20 States Sue Trump Administration Over Medicaid Data Sharing With DHS

The Trump administration has come under legal challenge from at least 20 states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, over the unauthorized sharing of Medicaid recipients' private health information with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The data, which includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, immigration status, and medical claims, was released from states that allow noncitizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayers. State officials argue this action violates federal privacy laws, including HIPAA, and undermines longstanding protections designed to keep healthcare data confidential, raising fears that it will deter vulnerable populations from seeking medical care. The lawsuits contend that the data sharing breaches federal administrative procedure laws and could be used to facilitate mass deportations by creating a comprehensive immigration enforcement database. The Department of Health and Human Services defends the move as lawful and necessary to ensure Medicaid benefits are provided only to eligible individuals. States including Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and others have joined the suits, seeking to block further data transfers and the use of already shared information for immigration enforcement purposes.