Health Care Options for Immigrants

Federal Public Charge Rules

Reduce Fear with Facts

Effective as of Dec. 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has returned to longstanding public charge policy, making it safe for non-citizens and their families to access health programs for which they qualify. Many non-citizen residents could be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder.

 

Receiving health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder – including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) will not affect your or a family member’s immigration status or citizenship application. More information about Medicaid is available from Apple Health.

 

When you apply for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, citizenship or immigration status information is only used to determine health plan eligibility. Federal and state laws protect your privacy. This information is not used for immigration enforcement.

 

If you have questions about federal public charge rules, your status or a family member’s status, and/or use of benefits, contact one of the following organizations for free and confidential help:

  • CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014
  • Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): NWIRP Seattle Office: 206-587-4009; NWIRP Yakima Valley (Granger) Office: 509-854-2100; NWIRP Wenatchee Office: 509-570-0054

Health Care Options for Immigrants

Starting this November, everyone who lives in Washington state will have the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.

Learn more about Health Care Options for Immigrants.

Full-Coverage Options

These care options cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more.

Full coverage options. These care options cover doctors’ visits, hospital care, prescriptions and more. “Cascade Care Plans” are available for everyone. “Tax Credits” are available for lawfully present immigrants but are not available for people who are undocumented. “Cascade Care Savings” is available to everyone. “Washington Apple Health” is available for lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar but is not available for lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar or people who are undocumented. “Washington Apple Health for Kids” is available for everyone.

Limited Coverage Options

These plans cover certain services or situations.

Limited coverage options. These plans cover certain services or situations.  “Family Planning Only” is available for everyone.  “Medical Care Services” program is available for lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar and undocumented immigrants, but is not available for those past the 5-year bar or United States citizens or nationals.  “Washington Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals” is available for everyone. Individuals with Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals may be moved to a new plan starting July, 1, 2024.  “Alien Emergency Medical” is available for lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar and undocumented immigrants, but is not available for lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar or United States citizens or nationals. Individuals with Alien Emergency Medical may be moved to a new plan starting July 1, 2024.

What are my options?

Please see the Eligibility Chart: What Coverage Can I Get As An Immigrant? (English PDF)

There are laws protecting your personal information

Federal and state laws generally protect the privacy of people who apply for or receive health care coverage, nutrition, economic support, or other public benefits. Information provided through Washington Healthplanfinder is shared with other government agencies only for purposes of determining eligibility for health insurance coverage.