Central Falls Mayor: Undocumented Kids Need Health Care

PROVIDENCE, RI — Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera is urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would give health insurance coverage to all low-income Rhode Island children, regardless of their immigration status.

"As a state, we should protect the lives of all of our children," Rivera said in remarks delivered on her behalf Thursday by Central Falls City Councilor Glendaliz Colon.

Colon was joined at a State House news conference by Sen. Sandro Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket), Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence), and other supporters of legislation that would let all low-income children qualify for RIte Care, Rhode Island's Medicaid managed care program for families with children, pregnant women, and children under age 19.

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"We are stronger and safer when everyone in Rhode Island has the health care they need," remarked Sen. Cano at the event. Cano and Morales are sponsors of the "Cover All Kids" legislation.

In her remarks, Rivera argued that giving all children access to care saves costs down the line. "It is far more cost effective to provide access to primary, preventive care to undocumented children than paying the far higher cost when a health condition ... escalates to an emergency room visit our state pays the bill for," she said.

Rivera noted that Central Falls was the hardest-hit community in the state during the COVID pandemic, and said that immigrant families suffered greatly. She said paired with the fact that Central Falls has the highest lead poisoning rate in the state, "the issue of health care is an urgent one."

"No child deserves to live with health risks or conditions simply because their families cannot afford health care," Rivera stated.

Rivera mentioned her previous work at the Department of Human Services as a senior eligibility technician. "I saw how families can be impacted by sudden job loss, domestic violence, teen pregnancies, disabilities, and so many other life challenges," she said. "Without doubt, one of the greatest challenges I witnessed was our undocumented families living without health care coverage."

Dr. Gregory Fox, president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, was among those to express support. “All children deserve access to the life-saving vaccines and quality preventive care which lay the groundwork for a healthy childhood and successful school career," he said.

The House bill was introduced with over 20 cosponsors and assigned to the House Finance Committee. The Senate bill was sent to the Senate Finance Committee.