Information for Immigrants

Most Immigrants Qualify for Health Coverage

Under the Affordable Care Act, most immigrants qualify for health coverage, including the following groups: 

1. Lawful permanent residents or (“green card holders”).
2. Lawful temporary residents.
3. Persons fleeing persecution, including refugees and asylees.
4. Other humanitarian immigrants, including those granted temporary protected status.
5. Non-immigrant status holders (including worker visas and student visas).

Everyone Can Apply

Both lawfully present and not lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to see if they are eligible for a health plan through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no “waiting period” or “five-year bar.”

Immigrants who are not lawfully present do not qualify for a health plan through Covered California; however, they may qualify for coverage through Medi-Cal if they are younger than 26, if they are a DACA recipient, if they are currently pregnant or were recently pregnant. Immigrants who are not lawfully present can also buy private health insurance on their own outside of Covered California. Additionally, some counties offer other health care options for immigrants who are not lawfully present.