Health Care and Health Insurance Options for Immigrants

Health care in the United States is expensive. Without health insurance, you can be denied medical treatment. If you are a documented immigrant (legally residing in the U.S.) you can purchase private health insurance and you may qualify for public health insurance. Undocumented immigrants (those illegally residing in the U.S.) generally cannot purchase private health insurance and can only obtain public health insurance under limited circumstances. The first step to protecting your health is learning what your health insurance options are.

Options for Documented Immigrants

Option 1
Purchase private health insurance if you are a documented immigrant. You can purchase immigrant health insurance from MultiNational Underwriters.

Option 2
Apply for public health insurance (Medicaid) if you are a documented immigrant, have no or low income and have resided in the United States for at least five years. Pregnant documented immigrants may qualify for Medicaid regardless of length of residency. Contact your local Medicaid office to apply.

Options for Undocumented Immigrants

Option 1
Save money to cover health care costs if you are an undocumented immigrant who does not qualify for Medicaid or private insurance. Visit low-cost health care clinics for cheaper medical care fees.

Option 2
Apply for Medicaid if you are an undocumented immigrant and are pregnant. Medicaid offers short-term coverage to undocumented pregnant immigrants. Contact your local Medicaid office to apply.

Option 3
Visit an emergency room if you are an undocumented immigrant in need of emergency medical treatment. A hospital social worker can help you apply for emergency Medicaid coverage. Medicaid offers short-term coverage to undocumented immigrants for emergency medical care. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services defines a medical emergency as "a medical problem, which could put your health at serious risk or harm if you do not get medical care."

Children Born in the U.S. by Undocumented Immigrants

Children who are born in the United States by undocumented immigrants can qualify for Medicaid coverage as long as the family meets the income guidelines. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, "Medicaid eligibility for children is based on the child's status, not the parent's"

Tip
Buy private immigrant health insurance before you legally visit or move to the United States, so that your medical expenses are covered when you enter the country. You can purchase private immigrant insurance online.

Warning
Public health care insurance guidelines and eligibility rules vary in each U.S. state.

References

Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services: Health Care for Wisconsin Immigrants

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Medicaid Eligibility

Resources

MultiNational Underwriters Lloyd's Coverholder: Apply for Immigrant Heatlh Insurance

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Locate a Medicaid Office in Your Area