Sponsor Financial Responsibility for Sponsored Immigrants: Hospital Bills Not Included

No. A sponsor’s financial obligation under Form I‑864 (Affidavit of Support) is to ensure the sponsored immigrant’s income stays above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for active‑duty military sponsors). This obligation:

• Lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work, dies, or leaves the U.S. permanently.
• Covers means‑tested public benefits (Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, TANF, CHIP, state/local general assistance).
• Does NOT include hospital bills, emergency medical care, or private health insurance costs.

Who Pays for Hospital Care?

• The immigrant is responsible for their own medical bills.
• Hospitals must provide emergency stabilizing treatment regardless of ability to pay (EMTALA).
• Immigrants should obtain health insurance: employer‑sponsored, ACA marketplace (eligible with lawful presence), Medicaid (if qualified), or charity care programs.

Key Distinction

The sponsor’s liability is reimbursement to government agencies for means‑tested benefits received—not direct payment to medical providers. Hospital bills are a private debt between patient and provider.