Jeffrey Wade
Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal healthcare programs and benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, they are guaranteed emergency care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and can access emergency services through Emergency Medicaid. In some states, undocumented immigrants are eligible for state-specific benefits, and they can also purchase private health insurance or access insurance through their employers. Lawfully present immigrants, on the other hand, can qualify for Marketplace coverage, subject to certain restrictions and income-based criteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lawfully present immigrants' eligibility for Medicare | Must have sufficient work history to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. If they do not have sufficient work history, they may qualify if they are lawful permanent residents and have resided in the U.S. for five years immediately prior to enrolling in Medicare, although they must pay premiums to enrol in Part A. |
| Undocumented immigrants' eligibility for Medicare | Ineligible |
| Undocumented immigrants' eligibility for Medicaid | Ineligible for standard Medicaid, but eligible for emergency Medicaid. |
| Undocumented immigrants' eligibility for ACA Marketplace coverage | Ineligible to purchase coverage through the ACA Marketplaces. |
| Undocumented immigrants' eligibility for private insurance | Can purchase private health insurance or, in some cases, access insurance through their employers. |
| Undocumented immigrants' eligibility for state-specific benefits | In certain states, undocumented immigrants are eligible for state-specific benefits. For example, eight states offer limited health coverage for uninsured children regardless of status, and eighteen states guarantee prenatal care to all persons regardless of immigration status. |
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What You'll Learn
Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Medicare
Undocumented immigrants are the largest group of uninsured individuals in the country. They have very limited access to healthcare coverage. In most cases, they do not have any health coverage apart from emergency care provided under emergency Medicaid and emergency room access under EMTALA.
Undocumented immigrants may be able to access employer-sponsored health insurance or buy individual-market health coverage outside the health insurance marketplace. They can also access limited primary care and prescription drugs through 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the country. Additionally, undocumented immigrants with sufficient income can purchase private healthcare insurance, although they do not benefit from federal subsidies.
Certain states, such as California, Texas, and New York, offer additional coverage to undocumented immigrants. For example, eight states provide limited health coverage for uninsured children regardless of their immigration status, and eighteen states guarantee prenatal care to all, regardless of immigration status.
Despite their ineligibility for Medicare, undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the viability of public health programs like Medicare and Medicaid through their tax contributions. Between 2000 and 2011, undocumented immigrants generated a $35.1 billion surplus in the Medicare Trust Fund.
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Emergency care is available to all
Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal healthcare programs like Medicare and are barred from accessing most federal health care benefits. However, emergency care is available to all, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures that all patients have access to emergency medical treatment. This means that hospitals participating in Medicare cannot turn away individuals who need life-saving care.
Undocumented immigrants' use of EMTALA-related services is often covered via emergency Medicaid. This is available to those who meet the state's Medicaid eligibility criteria, such as income and state residency, but lack eligible immigration status. In addition, undocumented immigrants can access emergency room services under EMTALA.
Undocumented immigrants have very limited access to healthcare coverage. They are ineligible for federal health coverage or access to the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. They are also unable to purchase Marketplace coverage in most of the country. However, they can buy individual-market health coverage outside the Marketplace, and in some cases, they can access insurance through their employers.
In certain states, undocumented immigrants are eligible for some state-specific benefits. For example, some states offer limited health coverage for uninsured children regardless of status. Additionally, eighteen states guarantee prenatal care to all, regardless of immigration status. While undocumented immigrants have limited access to healthcare, emergency care services are available to all as a federal guarantee.
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Private insurance is an option for undocumented immigrants
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federally funded coverage, including Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare, or to purchase coverage through the ACA Marketplaces. However, undocumented immigrants can purchase private health insurance or, in some cases, access insurance through their employers. They can also enroll in employer-sponsored health insurance or buy individual-market health coverage outside the health insurance Marketplace.
Undocumented immigrants with sufficient income can purchase private healthcare insurance, although they do not benefit from federal subsidies. In most of the country, undocumented immigrants cannot purchase Marketplace coverage, but there are a few exceptions: Colorado and Washington allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in Marketplace coverage with state-funded subsidies, and Maryland will join them in the fall of 2025.
