Doctor talking with patient (Photo – NIHClinicalCenter)
On Tuesday, July 29, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to confront the Trump administration’s controversial plan to access the private health data of Medicaid recipients.
By News Desk
The motion, introduced by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn, authorizes the County to explore all legal avenues in response to what they call a violation of federal privacy laws.
“Healthcare is a human right – no one should be afraid to access the care they need,” said Supervisor Solis. “Tuesday’s actions reaffirm the County’s commitment to support our immigrant communities and ensure that our residents can receive health and social services without fear that their data will be violated or used against them.”
The move follows a July 17 report revealing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials would gain access to the personal data of nearly 79 million Medicaid enrollees nationwide, including California residents. The state’s Medicaid program, now expanded to cover all immigrants using only state taxpayer funds, is among those affected.
The data in question includes sensitive information such as home addresses and ethnicities, which are protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Enacted in 1996, HIPAA limits the use and disclosure of personal health information and grants individuals specific rights over their medical data.
“Many people who use programs like emergency Medicaid do so in their most desperate moments, when they’re most vulnerable, fearful, and at risk,” said Supervisor Hahn. “The T. administration’s plan to use that data to target undocumented immigrants is not only a monstrous violation of trust, it undermines a program our health system depends on and that saves lives.”
Local healthcare providers are already seeing the effects. Clinics such as St. John’s report a 30% increase in appointment cancellations and no-shows, reflecting growing fear among immigrant patients amid ongoing federal enforcement tactics.
Since mass immigration raids began in Los Angeles County on June 6, the Board has approved 11 motions introduced by Supervisor Solis, including one that secured a temporary restraining order halting raids in Los Angeles and six other counties.
“The moment is now,” added Solis. “We must denounce any attempt to unjustly target or harm our communities and stand united against dangerous federal violations.”
As a result of Tuesday’s motion, the County may initiate, join, or support ongoing litigation to challenge the federal government’s actions.
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