Olympia, WA — August 2025:
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using Medicaid data from Washington and 19 other states for immigration enforcement. The order also prohibits the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from sharing this data with DHS.
The ruling follows a lawsuit led by California and joined by Washington as part of a multistate coalition. According to Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the court determined the states are likely to succeed in their claim that the data transfer violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
The lawsuit contends that the large-scale sharing of Medicaid data is unlawful and creates fear among eligible noncitizens and their families. As a result, many may avoid enrolling in or may disenroll from emergency Medicaid coverage — shifting the cost of federally required emergency healthcare to states and safety net hospitals.
The injunction will remain in effect until DHS and HHS comply with the Administrative Procedure Act or the case reaches its conclusion.
Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Judge blocks sharing of WA Medicaid data for immigration enforcement | Washington State