Is Healthcare Coverage Available for Immigrants in Massachusetts?

The good news is yes. Massachusetts is one of only a few U.S. states to offer healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants through Medicare and MassHealth. In order to qualify for healthcare through MassHealth or purchase a low-cost policy through the Massachusetts Health Connector, applicants must either be a U.S. citizen or noncitizens who have an eligible immigration status. The latter includes:

Lawfully Present Immigrant

This is someone who lives in the U.S. with a valid immigration status. There are three categories of lawfully present immigrants.

  • Qualified noncitizen. This is for special immigration groups, including asylum or refugee seekers, Cubans or Haitians, or people who have had legal permanent residency (green card status) for more than five years.
  • Nonqualified Individual Lawfully Present. These are immigrants with valid nonimmigrant tourism, work, exchange, or student visas or an employment authorization document.
  • Qualified Noncitizens Barred. This applies to immigrants who have had legal permanent residency (green card) for fewer than five years.
  • Nonqualified PRUCOL (person who lives in the U.S. under color of law). This can include immigrants who have applied for valid immigration status or are in the U.S. with the permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are other immigrants who may fit into this category as well. If you’re unsure if your status fits with the nonqualified PRUCOL, talk to an experienced immigration attorney.
  • Other noncitizens who aren’t lawfully present immigrants or nonqualified prucol immigrants.

If I Apply for Healthcare Coverage, Will That Affect My Immigration Status?

No one should avoid seeking medical care when they need it because of concerns about their immigration status. Massachusetts law notes that applying for or receiving healthcare coverage through MassHealth or from the Massachusetts Health Connector does require documenting your immigration status, but it will not affect your status. Furthermore, when seeking care from a medical professional or at an emergency department, they’re not legally required to ask for your immigration status before providing medical care.

What Are the Different Types of Healthcare an Immigrant Might Qualify for in Massachusetts?

There are different levels of healthcare coverage available through MassHealth. What level someone might be able to access depends on their immigration status.

Qualified Noncitizen

This category is eligible for all types of MassHealth benefits, just as U.S. citizens are.

Qualified Noncitizens Barred and Nonqualified Individuals Lawfully Present

This category has some subdivisions, which apply to both qualified noncitizens barred and nonqualified individuals lawfully present.

  • Pregnant people and children under 19. This category is eligible for every type of MassHealth coverage.
  • Adults ages 19 and 20. Their eligibility is for MassHealth Standard.
  • Disabled or elderly people clinically eligible for long-term services. This group is eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth.
  • Disabled adults ages 21-64 with income equal to or less than the federal poverty level and uninsured elderly people ages 65 and older with income equal to or less than the federal poverty level who have also been assessed with an asset test. This group is eligible for Family Assistance.
  • Other adults with income less than or equal to 133% of the federal poverty level. This group is eligible for MassHealth Limited.
  • Other adults with income greater than 133% of the federal poverty level. This group is not eligible for MassHealth coverage.

Nonqualified PRUCOL

This also has subdivisions.

  • Pregnant people with income equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for MassHealth Standard.
  • Children from birth to age 18 whose household income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty limit qualify for Family Assistance.
  • Disabled or elderly people medically eligible for long-term services are eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth.
  • Disabled children from birth to age 18 and disabled adults ages 19-20 whose income is equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for CommonHealth.
  • Other adults whose income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level qualify for Family Assistance.

Others

This category has subdivisions.

  • Pregnant people with income equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for MassHealth Standard.
  • Infants in households earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level; children and young adults ages 1-20 in households with 150% or less of the federal poverty level; adults ages 21-64 with 133% or less of the federal poverty level; and adults 65 and older with 100% or less of the federal poverty level and have taken an asset test all qualify for MassHealth Limited.
  • Children under 19 qualify for the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP).
  • All ages with incomes equal to or less than 300% of the federal poverty level qualify for the Health Safety net.
  • Anyone enrolled in MassHealth or CommonHealth since 1997 is grandfathered in, meaning regardless of circumstances, they’re eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth.

This is a great deal of information and details. If you’re not clear about what you might be eligible for or your official immigration status, contact an experienced immigration attorney.

What Should I Do if I’m an Immigrant Who Needs Healthcare in Massachusetts?

Call Toland Law, LLC, at 857-347-3701 to request a free consultation. This can be a complex process with considerable paperwork and bureaucracy, which, if not handled properly, can lead to denials. Our experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorneys can help you through the process and work toward the best outcomes.

Toland Law, LLC