In a perfect world, every person in the United States would have access to affordable healthcare. While we’re not there yet, significant strides have been made, especially with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In recent years, many lawfully present immigrants have gained access to health insurance options that were previously unavailable to them, even if they aren’t U.S. citizens. In this post, we’ll explore how immigrants can access the best healthcare options and navigate the complexities of health insurance in the U.S., regardless of immigration status.

You Don’t Have to Be a Citizen to Access the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, opened up a variety of healthcare opportunities for people who were once left out of the system. In fact, despite the common misconception, you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to benefit from ACA coverage. As long as you are lawfully present in the United States, you are eligible for health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment.

In 2023, about twice as many lawfully present immigrant adults were uninsured compared to U.S. citizens. However, the ACA has expanded healthcare options to many immigrants, helping to close this gap. Here’s a look at the key eligibility factors for accessing ACA coverage.

Who Is Considered a “Lawfully Present” Immigrant?

A lawfully present immigrant is someone who has met specific legal requirements under U.S. immigration laws. These individuals are eligible for healthcare coverage through the ACA, just like U.S. citizens. Some common categories of lawfully present immigrants include:

• Qualified noncitizens: This includes individuals with green cards, refugees, asylees, and those granted temporary protected status (TPS).
• Nonimmigrant visa holders: Immigrants with valid nonimmigrant visas, such as tourists, students, or business visitors, are also eligible.
• Humanitarian statuses: Immigrants with statuses like asylum applicants or those under the Family Unity Program or LIFE Act may qualify for ACA coverage.

As long as you meet one or more of these qualifications, are living in the U.S., and are not incarcerated or enrolled in Medicare, you can apply for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the annual open enrollment period.

DACA Recipients and Health Insurance Eligibility

While many lawfully present immigrants are eligible for ACA coverage, there is one group that faces challenges: DACA recipients. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are considered lawfully present under U.S. immigration law, but they currently do not qualify for health insurance through the ACA. However, there is hope on the horizon. The Biden administration is working on policies that could change this, making DACA recipients eligible for coverage in future open enrollment periods.

Medicaid and CHIP: What Immigrants Need to Know

Federal programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also available to immigrants, but there are a few extra requirements. In general, immigrants must have held “qualified” status for at least five years to qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Veterans, active-duty military, and their families: These groups can access Medicaid and CHIP without the five-year waiting period.
• Refugees and certain other humanitarian immigrants: Individuals in this category can also access these programs without waiting for five years.

It’s important to note that new immigrants (those who have not yet reached the five-year threshold) are not eligible for Medicare, no matter their age. However, if an immigrant or their spouse has worked in the U.S. and paid Medicare payroll taxes for a minimum of 10 years, they may be eligible for Medicare Part A once they turn 65.

What If You’re Waiting for Your Green Card?

For immigrants who have applied for a green card but haven’t yet received it, health insurance can be tricky. While you wait, you are considered a visitor to the U.S. It can take anywhere from 7 to 33 months to receive a green card, and during this waiting period, you won’t qualify for ACA coverage.

However, there are still options available. One popular choice is visitor medical insurance. These are short-term plans that can cover healthcare expenses while you wait for your permanent resident status. These plans typically cover up to a year and can be extended for a second year if needed. While these plans are more expensive than ACA coverage, they provide a valuable safety net for immigrants during their green card application process.

Healthcare Options for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants are often in the most vulnerable position when it comes to accessing healthcare. Since they are not considered lawfully present, they are not eligible for ACA marketplace plans or federally funded programs like Medicaid or Medicare. That said, there are still healthcare options available for undocumented immigrants:

1. Health Insurance for Eligible Dependents: If you’re undocumented but have children who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present, you can still apply for health insurance on their behalf. Parents can sign up their children for coverage during open enrollment, even if the parents themselves are ineligible.
2. Low-Cost Community Health Clinics: Many cities have community health clinics that provide low-cost or even free services to everyone, regardless of their immigration status. These clinics are a great resource for undocumented immigrants who need healthcare.
3. Emergency Medical Treatment: Hospitals and emergency care centers are legally required to treat and stabilize any patient who requires emergency medical care, regardless of immigration status. This includes undocumented immigrants, who are guaranteed care in emergency situations.
4. Private Health Insurance: In some cases, undocumented immigrants may be able to access private health insurance, though this depends on the insurer and the individual’s country of origin. Some private insurers may offer plans, but these tend to be more expensive than ACA or Medicaid plans.

California’s Groundbreaking Immigrant Health Insurance Law

In 2022, California became the first state in the U.S. to offer state-funded health insurance coverage to undocumented immigrants. As of January 2024, California has expanded its Medi-Cal program to include nearly all eligible state residents, regardless of immigration status. This law marks a significant step toward providing healthcare access to a large and previously underserved population.

California’s Medi-Cal program is essentially the state’s version of Medicaid, and its expanded eligibility rules mean that even undocumented immigrants can now access health insurance coverage. If you live in California, it’s worth checking with TurboHealth.com or local resources to see if you qualify for Medi-Cal under the new rules.

How to Find the Right Health Insurance for You

Navigating the health insurance landscape in the U.S. can be complex, especially for immigrants. But there are many resources available to help guide you through the process. Whether you’re a lawfully present immigrant, a DACA recipient, or an undocumented immigrant, there are health insurance options available to fit your needs.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Explore the Health Insurance Marketplace: If you’re lawfully present, you can access health plans through the ACA marketplace. Visit TurboHealth.com to explore your options, compare plans, and find out if you’re eligible for subsidies.
2. Check for Local Programs: Many states have their own health programs that may provide coverage to immigrants. For example, California has expanded Medi-Cal, but other states may offer similar programs.
3. Community Health Clinics: For undocumented immigrants, community clinics can provide access to affordable healthcare services.
4. Speak with an Expert: It’s always a good idea to consult with an insurance expert who can help you understand the specifics of your eligibility and guide you through the process of signing up for health insurance.

Conclusion

In the U.S., healthcare coverage is not one-size-fits-all, especially for immigrants. However, the ACA and state-level programs have made significant progress in providing access to affordable health insurance for immigrants, regardless of their citizenship status. Whether you’re a lawfully present immigrant, a DACA recipient, or even an undocumented immigrant, there are options for you to get the healthcare you need.

If you’re ready to explore your healthcare options, visit TurboHealth.com to compare plans, check your eligibility, and enroll in coverage that fits your needs. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and it’s easier than ever to find the right plan for you and your family.