Healthcare Access for Undocumented Immigrants: Understanding Federal & State Laws

Healthcare access for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is complex, varying by federal and state law.

Federal Programs

• Generally ineligible for Medicare/Medicaid.
• Exceptions: Undocumented children <19 may qualify for Medicaid/CHIP; pregnant women may get prenatal care via Medicaid.

State Programs

• California (Medi-Cal) covers undocumented children, pregnant women, certain disabilities.
• New York, Illinois, and others offer similar programs.

Access varies widely by state. Contact local health departments or community health centers for options. Resources: National Immigration Law Center, American Immigration Council, Kaiser Family Foundation.