Jeffrey Wade
Green card holders in the US can access health insurance, and there are several options available. Green card holders are eligible for health insurance through their employer or the Marketplace within 60 days of receiving their card. They may also be eligible for Medicaid after a five-year waiting period, depending on the state, and can qualify for income-based health insurance subsidies. Lawful permanent residents are not subject to a public charge inadmissibility determination when applying for or renewing their green card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get a green card if you used medical insurance? | Yes, using medical insurance does not affect your chances of getting a green card. |
| Who is eligible for a green card? | Lawful permanent residents, also known as LPRs or green card holders. |
| Who is exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility? | Refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking and their immediate family members, individuals with pending applications for a victim of trafficking visa, and more. |
| What are some options for health insurance while waiting for a green card? | Visitor insurance plans, short-term insurance, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Patriot America, and Atlas America. |
| What are some options for health insurance after receiving a green card? | Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace plans, and domestic health plans through Healthcare.gov. |
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What You'll Learn
Temporary health insurance options for prospective green card holders
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid and CHIP are state-run programs that offer health insurance coverage at little to no cost for individuals and families with limited incomes and resources. Lawfully present immigrants, including prospective green card holders, may qualify for Medicaid based on their income, household size, and other factors. However, there is typically a five-year waiting period for green card holders to become eligible for Medicaid and CHIP after receiving "qualified immigration status". This waiting period may be waived in certain states or for specific groups, such as refugees, asylees, or individuals with pending applications for victim-of-trafficking visas.
Marketplace Coverage
Prospective green card holders who have not yet obtained their "qualified" immigration status may be eligible for Marketplace coverage through Healthcare.gov. Eligibility is based on income and residency rules, and individuals may qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums and extra savings on out-of-pocket expenses.
Private Health Insurance
If you are above the age of 65, you may not be eligible for government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid until you meet the residency requirements. In such cases, private health insurance offered by providers like Visitor Guard® can be a good option. They offer specialized plans for senior green card holders, including temporary health insurance while waiting for eligibility in domestic plans.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Prospective green card holders may also consider enrolling in health coverage through an employer-sponsored plan if they are employed in the US.
State-Specific Programs
Some states have chosen to waive the five-year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP coverage, providing immediate coverage to lawfully residing children and/or pregnant people. Additionally, as of January 1, 2024, adults in California between the ages of 26 and 49 will be eligible for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.
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Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and some people under 65 with specific disabilities or conditions. The Social Security Administration manages Medicare eligibility and enrolment. Generally, individuals are advised to enrol in Medicare as soon as they become eligible to avoid gaps in coverage and late enrolment penalties. Eligibility typically begins three months before turning 65 and ends three months after.
For green card holders, eligibility for Medicare depends on meeting the residency requirement of living in the US for at least five years, in addition to other program criteria. Senior immigrants (65+) who are new to the US are generally unable to enrol in Medicare until they fulfil the residency requirements.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for children, adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, and families with limited income and resources. The eligibility rules for Medicaid vary across states, with each state setting its income and residency requirements.
Qualified non-citizens, including Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders), may be eligible for Medicaid after a five-year waiting period from obtaining their "qualified" immigration status. However, exceptions exist for specific groups, such as refugees, asylees, and former refugees or asylees, who are exempt from the waiting period.
In some states, the five-year waiting period has been waived, allowing lawfully residing children and pregnant individuals to receive Medicaid coverage immediately, provided they meet the state's eligibility criteria.
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Obtaining a green card through family sponsorship
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor a family member for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card. There are two categories of family-based immigrant visas:
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas
These visas are for close relatives of US citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents. An unlimited number of visas are available in this category. To be eligible for a Green Card as an immediate relative, you must generally be present in the US after being "inspected and admitted" or "inspected and paroled" by an immigration officer.
Family Preference Immigrant Visas
These visas are for other relatives of a US citizen, such as eligible children or siblings. This includes F1 visas for unmarried children 21 years of age or older, and F2A visas for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of legal permanent residents (Green Card holders).
To apply for a Green Card through family sponsorship, the sponsoring family member must first file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the prospective Green Card holder. Once this has been approved, the prospective Green Card holder can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for their Green Card.
