According to federal data and the most recent Survey of Immigrants, a partnership between The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and The Los Angeles Times, immigrants make up 16% of the U.S. adult population and play an important role in the nation’s workforce, culture and economy, contributing tens of billions of dollars each year in federal, state and local taxes. No matter how long they have been in the U.S., most immigrants surveyed said they came to the U.S. to find better jobs, educational opportunities and a brighter future for their children.
Despite their optimism, undocumented immigrants face unique challenges, especially in accessing health care for their children. No federal programs provide health care to undocumented children. Except for emergency care, the children of undocumented immigrants are prohibited from enrolling in any federally funded coverage, including Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program or coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Even many lawfully present immigrants face a five-year waiting period to enroll in Medicaid or CHIP.
Further complicating the situation, children of undocumented immigrants are often U.S.-born citizens who may be eligible for benefits, but do not receive them because of immigration-related fears and confusion about eligibility restrictions. As a result, undocumented immigrants seek health care from a patchwork system of safety net providers such as federally qualified community health centers, public hospitals, migrant health centers, health fairs, and school and community clinics.
Read more at TheNationsHealth.org
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