Frequently Asked Questions About Health Benefits for Immigrants

1. I and my family members are legal immigrants. Are we eligible for MassHealth coverage?

MAYBE. Many legal immigrants are eligible for MassHealth coverage (formerly called Medicaid) The Office of Medicaid has two different packages of coverage depending on your immigration status.

! MassHealth Standard is full-scope health care coverage including long-term-care to both U.S. citizens and legal immigrants who meet the financial and other eligibility rules. Eligible immigrants include refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, Legal Permanent Residents who have either lived continuously in the U.S. since August 1996 or who have had Legal Permanent Resident status for more than five years.  Children who are Legal Permanent Residents do not have to wait five years. Immigrant victims of domestic violence, even those without one of these statuses may also be eligible. MassHealth Standard covers Massachusetts residents who are under age 18, over age 64, disabled, pregnant women and parents/caretakers of minor children.

! MassHealth Essential provides coverage to some legally present immigrants who do not qualify for MassHealth Standard. Immigrants who qualify are elderly or disabled persons who are legal permanent residents, including those who have been here for less than five years. If the immigrant was sponsored they must show that the sponsor's family , including the immigrant as a family member, has income under 200% of the federal poverty level.

2. I am a resident of a nursing home. Am I eligible for MassHealth coverage?

Immigrants who are eligible for MassHealth Standard or SSI will receive nursing home coverage, just like any other MassHealth Standard recipient. In addition, long term care continues for Massachusetts immigrants who were receiving Medicaid as of 6-30-97, who were nursing home residents as of 6-30-97 or applicants long term care. Long term care is not otherwise available, however, to certain immigrants who entered the U.S. after 8-22-96 (until 5 years after entry) or do not meet the federal qualified alien rules. These immigrants can still apply for MassHealth Essential, which covers community based services such as hospice and VNA if authorized upon discharge from an acute care facility.

3. My wife is undocumented. Can she receive health care?

Undocumented immigrants are NOT eligible for MassHealth Standard or MassHealth Essential. (Undocumented persons are also not eligible for TAFDC or Food Stamp benefits for themselves.) But if you are a resident of Massachusetts who has no proof of your immigration status, you may still be eligible for MassHealth Limited coverage if you meet the financial and other eligibility rules.

MassHealth Limited provides coverage for any kind of care your health care provider considers an emergency - including in hospitals, doctors offices, health clinics and other settings. The Office of Medicaid will issue you a MassHealth Limited card that you can show your health care provider each time you need care. NOTE: Family members who are U.S. citizens or eligible legal immigrants should receive MassHealth Standard or MassHealth Essential, even if living with a non-citizen who is undocumented.

4. Will I get reported to INS if I get MassHealth coverage?

The Office of Medicaid is not required to report any immigrant to INS if they apply for benefits. Reporting without your permission violates state privacy laws. However, if you in the process of applying for an immigration status with INS, speak with an immigration specialist before you apply for MassHealth or any welfare benefits.

5. How will MassHealth be provided if some of my family members are U.S. citizens and some are immigrants?

U.S. citizen family members and most legally present immigrants are eligible for MassHealth Standard coverage (or MassHealth Basic if you are ages 18 to 65 with no children or a disability). If some of your family members are eligible for MassHealth Basic or MassHealth Limited, the Division of Medical Assistance will send you different MassHealth cards for each member of your family who is eligible for different coverage. You will also get a booklet telling you what is covered under each program.

 

6. What about other services like immunizations, testing for communicable disease, Healthy Start prenatal care, free care or other public health services?

All other public health care and Free Care services are available to Massachusetts residents without requiring proof of immigration or citizenship status. Programs like Healthy Start, Free care and other public health services are basic non-cash services for the public good. For some benefits like Healthy Start and Free Care, financial and other eligibility criteria may apply.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Legal Services office nearest you; Health Care for All, 617/350-7279; or the Mass. Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, 617/350-5480.