FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 24, 2018
Statement attributable to:
Michael Munger, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
"The proposed regulation that changes long-standing rules governing how and whether immigrants can be determined to be a ‘public charge’ poses a danger to the health of individuals and communities. With such a change, the proposed rule would open the door to fundamentally alter our immigration process based on potential future economic factors versus the merits of the individuals’ request for legal status.
"Family physicians’ greatest concern about this proposed rule is that, regardless of their immigrant status, patients will risk their own health and safety—and that of the community—by avoiding needed health services from their trusted doctors. Not only does this scenario endanger public health, but it also lays the groundwork for higher health spending at the expense of U.S. taxpayers. Delaying necessary care can lead to worsening conditions and complications that require more complex and costly medical treatment.
"The American Academy of Family Physicians urges the administration to abandon this effort and to work with health care professionals to ensure broader access, improved quality and more affordable care to help build resilient communities with healthy families."
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Munger, contact Leslie Champlin, (800) 274-2237, Ext. 6252, or lchampli@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.