Healthcare in the United States is expensive, and having health insurance is crucial to ensuring you can access medical services without overwhelming financial burdens. Whether you’re a new immigrant, a green card holder, or an undocumented resident, there are multiple health insurance options available to you. In this guide, we’ll break down each type of health insurance available to immigrants before diving into the eligibility criteria.
Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical care. This guide explains the different types of public and private health insurance available to immigrants and how to apply for them.
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is an agreement between you and an insurer that covers part or all of your healthcare expenses in exchange for a monthly payment, called a premium. It helps protect you from unexpected medical bills, making it more manageable to pay for healthcare services.
Most health insurance plans cover:
Doctor visits and medical screenings
Lab tests, imaging, and immunizations
Mental health services
Urgent care and emergency services
Prescription medications
Some plans also include vision and dental care. However, insurance does not always cover the full cost of care. You may have to pay a deductible—a set amount before insurance starts covering expenses. Some plans also require co-payments for services and prescriptions. Each plan specifies which doctors and healthcare facilities you can use.
How to Get Health Insurance
In the U.S., you can get health insurance through:
- Government programs (public health insurance)
- Your employer
- Private insurance providers
Government Health Insurance Programs
These programs assist people who cannot afford insurance or meet specific requirements.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-run program that provides free or low-cost health insurance for low-income families, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Many newly arrived refugees qualify for Medicaid.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
CHIP offers free or low-cost health insurance for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Some states extend CHIP coverage to pregnant women.
Medicaid and CHIP for Immigrants
Qualified non-citizens, such as green card holders, refugees, and asylees, may qualify for Medicaid and CHIP if they meet income and residency rules. However, many green card holders must wait five years before applying. Some states allow children and pregnant women to get CHIP coverage without a waiting period.
Undocumented immigrants typically do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, except in states like California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington, where income-eligible individuals can apply.
Emergency Medicaid
Emergency Medicaid covers urgent medical services for immigrants who do not meet the standard Medicaid qualifications. This includes undocumented immigrants.
Applying for Medicaid and CHIP does not impact your immigration status unless you use them for long-term care in a government facility.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal program primarily for people aged 65 and older. Younger individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions may also qualify. U.S. citizens and green card holders who meet eligibility requirements can apply.
Medicare has different parts:
Part A: Hospital insurance (often free for those who paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years)
Part B: Medical insurance
Part D: Prescription medication coverage
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC provides nutritional assistance, healthcare access, and food benefits for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. Immigration status does not affect eligibility for WIC.
Private Health Insurance
Most Americans get health insurance through employers or buy it from private providers.
Workplace Health Insurance
Many jobs offer health insurance and cover a portion of the cost. Employees contribute a share of the premium and can often add family members to their plan. If you leave your job, you may qualify for temporary coverage through COBRA, though you will need to pay the full premium.
Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA)
The Health Insurance Marketplace, created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), helps people buy private health insurance. It offers financial assistance based on income. U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants can use the Marketplace. Starting in November 2024, DACA recipients can also apply.
To qualify, non-citizens must have:
Humanitarian status (such as asylum or DACA)
Valid non-immigrant visas
Legal status under other laws
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for Marketplace insurance runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
Enroll by December 15, 2024, for coverage starting January 1, 2025.
Enroll after December 15, and coverage begins February 1, 2025.
After January 15, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life changes like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby.
Medicaid and CHIP applications are open year-round.
Other Health Insurance Options
You can also buy health insurance directly from providers in your state, regardless of immigration status. Many colleges offer insurance plans for students, but you may need to be enrolled in a certain number of credits to qualify.
Alternatives to Insurance
If you do not have health insurance, community health centers and clinics offer free or low-cost medical care. Hospitals and emergency rooms must provide treatment regardless of your immigration status. Healthcare providers are not required to report your status or deny you care.
Understanding your health insurance options ensures you get the care you need while managing costs effectively.
KengundKengunderson
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