New immigrants navigate many changes when they come to the United States, and health insurance coverage can be intimidating. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides access to health insurance for non-US citizens who are lawfully present in the United States. “Lawfully present” refers to individuals who have entered the country for many reasons, including visitors on valid, non-immigrant visas, and lawful permanent residents—also known as green card holders. 1
Green card holders are non-US citizens who have been granted the legal right to permanently reside and work in the country. They enjoy many of the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens and can access essential resources like health insurance. 2
Health insurance for green card holders is an important component of their overall well-being as these individuals establish their lives in their new home. Newly arrived immigrants should consider finding and enrolling in health insurance in the USA for several reasons.
Lawfully present immigrants may either enroll in coverage sponsored by their employer or explore other individual and family coverage options. Like US citizens, the cost of health insurance for non-US citizens can vary depending on the level of coverage they select, so it’s important to consider potential future care needs and personal budget when choosing a health plan.
Those seeking private green card health insurance can enroll in a plan directly with a health insurer or through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Marketplace. The Marketplace was established by the ACA to help individuals and families access affordable health insurance.
The Marketplace helps you compare plans based on insurer, price, benefits, and networks, to make the best coverage decision for you and your family. While the federal government operates the Marketplace in most states, some states run their own marketplaces.
Generally, individuals and families must purchase coverage through the Marketplace during the annual Open Enrollment Period that typically runs from November 1 through January 15. However, individuals and families can enroll in a Marketplace health plan outside the Open Enrollment timeframe if they have a qualifying life event. Becoming a lawful permanent resident is one such event and qualifies the individual for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Upon receiving a green card, individuals should enroll in health insurance, whether through their employer or the Marketplace, within their 60-day SEP window.
The Marketplace offers access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance in the USA for foreigners who have immigrated. Ensure you are covered by prioritizing your health and obtaining the right insurance coverage for you and your family.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are state-run programs that provide health insurance coverage at little to no cost for individuals and families with limited income and resources. Lawfully present immigrants, including green card holders, may qualify for Medicaid based on their income, household size, and other factors. The eligibility criteria vary by state, so it's important for green card holders to check their specific state's Medicaid guidelines.
Lawfully present immigrants must typically wait five years after receiving “qualified immigration status” before becoming eligible for Medicaid. However, many still qualify for Marketplace coverage within the five-year waiting period and may also be eligible for health insurance subsidies.
Green card holders who are not eligible for Medicaid may still qualify for income-based health insurance subsidies that help individuals and families with lower incomes save on healthcare costs.
There are two types of health insurance subsidies available under the ACA.
Green card holders may be eligible for both types of ACA subsidies. Learn more about how to qualify and apply for health insurance subsidies through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Yes, green card holders are eligible to purchase health insurance in the United States. The ACA has significantly expanded access to health coverage for many individuals, including green card holders.
Yes, lawfully present immigrants are eligible for coverage through the Marketplace before receiving their green card if they have a qualified non-citizen or humanitarian immigration status or a valid non-immigrant visa. Or they may consider enrolling in health coverage through an employer-sponsored plan.
Green card holders can either purchase coverage directly from a health insurer or explore health insurance options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Employers often offer health insurance coverage to their employees as well, so green card holders may want to consider the plans available through their job.
Yes, green card holders and other qualified non-US citizens may be eligible for Medicaid after a five-year waiting period.
