At Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, no one is turned away because of immigration status or socioeconomic factors
In recent years, a handful of patients told Angela Suarez that they knew of individuals who were worried about visiting medical clinics. “In 2017, undocumented individuals started avoiding medical care because they feared being exposed to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) over their immigration status,” said Suarez, M.D., interim director of primary care for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC). Meanwhile, during this same time period, SCVMC has reached a much greater percentage of the patient population than ever before at its Valley Health Centers, which include numerous clinics, urgent care centers and outpatient specialty centers. Through community education, word-of-mouth and SCVMC’S mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to everyone, the demand for high-quality medical care continued to grow. More people from all parts of Silicon Valley have gained confidence in the county’s innovative medical services. But every now and then, federal government legislation arises that may frighten away some of the people who most need and deserve the integrated medical care provided by SCVMC. Following the February 24, 2020, implementation of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds rules (“public charge” rules), for instance, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is gearing up to prevent a new wave of fears within its patient community.
Understanding the new ‘public charge’ rules and health care
The USCIS’ “public charge” rules establish new criteria for people’s ability to seek green cards and/or paths to citizenship. Simply put, people who are deemed to become overly dependent on U.S. government benefits may experience delays in their applications for green cards or in their advancement toward citizenship. Nowhere in the USCIS rules is it stated that a person who is in the United States, whether legally or illegally, is ineligible for medical services. The new “public charge” rules do not impact a person’s ability to receive comprehensive medical care, even if that person is not yet eligible for green card status.
Everyone is entitled to comprehensive care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
“We understand that when such actions are taken by the federal government, it can instill a sense of anxiety and fear,” said Paul E. Lorenz, CEO of SCVMC. “That’s why it’s important for us to educate the public that in Santa Clara County our highest priority is to make sure that everyone knows they have access to health care, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.” No matter what the federal government does, now or in the future, said Lorenz, the health care staff and physicians of Santa Clara County will continue to provide everyone access to integrated, compassionate and high-quality medical care. “When patients visit one of our clinics or urgent care centers, they understand that this is a safe place and that their health is our priority,” said Suarez, noting that patients are often relieved and grateful that they followed the advice of friends and community members who know about SCVMC. “Often, it is our patients who go back out to the community and tell their family or friends about our services and encourage them to come in and see us when they are ill,” she added. SCVMC health care staff members and physicians do not ask people about their immigration status, she said, nor would they report anyone to immigration authorities. In addition, federal and state law protects every patient’s medical records.
‘Go public’
As the county’s public health care system, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and its advanced facilities, technology, research and innovation exist as a leading-edge continuum of care. At the heart of that care model lies proof that when medical conditions are discovered, treated and managed successfully in the primary care setting, entire communities benefit. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s network of conveniently located Valley Health Centers streamlines access to this high-quality medical care. Lorenz said that with its integrated care model many patients who are taking advantage of SCVMC’S medical services have commercial insurance and choose to “go public” over other options. “We’re even teaching 1 in every 4 physicians throughout all of Silicon Valley,” said Lorenz. “And our continuum of care mirrors the kind of innovation that takes place every day in Silicon Valley.” Through that continuum of care, each patient establishes a relationship with one of SCVMC’S primary care physicians, who can be found at all Valley Health Centers throughout the county. As doctor-patient relationships grow and individuals become more established in the system, their care can be better managed using advanced principles of preventive medicine. “The more of a history each individual builds within the system, the more confidence they will gain and that’s where the trust issue comes into play around any ‘public charge’ concerns,” said Lorenz, noting that privacy and confidentiality are paramount to their first and only priority — the health and well-being of everyone they treat. “We have tremendous resources at our disposal to keep this community healthy.”