The process of attaining medical coverage can be difficult for anyone to navigate. However, this issue is particularly difficult for undocumented immigrants residing in the United States. Research indicates that a significant percentage of undocumented immigrants are uninsured and have very limited means of accessing medical care. In an attempt to remedy this situation, numerous states have begun expanding their state-funded coverage to integrate their undocumented residents. Unfortunately, for undocumented immigrants, obstacles to proper medical care still linger.
As of 2023, there are 22.4 million non-citizen immigrants residing in the U.S. This includes undocumented immigrants and lawfully present immigrants. Undocumented immigrants are defined as those who have entered the country without authorization or have stayed after their visa or status expired. These undocumented immigrants face numerous hurdles in gaining medical coverage and attaining proper medical treatment. Research has shown a correlation between being uninsured and having more limited access to health care. 20% of uninsured adults say that they went without needed medical care in the past year, whereas only 3% of adults with private coverage and 8% of adults with public coverage reported the same.
As of 2023, 50% of likely undocumented immigrant adults reported being uninsured. This can be chiefly associated with eligibility restrictions for federally funded options, including options like Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage, and Medicare. In addition to this, access to private coverage is also very limited. Many undocumented immigrants do not have work authorization, and often the jobs they find are less likely to provide health benefits. These hurdles are further compounded by these immigrants’ fear and confusion regarding coverage eligibility and language barrier issues. Some predict that fears regarding accessing assistance programs will increase under the Trump Administration. This is largely due to the administration’s broad enforcement directed at restricting immigration and the House budget reconciliation bill that could further restrict health care options for undocumented immigrants.
Some states have begun the process of expanding state-funded medical coverage to certain low-income groups, without taking immigration status into account for eligibility. Twenty-four states and D.C. have extended coverage to pregnant people, including those undocumented, through the CHIP From-Conception-to-End-of-Pregnancy option. As of April 2025, fourteen states and D.C. have provided state-funded coverage to children regardless of immigration status. Connecticut is included among the states that have opted to expand medical coverage to undocumented immigrants. In Connecticut under HUSKY B Prenatal, pregnant individuals with income up to 263% FPL who don’t qualify for Medicaid due to immigration status now have full CHIP benefits during the prenatal period. Along with this, under State HUSKY A and B, children ages 0-12 with income up to 323% FPL who don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP due to immigration status now have access to state-funded Medicaid and CHIP coverage equivalents through age 18. However, while positive steps are being taken by certain states, in most states, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for coverage.
Data has shown the beneficial impact of extending state coverage to undocumented immigrants. The 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants showed that immigrant adults who reside in states with more expansive medical coverage policies for immigrants are less likely to be uninsured compared to those residing in uninsured states. Similarly, another study compared states that have expanded coverage to all children, regardless of their immigration status, to states that do not have this expanded coverage. It found that children in states with expanded coverage are less likely to be uninsured, forgo medical care, or go without preventative health visits. Despite this, state-led reform is taking place; some argue this is not enough and that a multifaceted solution is needed. In line with this, advocates have asserted that increased healthcare provider awareness and community-based interventions are also needed. They argue that future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of community and policy interventions and provide a more in-depth study into healthcare access disparity.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have experienced a medical malpractice injury, you should reach out to an attorney right away. Contact the experienced attorneys at Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC if you have any questions about your legal rights regarding this concern. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call 203-902-3906 or contact us online today.
Berkowitz Hanna