It is important to note that as a family preference immigrant, certain grounds of inadmissibility do not apply to you, such as labor certification and qualifications. However, if you are deemed inadmissible for other reasons, you may still be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility or other relief, after which your Green Card application may be approved if you meet all other eligibility requirements.
Regarding health insurance, applying for or receiving Medicaid or CHIP benefits will generally not affect your chances of obtaining a Green Card. However, individuals receiving long-term care at government expense, such as in a nursing facility, may face barriers. New senior immigrants (65+) are not eligible for government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid until they meet the residency requirements, and may need to explore private insurance options until they obtain their Green Card. Once you have obtained your Green Card, you may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your residency status and other criteria.
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Vaccination requirements for green card applicants
As of January 2025, applicants are no longer required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. However, a medical exam report is required for anyone applying for an immigrant visa or green card. This exam will be performed by a government-approved civil surgeon or a "panel physician" if applying from overseas, and will determine whether the applicant has any medical conditions that make them inadmissible to the United States on health grounds. The physician will also check whether the applicant has received all the vaccines required for US entry and, if possible, administer any missing vaccinations.
There are a few exceptions to the vaccination requirements for green card applicants. Adopted children aged 10 or younger who are applying for immediate relative visas are not required to have the vaccinations before arriving in the US if their US parents submit an affidavit stating that the child will receive the necessary vaccinations within 30 days of admission or at the earliest medically appropriate time. Pregnant applicants should advise the panel physician, who will evaluate which vaccines can be safely administered. If a required vaccine is contraindicated, the physician will annotate the medical report. Applicants with a condition that makes it inadvisable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or vaccines in general can request a waiver based on religious or moral beliefs. This must be an across-the-board objection to all vaccinations, and applicants will need to submit evidence of their sincere religious or moral convictions.
In terms of health insurance, green card holders may be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or marketplace plans through Healthcare.gov, depending on their age and residency status. There is typically a five-year waiting period for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, although some states have removed this waiting period for lawfully residing children and pregnant people. Seniors aged 65 and above who are new immigrants cannot enroll in government-funded healthcare programs until they meet the residency requirements and may need to purchase private health insurance.
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The impact of public benefits on green card applications
The use of public benefits can have a complex impact on green card applications, and while it may not directly affect an application, it can lead to broader implications.
Firstly, it is important to note that the use of public benefits by an applicant's family members is not considered in a public charge inadmissibility determination. This means that the use of public benefits by family members will not directly affect the applicant's chances of obtaining a green card.
However, the public-charge rule, which applies to green card applications, considers the likelihood of an applicant becoming primarily dependent on the government for support in the future. This rule has reshaped immigration patterns, favouring wealthier and more educated applicants. USCIS officials assess multiple factors, including income, assets, educational attainment, English skills, employment status, age, and health, to determine the likelihood of future dependence on public benefits. This subjective assessment has broad impacts on green card applications, with many immigrants fearful of using benefits or enrolling in public-benefit programs.
The use of public benefits can also have indirect financial implications for green card applicants. For example, green card holders are generally eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) but must typically wait five years after obtaining qualified immigration status. During this waiting period, green card applicants may need to rely on private health insurance, which can be costly.
Furthermore, while green card holders gain the automatic right to work and study, they also take on responsibilities and potential risks. Committing a crime, violating laws, or neglecting to update USCIS about address changes can result in the loss of immigration status. Applying for public benefits may also have unintended consequences, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can investigate an applicant's immigration status, potentially leading to deportation proceedings under certain circumstances.
In conclusion, while the use of public benefits may not directly impact green card applications, it can influence the likelihood of future approval through the public-charge rule. This rule has led to widespread fear among immigrants of using benefits and has potentially favoured wealthier applicants. Additionally, the financial and administrative implications of applying for public benefits as a green card holder or applicant can be significant.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get a Green Card even if you have used medical insurance. Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, there is usually a 5-year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP coverage after obtaining a "qualified" immigration status.
No, you can purchase health insurance from private providers while waiting for the next Open Enrollment period. Visitor Guard® offers health insurance plans for visitors and new immigrants.
Yes, you can get temporary health insurance while awaiting your Green Card. Visitor insurance plans are available for those on visitor visas.
No, you are not eligible for Obamacare until you have obtained your Green Card.
No, the use of public benefits does not affect your Green Card status. However, there is an exception for people receiving long-term care in an institution at government expense, such as in a nursing facility.
