L.A. County Program on Medi-Cal Eligibility Criticized
A Los Angeles County program that has received $28 million in state and federal funds to check documents to ensure that undocumented immigrants are not illegally receiving Medi-Cal benefits has not found one person in violation since tougher federal verification rules began in July 2008. In addition, fewer than 1% of Medi-Cal applicants lacked the proper documents, but most eventually produced them. Critics of programs similar to Los Angeles County's say they are costly, ineffective and could cause U.S. citizens to be denied care if they lack the required documents.
- "Verification of Illegal Immigrants Is Scrutinized Amid Health Care Debate" (Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 10/6).