Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) shared a New York Times story about a 9-month-old infant who almost died from a respiratory virus and how he was not covered by Medicaid. In sharing the story, Omar claimed the child died.
In a tweet on Thursday, Omar said his "death" was the "direct result of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and CHIP. He is one of a million children to lose healthcare. Let that sink in."
A nine month old died as a direct result of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and CHIP.
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) October 24, 2019
He is one of a million children to lose healthcare.
Let that sink in. https://t.co/U4q8uXksKZ
After she posted the tweet about his "death" just before 11:00 a.m., people were pointing out Elijah Johnson did not die.
Why is this tweet still up?
— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) October 24, 2019
*The boy didn't die
*The hospital treated him even though he didn't have insurance
*The mom didn't fill out the correct paperwork
*He's now covered by Medicaid https://t.co/sp44TCzgR5 https://t.co/tBSrbp2K7F
The child she is referencing:
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 24, 2019
a) is still alive
b) was treated even though he didn't have insurance
c) didn't have insurance because his mother didn't submit the proper paperwork
d) is now coveredhttps://t.co/BAooxL0gm0 https://t.co/1rnnYQqbUd
Omar sent a short, corrective tweet a few hours later.
almost died*
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) October 24, 2019
The Times reported Elijah's mother tried to "re-enroll her older children earlier this year, was asked for proof of income and missed the 10-day window to provide it; that may be why Texas dropped Elijah from Medicaid even though he qualified because he was a baby."
All of her children are now re-enrolled in Medicaid.
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