Using Public Benefits | everyonebelongshere

TOOLKIT

More than ever, immigrants are forgoing benefits for fear of discovery or retaliation.

The recently leaked draft executive order on Public Charges, which if signed could make it harder for low-income immigrants who use certain benefits to enter the country or obtain a green card, has made the situation especially confusing and threatening. As above, it's important for providers to know what is and what is not true. The landscape is changing rapidly, so keep an eye out for new information from organizations like NILC.

What We Know:

1) Laws & policies about immigrants and public benefits are still the same.

2) Immigrants should never misrepresent information on applications.

3) The Public Charge executive order has NOT been signed. If it is signed, it does not apply to all immigrants (see below for more information)

4) 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 who is eligible should apply.

2) Immigrants should still 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.”

More Information:

Immigrants & Public Benefits: National

National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

Trump's Executive Orders & Immigrants' Access to Health, Food, & Public Programs (March 2017)

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

American Academy of Pediatrics

Access to Health Care & Public Benefits (October 2015)

National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

Public Charge

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.