8 Million Spared, 40 Million Could Still Be Harmed

Litigation Process Expedited in Class Action Challenging New Medicaid Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 7, 2006

CONTACT:
Rikeesha Cannon
312.263.3830 ext. 235 or 217.671.1970
John Bouman
312.263.3830 ext. 250

(Chicago)--A hearing was held this morning on a class action lawsuit filed on June 28th in Federal District Court in Chicago. The suit challenges a new law requiring 50 million Medicaid beneficiaries to document their U.S. citizenship with passports, birth certificates, and other documentation. In what some are calling an attempt to pre-empt a ruling in today's scheduled hearing, the Bush administration issued regulations yesterday that will exempt some 8 million citizens from the harm caused by the law. The following is a statement made by John Bouman, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs:

"We are pleased that the administration will spare 8 million citizens from the harm caused by this law. While the plaintiffs are thrilled that the new regulations protect some of the most vulnerable Americans, we are not out of the woods yet. There are still 40 million Americans who must comply with this law or face loss of coverage. This includes disaster victims, the homeless, the mentally disabled, and foster children."

"Today Judge Ronald A. Guzman scheduled a status hearing for July 28th. This will give all parties time to evaluate legal claims in light of the new regulations. In the meantime, Judge Guzman has expedited the discovery process to prepare for the next hearing."

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