In addition, undocumented immigrants can access limited primary care and prescription drugs through approximately 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the country. Some states offer additional coverage to certain undocumented immigrant populations. For example, eight states offer limited health coverage for uninsured children regardless of status, including California, New York, and Illinois. Moreover, eighteen states guarantee prenatal care to all individuals regardless of immigration status.
Undocumented immigrants are a critical source of tax revenue for public health programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Between 2000 and 2011, undocumented immigrants generated a $35.1 billion surplus in the Medicare Trust Fund. States that spend the most on emergency medical care for undocumented immigrants, such as California, Texas, and New York, also receive over $1 billion in state and local tax contributions from this group annually.
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State-specific benefits are available in certain states
In general, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for federal health coverage or access to the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. However, state-specific benefits are available in certain states.
State-specific benefits
Some states offer additional coverage to certain undocumented immigrant populations. For example, eight states offer limited health coverage for uninsured children regardless of status, including California, New York, and Illinois. Eighteen states guarantee prenatal care to all persons regardless of immigration status.
Medicaid
Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for Medicaid depending on their income, where they live, their age, and whether they're pregnant. For example, in Minnesota, coverage is provided through MinnesotaCare, the state's Basic Health Program. However, new applications are no longer accepted as of June 15, 2025, and coverage for existing undocumented adults will end on December 31, 2025.
Colorado and Washington allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in Marketplace coverage with state-funded subsidies, and Maryland will join them in the fall of 2025.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
A longer list of states use state funds to provide CHIP coverage to children who reside in the state and meet income eligibility guidelines, regardless of their immigration status. This includes California, New York, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Private health insurance
Undocumented immigrants can also purchase private health insurance or, in some cases, access insurance through their employers.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Undocumented immigrants can access limited primary care and prescription drugs through approximately 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) around the country.
Emergency care
Federal law guarantees that everyone in the U.S. can receive emergency care, including emergency Medicaid, regardless of their health coverage or immigration status.
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Lawfully present immigrants can qualify for Medicare
As of 2023, 18% of lawfully present immigrant adults were uninsured, compared to less than 10% of naturalized or US-born citizens. Lawfully present immigrants can qualify for Medicare, but they must meet certain conditions. They must have sufficient work history to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. If they do not have sufficient work history, they may still qualify if they are lawful permanent residents and have resided in the US for five years before enrolling in Medicare. However, in this case, they must pay premiums to enroll in Part A.
Lawfully present immigrants can also qualify for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplaces, and they may be eligible for lower costs on monthly premiums and extra savings on out-of-pocket costs based on their income. They may also be eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), although there is generally a five-year waiting period for qualified non-citizens. Refugees, asylees, and victims of trafficking are among those who do not have to wait five years.
Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal health coverage or access to the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace under the ACA. They are also ineligible for most federal health benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, they are able to purchase private health coverage or, in some cases, access insurance through their employers. They can also access limited primary care and prescription drugs through around 1400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the country. Undocumented immigrants are eligible for emergency care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and emergency Medicaid.
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Frequently asked questions
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicare. They are also barred from most federal health care benefits.
Lawfully present immigrants can qualify for Medicare, but they must meet certain conditions. They must have sufficient work history to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. If they don't have sufficient work history, they may qualify if they have resided in the U.S. for five years immediately before enrolling in Medicare, although they must pay premiums for Part A.
Undocumented immigrants may or may not be eligible for Medicaid, depending on their income, where they live, their age, and whether they're pregnant. They are eligible for emergency Medicaid and emergency medical treatment under EMTALA.
Lawfully present immigrants can get Medicaid and CHIP coverage, but there is usually a five-year waiting period after getting "qualified" immigration status.
Undocumented immigrants can purchase private health coverage or, in some cases, access insurance through their employers. They can also access limited primary care and prescription drugs through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Some states offer additional coverage, such as health coverage for uninsured children regardless of status.
