Health Options for Immigrants
Starting in October 2026 and January 2027, eligibility for adults with limited immigrant statuses will change for Medicaid, Medicare, or financial help on HealthCare.gov.
You can use this page to explore different health insurance options, find programs that help cover medical costs, learn about free or low‑cost clinics for care, and learn practical steps to take if they’re unable to pay a medical bill.
Have questions or need help finding out what you qualify for? Schedule a free appointment with a Navigator.
Options for health insurance:
It is common for children and adults to be on different plans. Some of these programs have special rules for immigrants and an expert can help you understand your options.
If you’re having trouble paying your medical bills, learn your options on our help page.
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Many immigrants who are legally present can get health insurance from their job.
If your health insurance isn’t affordable, you may be able to get financial help from Healthcare.gov to get a more affordable plan. It is best to work with an expert to see if your plan is affordable.
When can I apply? November 1-December 15
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Legally present immigrants may be eligible for Medicare. However, if they must pay for Medicare part A, they can also apply for health insurance on Healthcare.gov.
Starting January 2027 you can qualify for Medicare if you are:
Citizens and nationals of the United States
Lawful permanent residents (also known as green card holders)
Cuban-Haitian entrants
People from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Republic of Palau who live and work in the United States under Compacts of Free Association (COFA), often referred to as “COFA migrants.
It is best to work with an expert since this process can be tricky. To learn more about Medicare and where to get help signing up, click here.
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This is State of Wisconsin Medicaid for people with low incomes. There are special rules for immigrants to qualify for this program. Currently, the most common status to qualify are:
U.S. citizens including Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and naturalized citizens
U.S. nationals (American Samoa)
Permanent residents (adults have a 5 year wait period)
Refugees and asylees
Visa types, such as for victims of domestic abuse or human trafficking
Iraq/Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal
Starting October 2026 - New applicants and current members of BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) are subject to the new immigrant eligibility rules. You can qualify for BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) if you are:
Citizens and nationals of the United States
Lawful permanent residents (also known as green card holders)
Cuban-Haitian entrants
People from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Republic of Palau who live and work in the United States under Compacts of Free Association (COFA), often referred to as “COFA migrants.
Important: Children's enrollment in BadgerCare Plus or any public benefit program won’t hurt their parents’ immigration status!
Children (under age 19 or age 21 in an institution) and pregnant people with these statuses will continue to be eligible for Medicaid programs:
Citizens and nationals of the United States
Lawful permanent residents
Cuban-Haitian entrants
COFA migrants
Refugees
Asylees
Parolees
Conditional Entrants
Battered non-citizens
Trafficking victims and certain family members
Deportation (or removal) withheld
Amerasian
Foreign-born tribal members
To see income requirements, Click Here.
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You can shop for and enroll in health insurance on The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. You may be eligible for financial help that lowers the cost of your monthly premium.
This financial help from Healthcare.gov is called tax credits and is not a public benefit. Using tax credits will not hurt anyone’s immigration status. Sponsors of immigrants don’t need to pay back tax credits.
Tourists, and those who are undocumented don’t qualify for plans on Healthcare.gov
Starting January 2027 - You can qualify for HealthCare.gov with financial help if you have income above 100% of the federal poverty limit and are:
Citizens and nationals of the United States
Lawful permanent residents (also known as green card holders)
Cuban-Haitian entrants
People from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Republic of Palau who live and work in the United States under Compacts of Free Association (COFA), often referred to as “COFA migrants.
Click here to view current federal poverty level amounts.
When can I sign up?
November 1 - December 15
When you lose other coverage
Your immigration status changes
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Programs DACA recipients can apply for or use to get care:
Health insurance from a job
Sliding scale discounts at Community Health Centers
Free clinics
Prenatal Care Program
Emergency Services
Charity care programs
Direct Primary Care Clinics
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The Wisconsin Well Woman Program helps women who have little or no health insurance get screening for breast and cervical cancers.
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This is a program for anyone who is pregnant regardless of immigration status. It will pay for any care of the person while pregnant. The pregnant person can receive ongoing coverage for 60 days after the pregnancy ends through Emergency Services Medicaid.
