes me how they just fling money left and right toward illegals.

Is there no end to this madness? A woman can get pregnant in Mexico, cross the border, and receive "free" prenatal care.

Come One...Come All!!

Next thing you know, we'll be footing the bill for the dinner & drinks as well.

Gov. Brad Henry said Wednesday he would sign a proposed rule to allow the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pay for prenatal care of pregnant women who are illegal immigrants.

There is going to be a stampede to Oklahoma.

Poor Oklahoma.

Originally Posted by americangirl

Gov. Brad Henry said Wednesday he would sign a proposed rule to allow the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pay for prenatal care of pregnant women who are illegal immigrants.

There is going to be a stampede to Oklahoma.

Poor Oklahoma.

STAMPEEEEEEDE!!!!
That would explain the dust cloud.

How about a bus ticket to Mexico ...much cheaper