Speech #1100101614

Only the Secretary of Health and Human Services decides whether a State may cover families with incomes up to $83.000 per year under their State CHIP program. not Congress. Many have suggested. In error. that our bill allows illegal immigrants to be covered under CHIP. In fact. during the House debate. I heard some state incorrectly that our bill provides benefits to illegal immigrants and opens the door for CHIP and Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants by substantially weakening a requirement that persons applying for such services show proof of citizenship. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact. our legislation has specific language stating that no illegal immigrants will be covered under CHIP. For those who still dont believe me. it can be found under section 605. entitied No Federal Funding for Illegal Aliens. Let me just read what it says: "Nothing In this Act allows Federal payment for Individuals who are not legal residents." Finally. much has been said about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recent guidance on crowd out. I will include for the RECORD a letter dated August 17. 2007. to the State Medicaid Directors from Dennis Smith. the director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations for CMS.