Can I get Covered California if I am illegal?
Asked by: Sterling Mertz MD | Last update: September 24, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)
What disqualifies you from Covered California?
Here are the criteria to be eligible for coverage: You must be a California resident. You cannot be enrolled in Medicare or have employer-sponsored health care. You must be a lawfully present immigrant.
How much does healthcare cost for undocumented immigrants?
KFF analysis of 2021 medical expenditure data shows that, on average, annual per capita health care expenditures for immigrants are about two-thirds those of U.S.-born citizens ($4,875 vs. $7,277) (Figure 3).
Can a non-US citizen get Medi-Cal insurance?
Citizenship status does not affect eligibility for Medi-Cal. Determining eligibility for non-citizens to CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits is complicated. Applicants should talk to the Social Services Office if they have any eligibility questions. They must meet all other eligibility criteria.
Can I get health insurance without SSN in California?
You can still apply for health coverage if you don't have an SSN if you're lawfully present in the United States and one of the following is true: You've applied for an SSN. You don't qualify for SSN because of your immigration status. You don't wish to provide your SSN for religious reasons.
Can I Get Health Insurance Through Covered California If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Can undocumented immigrants get covered in California?
Both lawfully present and not lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to see if they are eligible for a health plan through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no “waiting period” or “five-year bar.”
Can I apply for Covered California without social security number?
Can I apply for Covered California if I don't have a Social Security number? Yes. You can apply for Covered California coverage if you're lawfully present even without a Social Security number (SSN) as long as one of the following is true: You've applied for a SSN.
What benefits can undocumented immigrants get in California?
- Medi-Cal health insurance.
- County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) cash assistance for individuals without dependents - Only if you are catastrophically ill.
What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal in California?
The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.
What states offer health insurance to undocumented immigrants?
Do illegal immigrants get free benefits?
Other than WIC, unauthorized immigrants are generally ineligible for federally funded supports except for emergency Medicaid, primary and preventive health care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), free/reduced school lunch, and short-term access to shelters and soup kitchens in emergency situations.
What is the new law in California for illegal immigrants?
New California Law
State and local officers are forbidden from holding illegal immigrants until they can be transferred into federal custody. Federal agencies are prohibited from commandeering local authorities to work with immigration agencies and perform the work of immigration agents.
What are the best states for undocumented immigrants?
Despite fluctuations in individual states, California and Texas continue to dominate as the primary destinations for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with large portions of the population residing in these two states.
Can you get Covered California with no income?
You can get health coverage!
If your job was affected by COVID-19, or if you lack income because your hours were cut or you're no longer working, Covered California is here for you.
How much does Covered California cost per month?
Apply for health insurance by Jan. 31 — and pay as little as $10 per month if you qualify. How many need coverage? Your Estimate $63 per month for a Silver plan. Bronze as low as $0.
What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?
Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health insurance to eligible Californian residents with limited incomes. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial help if they qualify for it.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medi-Cal in California?
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT UPDATE REGARDING MEDI-CAL COVERAGE FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS? Starting January 2024, all income-eligible Californians may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status.
Who is eligible for Covered California?
Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.
Can you be denied health insurance in California?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act changed that. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can't be denied health insurance coverage — and you won't have to pay more because of it.
Does Covered California cover illegal immigrants?
Most immigrants who are California residents qualify for health insurance, and everyone can apply for insurance, regardless of whether they are lawful residents.
What rights do undocumented immigrants have in California?
Under Federal and California anti-discrimination laws, even if you are an undocumented worker, your employer cannot fire you, refuse to hire you, harass you, or take other action against you because of your national origin (including your English language capabilities), race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, age, or ...
Can illegal immigrants get financial aid in California?
CADAA (California Dream Act Application) is California's state financial aid application that allows undocumented students to apply for and receive financial aid to pay for tuition, rent, books, supplies, and other costs.
What makes you ineligible for Covered California?
Who is Eligible for Covered California? All U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and noncitizens lawfully present in California may apply for health care through Covered California. Who is Not Eligible for Covered California? If you are not lawfully present in California, you are not eligible for a Covered California plan.
Can I apply for Medi-Cal without SSN?
If anyone on your application who otherwise qualifies for Medi-Cal does not have a satisfactory immigration status, he or she can apply for restricted Medi-Cal benefits without giving an SSN.
What income is needed for Covered California?
In 2024, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $33,975 Meanwhile, that limit rises to $69,375 for a household size of 4. These numbers refer to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as found on line 11 of your Form 1040.