Medical care regardless of immigration status:

Under federal law, everyone has the right to health care regardless of immigration status. This does NOT mean they have insurance, but it does mean they can receive medical care in certain places:

✅ Emergency services (mandatory in hospitals).

✅ Community health clinics. These options are available even if you don't have insurance or legal status. 

​

Community clinics and health centers without insurance:

These clinics (often called FQHCs — Federally Qualified Health Centers) offer low-cost or free medical care without checking your immigration status — ideal for preventative care, general consultations, vaccinations, etc.

✅ They do not require a Social Security number.

✅ Sometimes they charge according to your income.

✅ Basic and continuous medical care. You can find them as Community Health Centers in your area. 

​

Medical discount plans:

While not formal insurance, there are health discount plans designed for undocumented individuals:

✅ They typically charge a low monthly fee.

✅ They reduce the cost of consultations, specialists, and other medical services. ✅ They are not dependent on immigration status. These plans do not offer full coverage like traditional insurance, but they help make healthcare more affordable. 

​

Special state programs:

Some states have created their own programs that allow undocumented people to purchase health insurance or receive financial assistance:

✅ Colorado and Washington — Allow undocumented immigrants to purchase insurance through state exchanges with state subsidies.

✅ California (until 2025) — Offered Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants, but there are proposed changes to this program (premium fees and enrollment limits). (Availability depends on the state where you live; these programs change over time.)

​

Emergency Medicaid for non-citizens:

In some states, such as Illinois, there are Medicaid programs for emergency services that cover urgent care for people who are ineligible due to their immigration status. 

​

What you cannot obtain if you are undocumented is:

✅ Federal health insurance such as Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare.

✅ Coverage subsidized through the Health Insurance Marketplace (“Obamacare”) (unless you are a DACA recipient or have another legal status).

✅ Federal subsidies for premiums or co-payments. These restrictions are established by federal law and apply in most states. 

✅ If your children are citizens or have legal status, they can get Medicaid or CHIP even if you are undocumented. The application will only ask for immigration information from those applying for coverage. 

​

In summary, here are several options:

✅ Community clinics;  Free or low cost, Primary care.

✅ Hospitals (emergencies);  Free for emergencies, Urgent Care.

✅ Medical discount plans; Low monthly fee, Discount on services.

✅ State programs (CO, WA, CA/variables); Depends on the state, Variable, Broader coverage.

✅ Medicaid/CHIP or Marketplace; Generally not eligible.

​

Recommendations:

✅ Look for Community Health Centers in your area.

✅ Find out if your state has state health programs for immigrants.

✅ If you have citizen children, apply for their coverage.

 

With this practical guide, we hope to help you address your health needs.

Until next month!