Health insurance is like a safety net that helps people get the medical care they need. But for people who are in a country without proper documentation, it is very difficult to get this kind of help. They don’t have the legal documents they need to use health benefits like regular citizens. This affects everyone’s health, the cost of healthcare and the functioning of all of us. This introduction will address the issue of health insurance for these people, explaining what is right and wrong, how it works and what the rules are.
There are a number of ways to get health insurance for non-citizens, including health insurance for legal immigrants. Here are some options that various immigrants can take advantage of in order to get California health insurance and general health coverage.
What is The Process for Immigrants to Get Health Insurance?
Getting health insurance for immigrants is not the same for everyone. It depends on where you live and what type of immigrant you are. In some places, legal immigrants can get health insurance just like the local population. They can get it from their job, buy private plans, or take advantage of government programs. But if you are an undocumented immigrant, it is harder to get health insurance.
Some areas and groups have other ways to help, such as free clinics or charity programs. The steps and options may be different from place to place, so it is important for immigrants to ask for help from local immigrant support groups and health experts to find out how to get the right health insurance.
What Options Are Available If I’m An Immigrant?
The Affordable Care Act and Covered California have their own healthcare marketplace open to provide insurance for immigrants that are lawfully present within the United States. However, these don’t provide health insurance for undocumented immigrants. Immigrants are qualified to purchase plans through the ACA and California Care if they are under the following statuses:
- Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR/Green Card holder)
- Asylee
- Refugee
- Cuban/Haitian Entrant
- Paroled into the U.S.
- Conditional Entrant Granted before 1980
- Battered Spouse, Child and Parent
- Victim of Trafficking and his/her Spouse, Child, Sibling or Parent
- Granted Withholding of Deportation or Withholding of Removal, under the immigration laws or under the Convention against Torture (CAT)
- Individual with Non-immigrant Status, includes worker visas (such as H1, H-2A, H-2B), student visas, U-visa, T-visa, and other visas, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
- Deferred Action Status (Exception: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is not an eligible immigration status for applying for health insurance)
- Lawful Temporary Resident
- Administrative order staying removal issued by the Department of Homeland Security
- Member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe or American Indian Born in Canada
- Resident of American Samoa
It should be noted that while the ACA and Covered California do not allow undocumented immigrants to apply for Marketplace plans, they do allow undocumented immigrants to apply for coverage on behalf of documented individuals. Also, undocumented immigrants can still apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal, which is the state of California’s version of Medicaid, can provide a wide range of low-cost healthcare options for low-income lawful or undocumented immigrants. Health care such as pregnancy-related services can be provided to undocumented immigrants, but there are limitations compared to the documented immigrants’ health insurance. California also provides Medi-Cal for those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals law (DACA).
Health Insurance Exchange (Covered California)
Think of Covered California as a place where you can buy health insurance in California. It’s there to make it easy for individuals and families to find health coverage they can afford. You can check out different health insurance options and choose the one that fits your needs and your pocketbook.
The plans you find on Covered California cover important things like going to the doctor, being in the hospital, and getting prescription drugs. If you qualify, they may even help you pay for your insurance, so it costs less. This way, more people in California can get the health care they need, even if they don’t have insurance through work or Medi-Cal. Covered California is an important part of making sure that people in the state can access health care.
Student Health Plans
A great majority of colleges and universities require their students to have medical insurance. California students can typically sign up for a student health plan through their school, which typically doesn’t question an applicant’s immigration status and is generally affordable. Naturally, this option is limited to immigrants that are enrolled and attending schools of higher education.
Health Insurance Provided by Employers
Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, can be provided health insurance from their job if it is offered to them as a benefit from their employers. While this may not be an option for most, immigrants that work for a company that offers health insurance can sign up without having to disclose their immigration status.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance through an insurance carrier or broker is typically the most expensive option for immigrants, but it is openly available to them. Private plans typically don’t require applicants to disclose their immigration status. However, it should be noted that immigrants cannot take advantage of any potential tax credits or subsidies to help pay for coverage, whether it is through the ACA/Covered California or not.
Private health insurance is like a safety net for your healthcare needs, and one good option to think about is Freeway Insurance. Freeway Insurance is known for helping people find dependable health coverage. They can walk you through different plans to fit various budgets and health needs, so you can find one that works for you. These plans usually let you see many different doctors and hospitals, making sure you get good medical care.
Freeway Insurance really cares about its customers and offers prices that are competitive, making it a good choice for people who want peace of mind and financial security when it comes to their health.
Community Health Centers
There are a great number of health centers that are funded by federal grant money that can provide treatment for all, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Many of these federally qualified health centers can provide primary health care, mental healthcare, dental, and pharmacy services at a low-cost, even for free in some clinics. You can research to find your local branches that serve your county or find a federally vetted health center at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website.
Other Healthcare Outlets
Your eligibility may vary based on your immigration status, but there are a number of other healthcare options around the state of California. Residents of Los Angeles can get free healthcare through Healthy Way LA. Kaiser Permanente’s Child Health Program offers treatment for uninsured children, regardless of immigration status. There are some emergency options available for immigrants to get the treatment they need.
How to Apply for Health Coverage If I’m an Immigrant In California?
Getting health insurance for immigrants is not the same for everyone. It depends on where you live and what type of immigrant you are. In some places, legal immigrants can get health insurance just like the local population. They can get it from their job, buy private plans, or take advantage of government programs.
But if you are an undocumented immigrant, it is harder to get health insurance. Some areas and groups have other ways to help, such as free clinics or charity programs. The steps and options may be different from place to place, so it is important for immigrants to ask for help from local immigrant support groups and health experts to find out how to get the right health insurance.
Explore Your Health Insurance Options and Get Peace Of Mind With Freeway Insurance!
Getting proper health coverage can ultimately lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. You can get an affordable health plan through Covered California and Freeway Insurance. Call us at 888-777-56820 or get a free health insurance quote online today to get started.
