Some immigrants living legally in the United States could lose access to Medicaid due to new restrictions that took effect on October 1.
Among those affected are refugees, asylum seekers, and some immigrants with humanitarian protections who were previously eligible for Medicaid if they met requirements such as having low income.
The change is part of a law passed in 2025 that narrowed the groups of immigrants eligible for federally funded Medicaid.
According to KFF, an organization specializing in health policy, the new rules represent a significant change because some immigrants who previously had access to the program due to their immigration status are now excluded.
Who Might Lose Medicaid?
One of the main groups affected are refugees and asylum seekers who do not yet have permanent residency and who were previously eligible for Medicaid without having to wait the required five years, provided they met the program’s other requirements. That provision changed on October 1.
People with other forms of humanitarian protection may also be affected, including certain victims of human trafficking and survivors of domestic violence.
For some refugees, the change comes while they are still waiting to obtain permanent residency. The Hill reported that the average processing time for a green card application for refugees who have been in the United States for at least one year is approximately 30 months, according to USCIS data.
This means that some people may lose Medicaid while they are still waiting for the government to process their application for residency.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) notes that the new law eliminated protections for some immigrants that had been in place for decades. However, this does not mean that all immigrants will lose Medicaid.
Who Can Continue to Receive Medicaid?
Permanent residents remain among the immigrants who may qualify for Medicaid.
However, many must wait five years after obtaining an immigration status that makes them eligible before they can receive the benefit.
KFF explains that this waiting period already existed for many permanent residents before the recent changes.
There are also special protections for children and pregnant women. Depending on the state where they live, they may continue to have access to Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
What happens if you already have Medicaid?
Currently having Medicaid does not mean that your coverage will automatically end.
States must review whether enrollees remain eligible under the new rules and attempt to verify immigration status using available data; they may request additional documents when they are unable to do so.
For example, someone who originally received Medicaid as a refugee may have later obtained a green card and still be eligible.
Therefore, receiving a letter from Medicaid requesting documents does not necessarily mean that the person has lost their coverage. It is important to review communications sent by the program and respond to requests for information.
What happens if you lose Medicaid?
Your options will depend on the state where you live. Although the federal government has restricted who can receive federal Medicaid, states can still use their own funds to provide health coverage to other immigrants.
Several states have state-funded programs for people who do not qualify for federal Medicaid.
There is also emergency Medicaid for some people who cannot receive full Medicaid coverage due to their immigration status. This program, however, primarily covers emergencies and does not replace regular health insurance.
Another option is to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, although new restrictions will apply there as well.
Starting in January 2027, some of the same immigrants affected by the Medicaid changes—including refugees and asylum seekers—will also lose access to federal subsidies that reduce the cost of insurance through the Marketplace.
This does not necessarily mean they cannot purchase insurance through the Marketplace, but rather that they will no longer be eligible for those subsidies.
Not sure if these changes affect you? These resources can help
If you currently have Medicaid and are unsure whether the new rules affect your coverage, there are resources to check your status and find out what options are available in your state.
- Check any letters or notices you receive from Medicaid: Remember that receiving a request for information does not necessarily mean your coverage has ended.
- Check directly with your state’s Medicaid program:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)has a directory (in English) to help you find the agency responsible for Medicaid in each state.
In the “Select your state” box, select where you live. The page will display the name of the relevant agency, contact information, and links to get assistance. There, you can check whether you’re still eligible for Medicaid or ask for guidance regarding a letter or notice you’ve received
- Find free help to review your options: 3. Find free help to review your options: Cuidadodesalud.gov lets you search for certified counselors and organizations that help people for free to understand their coverage options and enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace insurance.
You can also call 1-800-318-2596. The line is available 24 hours a day, except on holidays.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Spanish and translated into English by Tilde Language Justice Cooperative
