Gregoire sues the federal government

Warnick disagrees with governor

OLYMPIA — Gov. Christine Gregoire announced Monday, Washington state is suing the federal government to allow all infants born in the U.S. medical care.

"This is a basic issue of equality," Gregoire said. "Every baby born on U.S. soil is a citizen. It is simply not right to deny them health care coverage."

The lawsuit could allow all babies born in the United States coverage under Medicaid, enforcing their constitutional rights, she said.

Medicaid provides medical care to low-income U.S. citizens. It is funded by the state and the federal government.

A new federal rule requires proof of citizenship and a lengthy application process for newborns, she added. Previously it applied to adults and children. States must withhold coverage for babies if the parents are undocumented immigrants until the application process is approved, according to the new rule, she said.

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, disagrees with the solution provided by Gregoire.

"I don't think it's the way to go," she said.

The courts should not decide the issue and federal law already states the infants are covered, she added.

It is an attempt for the governor "to play politics with babies," she said. Asking citizens to cover undocumented immigrants and their babies is not an equality issue. There is a process all immigrants have to go through to become a citizen and if they do not take the time to do so, they should not be covered, she added.

"We're having a difficult time covering our own citizens," she said.

"This is not about immigration," Gregoire said. "We're talking about babies, babies born in Washington, babies who are U.S. citizens and babies who need the routine check-ups and regular care every baby deserves. Delay in health coverage, or no coverage at all, will ultimately cost more, according to the governor.

Warnick said she understands the governor's concerns about the issue costing more in the long run in reference to emergency room visits but believes it is another excuse to turn away from the expensive problem.

Approximately 8,000 infants born in Washington are affected by the new rules implemented by the federal government, she noted.

Gregoire expects many immigrant parents to avoid the new application process all together leaving infants without medical care. Next week Washington state files for a declaratory judgment and injunction at the U.S. District Court. The federal policy will not be implemented until the lawsuit is resolved.