(AURN News) — During the current government shutdown, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have claimed that Democrats want to give health care benefits to people in the country illegally. But can undocumented immigrants even get federal benefits? The short answer: no.
They can’t sign up for Medicaid or Medicare — a restriction that’s been law since 1996 under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.
Some buy private insurance, often through an employer, but they don’t receive federal assistance to pay for it.
On Aug. 25, DACA recipients began losing access to Marketplace coverage. Anyone enrolled has been dropped, and the Marketplace sent letters informing recipients they are no longer eligible.
According to HealthCare.gov, “Lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace coverage and may qualify for the premium tax credit and extra savings on Marketplace plans.”
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