Children born in the US can then apply for BadgerCare Plus.
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Community health centers have financial help to lower the bill. They offer discounts based on income to anyone regardless of immigration status or type of insurance.
Free clinics often serve anyone in the community who needs care. However, they may have fewer doctors and may not serve people who have health insurance.
Healthcare Options for People who are Undocumented:
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This is a program for anyone who is pregnant regardless of immigration status. It will pay for any care of the person while pregnant. The pregnant person can receive ongoing coverage for 60 days after the pregnancy ends through Emergency Services Medicaid. Children born in the US can then apply for BadgerCare Plus.
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The Wisconsin Well Woman Program helps women who have little or no health insurance get screening for breast and cervical cancers.
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Pregnant people can receive ongoing coverage for 60 days after the pregnancy ends through Emergency Services Medicaid. Children born in the US can then apply for BadgerCare Plus.
Only serves some populations:
Children 0-18 years old
Adults 65 or older
Adults with disabilities
Adults caring for children at home
Pregnant women
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Community health centers have financial help to lower the bill. They offer discounts based on income to anyone regardless of immigration status or type of insurance.
Free clinics often serve anyone in the community who needs care. However, they may have fewer doctors and may not serve people who have health insurance.
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There are financial assistance programs available through clinics and hospitals called Charity Care. If you see a doctor without health insurance, you may get a big medical bill. If you can’t afford your medical bill, talk to the clinic or hospital billing department and ask how to apply for Charity Care (financial assistance).
If you qualify, then a discount is applied to your medical bill and lowers how much you must pay. The discount is usually good for the next six to twelve months.
Most medical providers can also help you set up a payment plan for your medical bills. It is best to apply for Charity Care (financial assistance) first. You can also ask for a payment plan and to pay the medical bill over time.
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Direct Primary Care Clinics are a new type of clinic. Direct Primary Care Clinics charge patients a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee. This fee covers all or most primary care services, including clinical and laboratory services.
Some patients also enroll in an insurance plan to cover emergencies and other services not covered by Direct Primary Care. These clinics are becoming more popular but may not be in your area.
Additional Resources:
Health Care Options for Immigrants
Resources for when you’re pregnant
Legal services for immigrants who use public benefits
Find immigration resources below:
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Catholic Charities programs serve people of all faiths, or no faith. We help those who are most vulnerable in our communities by empowering individuals and supporting families who are in need. Some clients pay a fee for our services, but we do not turn away anyone who cannot afford it. We respect people of all backgrounds, and we welcome anyone who needs us.
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Centro believes in esperanza (hope) as foundational in all it does. Through programming and in partnership with the community, Centro aims to strengthen access to family-centered community strategies that address the social determinants of health.
Whether through youth programming, immigration services, or family services, the intent is that the community engages with staff committed to centering hope and healing for themselves and those they serve.
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HOLA (Healthy Opportunities for Latin Americans) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that serves as a vital bridge, connecting the Latino community in an eight-county area of central Wisconsin by improving access to healthcare, community services, and legal resources.
Our commitment lies in promoting economic advancement and civic engagement for workers and families from Latin American countries.
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Working for social justice since 1853, the Milwaukee Turners are the oldest civic group in the city, dedicated to strengthening our community based on the ideal of a “Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”
Our guiding principles are “Liberty against all oppression; Tolerance against all fanaticism; Reason against all superstition; and Justice against all exploitation.”
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Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading advocacy organizations in the U.S. dedicated to advancing and defending the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones.
Click here to learn more about the National Immigration Law Center
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The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition brings the nation’s leading voices for immigrant rights and health care and human services together to fight for a more equitable, more prosperous future.
PIF and its partners are changing public policy, engaging immigrant families and tracking policies that matter to immigrant families.
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Voces de la Frontera is a statewide membership based community organization led by low-wage workers, immigrants and multiracial youth whose mission is to protect and expand civil rights and workers’ rights through leadership development, community organizing and empowerment.