Many immigrants and mixed-status families can qualify for health coverage in Oregon. Available options depend on factors such as age, income, immigration status, and household size.
Applying for health coverage is generally safe and confidential. Information on applications is used only to determine eligibility for health coverage programs and financial help.
Health coverage options for immigrants
Immigrants in Oregon may qualify for:
- Individual coverage through Explore Health
- Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
- Emergency medical coverage
- Children's health coverage programs
- Pregnancy-related coverage
- Employer-sponsored insurance
- Community and safety-net health services
Some people may qualify for more than one program.
Many lawfully present immigrants can enroll in Marketplace health coverage and may qualify for financial help to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Eligible immigration statuses may include:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Refugees and asylees
- People granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture
- People with certain humanitarian statuses
- Some individuals with work or student visas
Eligibility rules can change over time, so it is important to review current information or work with a trusted enrollment partner.
Financial help through the Marketplace
Many immigrants qualify for:
- Premium tax credits
- Lower deductibles and copays
- Special enrollment opportunities
Learn more about Explore Health eligibility for immigrants.
Immigrants can qualify for OHP based on age, income, pregnancy status, or other eligibility factors.
Eligibility rules may differ for:
- Adults
- Children
- Pregnant individuals
- Older adults
- People with disabilities
Some immigrants may qualify for Medicare if they are age 65 or older or have certain disabilities or medical conditions.
To qualify for Medicare, a person generally must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant, and
- Meet federal residency requirements
Some lawfully present immigrants may need to live in the United States for a certain number of years before qualifying for Medicare.
People who do not qualify for premium-free Medicare based on work history may still be able to enroll, but they may need to pay monthly premiums.
Important things to know:
- Medicare eligibility rules for immigrants can be different from Explore Health or Oregon Health Plan (OHP) rules.
- Some people may qualify for Explore Health coverage before becoming eligible for Medicare.
- Delaying Medicare enrollment may lead to late enrollment penalties in some situations.
Free Medicare help is available through Oregon's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program.
Even if you do not qualify for full health coverage programs, you may still be able to get:
Some local organizations and clinics also offer services regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Privacy and immigration protections
Applying for health coverage is generally safe and confidential.
Important things to know
- Information on your Explore Health and OHP applications issued to only determine eligibility for health coverage and financial help.
- Information is not used for immigration enforcement purposes.
- Family members who are applying for coverage generally do not need to provide immigration information for household members who are not applying.
- Parents or caregivers can apply for children even if the adults in the household are not eligible themselves.
- Receiving health coverage for eligible family members does not affect eligibility for others in the household.
- You should provide truthful and accurate information on applications, but you only need to provide immigration or citizenship information for people requesting coverage.
Public charge information
Many immigrants worry that using health coverage programs could affect future immigration applications.
Public charge policies are complex and are changing.
For trusted public charge information, visit:
If you have questions about immigration issues, consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited immigration representative.
Get free help
Free local help is available in many languages to:
- Understand coverage options
- Apply for health coverage
- Report changes
- Renew benefits
- Understand eligibility rules
- Find language support services