(Santa Ana, CA) — The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is aware of recent reporting by multiple news outlets indicating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may have direct access to Medicaid (Medi-Cal) data. This data could include a broad array of personally identifiable information. The HCA is actively engaging with state and federal partners to assess the scope of this issue and to understand any potential impact to patients under our care.
According to these reports, ICE’s access may extend to data such as personally identifiable information, medical information, and residential addresses. This access appears to be aimed at identifying and locating non-US citizens, which raises serious concerns about the privacy and security of protected health information entrusted to public health systems.
The HCA maintains a strong commitment to safeguarding protected health information and only accesses personal data to deliver essential medical, behavioral, and public health services. Under federal and state law, certain Medi-Cal data is submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HCA and the County of Orange play no role in the federal government’s decisions regarding access by immigration enforcement agencies. Patients should be aware that disenrolling from Medi-Cal will not erase any previously submitted data from state or federal systems.
We recognize that this issue may cause fear or uncertainty among patients and families who are seeking care. We want to reassure our community that the HCA’s mission is rooted in providing equitable, respectful, and confidential care to all residents of Orange County. We remain firmly committed to protecting public trust and upholding the privacy rights of every person we serve.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
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