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Immigration Status & Health Insurance FAQs

Learn about health insurance options for immigrants in California, including lawfully present residents, DACA recipients, and mixed-status families.

Eligibility Overview

Your eligibility for Covered California depends on your immigration status:

  • U.S. Citizens: Fully eligible for Covered California and subsidies
  • Lawfully present: Eligible for Covered California and subsidies
  • DACA recipients: Now eligible for Covered California (as of 2024)
  • Undocumented: Not eligible for Covered California, may qualify for emergency Medi-Cal

Lawfully Present Immigrants

If you're lawfully present, you can enroll in Covered California. This includes:

  • Green card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents)
  • Refugees and asylees
  • Visa holders (work, student, etc.)
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  • U-visa and T-visa holders
Lawfully present immigrants with income under 138% FPL qualify for Covered California (not Medi-Cal) with enhanced subsidies.

DACA Recipients

Good news! Starting in November 2024, DACA recipients are now eligible for Covered California and subsidies.

Learn more about DACA health insurance options.

Mixed-Status Families

In mixed-status families, eligible members can enroll even if others aren't eligible:

  • Apply only for eligible family members
  • Information about non-applicants is protected
  • Children may qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of parent status
Privacy Protection: Covered California does not share applicant information with immigration authorities.