*** The Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM) has been replaced by the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM) as of June 1, 2016.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. ***
Effective: May 1, 2013 |
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11.15 - Funding Health Care for Noncitizens |
Archived: June 1, 2016 (Previous Versions) |
Immigration status and, in some cases, date of entry or length of time in the United States are key factors in determining health care program eligibility for noncitizens. Because of differences in federal and state law, it is possible for two noncitizen enrollees to be eligible for the same health care benefits, even though one enrollee's benefits may be both federally and state-funded, while the other enrollee's benefits are funded entirely by the state.
Undocumented and Nonimmigrant People.
Noncitizens who meet all other program requirements and have an immigration status that qualifies for Federal Financial Participation (FFP) are enrolled in one of the following major programs:
l Program LL if they are pregnant women or children under 21.
l Program FF if they are parents or relative caretakers.
l Program BB if they are adults without children with income >75% FPG.
Lawful noncitizens who meet all other MCRE requirements but do not have an immigration status that qualifies for FFP and do qualify for state funding, are enrolled in one of the following major programs:
l Program KK if they are pregnant women or children under 21 and are incarcerated.
l Program JJ if they are parents or relative caretakers.
Noncitizens whose immigration status does not qualify them for FFP, but who do qualify for state funding:
l Program BB if they are adults without children.
Legal guardians and foster parents who qualify for state funding, regardless of their immigration status or date of entry:
l Program JJ.
For MA, noncitizens who meet federal immigration status requirements are potentially eligible for MA with FFP (major program MA). They must meet all other MA program requirements, such as income and assets.
Noncitizens who meet all other MA program requirements but do not have an immigration status that qualifies for MA with FFP and are receiving services through the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) are potentially eligible for Noncitizens Medical Assistance (NMED) (major program NM). This includes noncitizens who do not qualify for federally funded health care due to their date of entry or length of time in the United States if they are receiving services from the CVT. This state-funded MA program provides the same benefits as MA with FFP.
Noncitizens who are not eligible for MA with FFP due to immigration status, date of entry, or sponsor deeming may be eligible for Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) if they have a medical emergency.
Example:
Joseph came to the United States to visit his daughter on a nonimmigrant visa. While in the United States, Joseph had a stroke. Joseph is not able to return to his home country because of his medical condition. Joseph’s visa has expired and USCIS considers him to be undocumented. He meets all other eligibility factors for MA.
Action:
Approve EMA if Joseph provides verification that he received services in the emergency room for his emergency condition.
Example:
Grace is a sponsored LPR who has provided verification that she was in the emergency room for treatment due to a car accident. Grace states that her sponsor is not providing financial support, but this has not been verified by the sponsor. Grace meets all other eligibility factors for MA.
Action:
Approve EMA due to the verified emergency medical condition. Grace meets all eligibility factors for EMA because her sponsor’s income is not deemed.
Noncitizens who are lawfully present in the United States. but do not have a status that qualifies for federally funded health care must cooperate with the USCIS in efforts to obtain a qualified status or pursue citizenship. See Changes in Immigration Status and Adjustment Requirements for Other Lawfully Present Noncitizens.
Undocumented and Nonimmigrant People
Most noncitizens with an undocumented or nonimmigrant status are not eligible for federally or state-funded health care programs. However, there are exceptions; see Undocumented and Nonimmigrant People.
For information about which immigration statuses qualify or do not qualify for federal funding, see:
Federally or State-Funded Health Care.