5 Things Immigrant and Mixed-Status Families Should Know about Enrolling in the ACA
As open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) gets underway, we know there are people eligible for coverage who remain uninsured and are looking for information and resources to understand their options and get covered.
Immigrants and those living in mixed-status families face unique circumstances and may need additional guidance on how to get coverage for themselves and their loved ones. The good news is that there are resources available to help.
Here are five things immigrant and mixed-status families—and those assisting them—should know about enrolling in coverage under the ACA:
- Immigration information provided on the health application will be used only to verify eligibility for coverage. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stated it will not use this information for immigration enforcement purposes.
- Signing up for insurance through the ACA, Medicaid, or Children’s Health Insurance Program does not make someone a “public charge.” The one exception is for people receiving long-term care in an institution at government expense.
- While those without an eligible immigration status cannot get coverage through the ACA, they can apply on behalf of their eligible dependents. An undocumented parent, for example, can apply on behalf of an eligible child. Those who are not applying for coverage for themselves will not be asked if they have an eligible immigration status.
- A variety of immigration documents can be used to verify immigration status on the health application. Having this information readily available will help the enrollment process.
- Free, in-person assistance is available to help those applying. For information on assistance in your area, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
This year’s Open Enrollment period is 45 days, compared to 90 days in previous years. This means that for 2018 coverage, you must enroll by December 15!
Visit UnidosUS.org to see three things you need to know to enroll today.
Since 2013, the ACA has provided 20 million Americans, including four million Latino adults and 600,000 Latino children, with access to health coverage and care. The 2018 Open Enrollment period provides our community with an opportunity to build on this historic progress.
