In some limited and generally short-term situations.
- Federal law requires that anyone who goes to a hospital with a medical emergency is treated, regardless of whether or not they have health insurance and regardless of their immigration status. The government will pay hospitals that provide emergency treatment to people who are not eligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status. This includes labor and delivery. This program ensures doctors get paid, and no person with a medical crisis is left waiting in the emergency room.
- Some types of public health programs, such as community clinics and vaccination programs, also provide medical care to every person, regardless of their immigration status. This helps in improving the health of an entire community and prevents the spread of diseases.
- Some states have created different types of programs to help immigrants who cannot access federal health benefits access public and private health insurance. These programs have been shown to improve health outcomes for entire communities, but none of these programs receive federal funds. Finally, in many states, undocumented immigrants receive very limited prenatal care, ensuring newborns are healthy and safe.