Judge rules state cannot deny benefits to immigrants
Hartford (AP) - A Connecticut judge has ruled that the state is violating the constitutional rights of legal immigrants and must stop denying them medical benefits based on their citizenship status.
Hartford Superior Court Judge Grant Miller's ruling last week came in a class-action lawsuit that sought to stop the state from implementing a new law on Dec. 1. The law would deny medical coverage - with the exception of emergency care - to low-income legal immigrants who qualify for Medicaid.
Legislators approved the law to save $9 million from the program that serves about 4,800 immigrants who are elderly, disabled or are the parents of needy children.
It's not clear whether the state plans to appeal. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal had warned lawmakers about potential constitutional issues.
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