TOOLKIT
Provider Education: Using Public Benefits
More than ever, immigrants are forgoing benefits for fear of discovery or retaliation.
The evolving policies around Public Charge rules continue to create confusion and fear, particularly for low-income immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. or obtain a green card.
While changes to these rules have been proposed in the past, it is critical for providers to stay informed about what is and is not true. The policy landscape remains fluid, so regularly consult trusted sources like Protecting Immigrant Families and All In For Health for updates and guidance.
Families and providers can check out the "Keep Your Benefits" website for state specific guidance related to public charge. There are no questions about name or address or other personal details. The site allows you to explore public charge implications of different scenarios and is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
What We Know:
1) The Biden administration’s public charge regulations are still in effect. See the PIF site for details.
2) Immigrants should never misrepresent information on applications.
3) It is still not clear what will happen with DACA. It is recommended that anyone considering submitting a DACA application should first talk to an immigration attorney or a Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited representative.
Health Insurance:
1) As of now, ACA stands true, and anyone eligible should apply.
2) A growing number of states, including California, are using their own resources to provide Medicaid to their residents regardless of immigration status. More information on CA coverage for adults regardless of documentation status is available here. All in for Health also has a helpful one pager for Californians in multiple languages here.
3) Immigrants should apply for health coverage through the ACA marketplace. If they are undocumented and applying for someone in their household, they should not provide any information about their immigration status and instead say “I am not applying for health insurance for myself.”
What Services Can Immigrants Safely Access?
More Information:
Immigrants & Public Benefits: State & Local
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
California Major Benefits Programs Available to Immigrants (Nov 2024)
CA Department of Health & Human Services
Public Charge Guide (available in 21 languages)
The CalHHS Public Charge Guide provides current information regarding federal changes to “public charge” determinations and the use of public benefits.
San Francisco Human Services Agency
Post-Election San Francisco Public Benefits FAQ (May 2024)
Chinese I English I Spanish | Tagalog | Russian | Vietnamese
Immigrants & Public Benefits: Basic Benefits Training Resources (March 2024)
Mostly Massachusetts focused, but some broader information as well
Health Care Access for Immigrant Youth and Families in California (for non-medical providers)
Tipsheet offering practical knowledge to attorneys serving immigrant youth and families who are in need of connecting to medical and behavioral health care.
More Information:
Immigrants & Public Benefits: National
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Health Care Toolkit For Providers (need to register to access)
Webinar: Healthcare for Immigrant Communities & The New Administration
Powerpoint slides from a NILC, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, and Center on Budget & Policy Priorities webinar. Contains information about eligibility for healthcare programs and potential threats to access.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Health Care Toolkit For Providers (need to register to access)
- Know Your Rights: Is it safe to apply for health insurance or seek health care?
- Talking Points to Address Patients' Enrollment or Renewal Concerns
- Know Your Rights Video Training on Immigrant Eligibility to Health Care & Coverage
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Webpage with articles reviewing the concept of "Public Charge," and how that relates to immigration. While some of the materials are older, the definitions still apply.