Title: Health Coverage and Care of Undocumented Immigrants | KFF
Headings: Health Coverage and Care of Undocumented Immigrants
Health Coverage and Care of Undocumented Immigrants
Introduction
Overview of Undocumented Immigrants
Health Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants
Current Issues
Topics
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Content: Some undocumented immigrants may get coverage through their employer or as a spouse or dependent of an employee. Undocumented immigrants can also purchase private coverage on the individual market outside of the ACA Marketplaces, although many may not be able to afford this coverage due to their limited incomes and lack of subsidies to offset the costs of this coverage. Some undocumented immigrants may also be covered through student health programs. Six states (CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA) and DC use state-only funds to cover income-eligible children regardless of immigration status. 7 In June 2019, California approved an expansion in coverage for income-eligible young undocumented immigrant adults through age 25. Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants
Given their higher uninsured rates, many undocumented immigrants delay or go without needed care. Research shows that having insurance makes a difference in whether and when people access needed care. 8 Those who are uninsured often delay or go without needed care, which can lead to worse health outcomes over the long-term that may ultimately be more complex and expensive to treat. 9
Undocumented immigrants can obtain low-cost care through community health centers. However, care available through clinics is often limited to preventive and primary care, leaving them to face challenges in accessing specialty services.