Good news! Getting or applying for Medicaid will NOT hurt your immigration status.
The ONLY exception is if Medicaid pays for you to get long term care in an institution, like a nursing home.
Why are we telling you this? An immigration rule called public charge started February 24, 2020. It looked at immigrants who get or apply for Medicaid and other help. It could keep them from entering the U.S. or getting a green card. This rule ended on March 9, 2021
A new rule started on December 23, 2022. It says getting or applying for Medicaid will NOT hurt your immigration status.
IMPORTANT! There is one time this is not true. Are you an immigrant in a nursing home and need Medicaid to pay? This may keep you from entering the U.S. or getting a green card. This is not a new rule.
Need help deciding what to do?
You can see more information about health benefits for immigrants and learn how to apply for health insurance here.
Get free legal help. Call Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-917-77878. Or go to vtlawhelp.org/health on the internet.