Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy & Planning

Agency Integration and Coordination

402 W. Washington St.

W374 – MS 07

Indianapolis, IN 46402-2739

Attn: Policy Evaluation Team

Letter of Support for the following policy considerations: 

Re: “Unborn Option” and Medical Interpreter

Dear Office of Medicaid Policy & Planning Evaluation,

Presently, undocumented immigrant women remain ineligible for Medicaid health coverage in Indiana. However, through the Immigrant Children’s Health Improvement Act (ICHIA) states can receive federal funding and can elect to adopt the “Unborn Option”, which would provide prenatal care to women regardless of their immigration status.

Healthcare Providers and hospital institutions in Lake County are aware of the challenges in providing services to this population group. The inability to obtain coverage keeps immigrants prenatal mothers from early entrance into prenatal care, obtaining a local provider, unable to access essential diagnostic screenings and encourages the practice of going to neighboring states to obtain care.  Coverage through the “unborn option” would ensure that all women receive the best quality of care, which is essential in helping to ensure a healthy start for all babies in Indiana.

Also I am in support of the policy consideration for Medicaid reimbursement for providers in Medical Interpreting services. This would allow accurate and precise patient-doctor communication, which is essential to provide cultural competent services and language access to limited in English proficiency in accordance with Section 601 Title VI of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states that any program or activity receiving federal funds must comply with this provision. The use of medical interpreting is key to safe practice and would help to ensure best practice outcomes.

Therefore I support of these two policy considerations. The adoption of these policies will mean that Indiana will begin to address health inequities and disparities presently in our care system. Ensuring best practices in the provision of care would help to improve the quality of services and coverage received by families in Indiana and guarantees a good start for all Hoosiers babies.

I personally thank you on my own behalf and on behalf of the families this consideration will impact.

Thank you

I support the above outlined initiative

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