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This month’s newsletter includes information on proposed changes to Census data collection and what you can do about them; resources on the Medicaid work rules taking effect Jan. 1, including some dedicated to caregivers; and information on the new public charge policy and other changes affecting immigrants.
Proposed changes to Census data collection
The Census Bureau has proposed a rule that would make major changes to how the government collects data, which could have big implications for efforts to advance health equity. The proposed rule would ban the use of questions on race and ethnicity and would exclude noncitizen immigrants from being included in the population counts used to determine congressional representation. KFF has a helpful explainer.
Public comment guide for proposed Census rule
The proposed changes to Census practices are part of a proposed rule. Members of the public can submit comments on the rule until Oct. 13. The organization Hands Off Our Census has a helpful guide to writing public comment on this proposed rule.
>>> See the guide to writing public comment
Resources for caregivers with HUSKY D
New work rules taking effect Jan. 1 require most adults with HUSKY D coverage to have proof that they work, attend school or job training, or volunteer. Many adults who don’t meet these requirements are serving as caregivers for someone else. People who are caring for someone with a serious health condition should be exempt from these requirements. However, while the state has data on work hours, school attendance, and other things that will help determine who meets the new work rules, there’s no data source on caregiving. The Connecticut Health Policy Project is working to help ensure that caregivers know they could be exempt from the new rules and how to maintain their coverage.
>>> See the resources for caregivers with HUSKY D
Medicaid work rules website
The Connecticut Department of Social Services has a website dedicated to the new Medicaid work rules that take effect Jan. 1. It includes information on what the rules are, who will be affected, and what steps people can take now.
>>> Visit the work rules website
Fact sheets on coverage for immigrants in CT
The HUSKY 4 Immigrants coalition recently published fact sheets that explain what coverage is available to Connecticut residents regardless of immigration status and what changed for some immigrants on Oct. 1.
>>> See the fact sheet in English
>>> See the fact sheet in Spanish
Public charge resources
A new policy took effect last month that changes what the federal government can consider when reviewing applications for green cards, visas, and other changes in immigration status. The rule is known as public charge. The Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition has a helpful set of resources to explain the new policy, including who it applies to (and who is not affected), and a guide for advocates.
>>> See the resource “Does public charge apply to me?”
>>> See what advocates need to know
Changes affecting immigrants and how states can mitigate harm
The Georgetown Center on Children and Families has a primer on the new public charge policy and the changes to Medicaid eligibility for immigrants that took effect Oct. 1 as part of HR 1, the federal law also known as the “big beautiful bill” act. It includes sections on how states can mitigate harm and what advocates and policymakers can do.