If you’re a lawfully present immigrant, you may be able to get health insurance through the Marketplace—and you could qualify for savings like lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Who counts as “lawfully present”?
This includes immigrants with:
- A “qualified non-citizen” immigration status (explained below)
- Humanitarian statuses (like Temporary Protected Status, Special Juvenile Status, asylum seekers, trafficking victims, and others under the Convention Against Torture)
- Valid non-immigrant visas
- Other types of legal status, such as temporary residents, Family Unity individuals, or those covered by the LIFE Act
👉 You can check the full list of eligible immigration statuses for Marketplace coverage.
Marketplace Savings for Immigrants
If you’re lawfully present, you can apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Based on your income, you might get help paying for:
- Monthly premiums (premium tax credits)
- Out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments
These savings are based on something called the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which helps determine who qualifies for certain programs.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Above 400% of the FPL? You might still get premium tax credits to reduce your monthly costs.
- Between 100% and 400% of the FPL? You could qualify for both premium tax credits and extra savings.
- At or below 150% of the FPL, but not eligible for Medicaid or CHIP? You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up or change plans.
- Below 100% of the FPL but not eligible for Medicaid? You can still qualify for Marketplace savings—as long as you meet the other requirements.
Also Read: Can an Agent Help me Enroll in the Right Plan?
Medicaid and CHIP for Immigrants
If you’re a qualified non-citizen, you might also be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)—as long as you meet your state’s income and residency rules.
However, many qualified non-citizens (like green card holders) need to wait 5 years after getting their status before they can use Medicaid or CHIP. There are exceptions, including:
- Refugees and asylees
- Green card holders who were previously refugees or asylees
Even if you’re in the 5-year waiting period, you can usually still get Marketplace coverage if you qualify.
Who Is a “Qualified Non-Citizen”?
This category includes:
- Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents)
- Refugees and Asylees
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- People paroled into the U.S. for at least 1 year
- Conditional entrants (granted before 1980)
- Battered immigrants (spouse, child, or parent)
- Victims of trafficking (and certain family members)
- People granted withholding of deportation
- Federally recognized American Indians or Alaska Natives born in Canada
- Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau living in the U.S. (COFA migrants)
Also Read: Does Florida have State-Funded Health Insurance?
Pregnant Women & Children
Some states have chosen to remove the 5-year waiting period for pregnant individuals and children who are lawfully living in the U.S. Check with your state to see if this applies to you.
What About Emergency Care?
If you meet your state’s income and residency rules but don’t have an eligible immigration status, Medicaid may still cover emergency medical treatment.
Also Read: What’s Covered Under Preventive Care?
Will Getting Health Benefits Hurt My Immigration Status?
Good news—applying for or receiving Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace savings won’t make you a “public charge.” This means it won’t hurt your chances of getting a green card or becoming a U.S. citizen.
🚨 One exception: If you get long-term institutional care (like staying in a nursing home paid for by the government), that might affect your green card application.
