State Health Coverage for Immigrants Faces New Challenges Amid Federal Law Changes
A report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation highlights the challenges faced by noncitizen immigrants in accessing health coverage in the U.S. As of 2024, 24 million noncitizen immigrants, including undocumented individuals, face significant barriers to health coverage. The 2025 reconciliation law introduces increased eligibility restrictions for federally funded programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA Marketplace coverage, affecting lawfully present immigrants. Some states have expanded state-funded programs to cover gaps, but budget pressures have led to reductions in these programs. As of April 2026, 15 states provide state-funded coverage for children regardless of immigration status, and seven states extend coverage to some adults. However, six states have scaled back these programs due to financial constraints.