Health Options for Immigrants
Updated May 2026: The materials and information on this page reflects the policy currently in effect.
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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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
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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.
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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.
Financial help is based on income. It is best to work with an expert since this process can be tricky.
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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. It is best to work with an expert.
Important: Children's enrollment in BadgerCare Plus or any public benefit program won’t hurt their parents’ immigration status!
When can I sign up? Anytime
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
To see income requirements, Click Here.
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Most people who are legally present can qualify for a health plan on Healthcare.gov. Financial help is based on income.
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
When can I sign up?
November 1 - December 15
When you lose other coverage
Your immigration status changes
What does “Legally Present” mean?
According to HealthCare.gov, the term “lawfully present” includes immigrants who have:
“Qualified non-citizen” immigration status.
Humanitarian statuses or circumstances (including Temporary Protected Status, Special Juvenile Status, asylum applicants, Convention Against Torture, victims of trafficking).
Valid non-immigrant visas.
Legal status conferred by other laws (temporary resident status, LIFE Act, Family Unity individuals). Get a full list of immigration statuses eligible for Marketplace coverage.
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 mom while pregnant until 90 days after giving birth. 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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This program helps immigrants who don’t have other insurance or who are undocumented pay for health care emergencies for children, caregivers, adults with disabilities, and adults over age 65.
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.
Additional Resources:
Health Care Options for Immigrants
Resources for when you’re pregnant
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.