Health insurance guide for immigrants

Health insurance can help you pay for medical services. Learn about the different types of public and private health insurance for immigrants. Find information on how to apply.


What is health insurance?

Health insurance, or medical insurance, is a contract between you and the health insurance company. Covers some or all of your health care costs for a monthly payment. The monthly cost of the insurance you pay is called the premium .

Having health insurance may be referred to as covered or insured . Health insurance can protect you from having to pay large medical bills. It is often better to pay a premium each month than to suddenly get a huge bill from the hospital.

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Health insurance plans typically pay for the following services: 

  • Medical visits and examinations
  • Laboratories, imaging and immunization
  • Mental health services 
  • Urgent care and emergency services
  • Prescribed medication 

Health insurance companies offer multiple plans for different premiums. Each plan has specific coverage and terms for a specific monthly premium. Some health insurance providers also pay for vision and dental care. 

Often the insurance company does not pay all expenses. You may have to pay a deductible when you get care. The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurance starts paying for your health care costs.

You may also have to make co-payments for some medical services and prescriptions. Each plan also specifies which doctors and healthcare facilities you can visit. 

How do I get health insurance?

In the United States, you can get health insurance by:

  • Government insurance programs (public health)
  • Your job with the help of your employer
  • Private health insurance that you buy yourself

Government health insurance programs 

Government health insurance programs provide assistance to people who cannot afford health insurance or who meet certain requirements. They are provided by the federal or state government. It can also be called a public health program.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a public health program offered by your state. The program provides insurance for the elderly, the disabled, children, pregnant women and low-income families. Some refugee families will enroll in Medicaid when they first arrive in the United States. 



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Children's health insurance program

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides free or low-cost health coverage for children. This is for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, pregnant women are covered by the Children's Health Insurance Program.  

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program for Immigrants

Noncitizen immigrants are usually eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program if they meet their state's income and residency rules. 

Eligible non-citizens include:

  • Green Card Holders (Lawful Permanent Resident) 
  • Refugees and asylum seekers 
  • Arrivals from Cuba/Haiti
  • Released on parole on humanitarian grounds 
  • Non-citizens, spouses, children or parents were beaten
  • Victims of trafficking and their spouses, children, siblings or parents 

Many eligible noncitizens, including green card holders, must wait 5 years after receiving qualifying immigration status before they can apply for Medicaid. Refugees and asylum seekers do not have to wait 5 years. In 21 states  , children and pregnant women do not have to wait 5 years to get CAMIP coverage. 

Immigrants who are not legally in the United States or who are undocumented are generally not eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. Some states allow income-eligible people to apply for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program regardless of their immigration status. These include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

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Emergency Medicaid

Emergency Medicaid is available to immigrants who are not considered “eligible noncitizens” but meet all other state income and residency rules. Undocumented immigrants can get emergency medical assistance. Emergency Medicaid pays for emergency services, including hospitalization. 

You do not have to give your family's immigration status or the people you live with. Learn more about government health coverage for immigrants