*** The Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM) has been replaced by the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM) as of June 1, 2016. Please refer to the EPM for current health care program policy information. ***

Chapter 11 - Citizenship and Immigration Status

Effective:  June 1, 2012

11.20.25 - Refugees

Archived:  June 1, 2016 (Previous Versions)

Refugees

Refugees have permission to enter and live in the United States because of a well-founded fear of persecution in their home countries due to race, religion, membership in a particular social group, or due to political opinion. Refugee status is granted before the person enters the United States.

Funding Source.

Status Adjustment.

Verification Requirements.

Other Considerations.

Top of Page

Funding Source

Refugees are potentially eligible for federally funded health care (Medical Assistance with federal financial participation, or MinnesotaCare program LL, BB or FF) regardless of date of entry or length of time in the United States.

They are also potentially eligible for Refugee Assistance Program funding. Refugee resettlement grants are treated as lump sum income.

People who receive services from the Center for Victims of Torture may be eligible for state-funded MA (NM/GS) even if they have income or assets in excess of the MA limit.

Top of Page

Status Adjustment

Consider people originally admitted as refugees who later adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to remain refugees for purposes of their health care eligibility. See Changes in Immigration Status.

Top of Page

Verification Requirements

Require one of the following:

l  USCIS form I-94 stamped "refugee" or ยง207.

l  Copy of USCIS form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, or receipt from USCIS indicating filing of application.

l  USCIS form I-688B annotated 274a.12(a)(3).

l  USCIS form I-766 annotated A3.

l  USCIS form I-571.

Top of Page

Other Considerations

Consider eligibility for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) for refugees in their first eight months in the United States if they are eligible for MA due to excess income or assets since RMA has higher income and asset limits.

Note:  In addition to immigrants with refugee status, RMA is also available to Amerasian immigrants, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and trafficking victims who are not eligible for MA due to excess income or assets.

Top of Page