Bill would open Medicaid and CHIP to more immigrants

What does this do?

This bill would remove waiting periods and other restrictions that currently block many lawfully present immigrants from enrolling in Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. It would also give states the choice — not the requirement — to extend Medicaid and CHIP to undocumented immigrants who meet income and other eligibility rules. Sponsors who sign an affidavit of support for an immigrant would no longer be held financially responsible for that person's government health care costs.

Who does it affect?

Lawfully present immigrants — including DACA recipients and others with federally authorized permission to be in the country — and their families would be affected. State governments that run Medicaid and CHIP programs would also be affected, since they would gain a new option to expand coverage.

Why does it matter?

Currently, many immigrants wait years before they can enroll in these programs, and some cannot enroll at all. This bill would change who is eligible and how financial responsibility is assigned for immigrant health coverage.

Where does it stand?