Access to care
Pregnancy does not wait for paperwork
If you or someone you love is pregnant, you deserve to know how care works, plainly and without fear. In the United States, several long-standing federal protections exist so that pregnancy and birth are not left to chance, no matter your immigration status. This page explains how they generally work. It is information, not legal advice; for your own situation, a Medicaid caseworker or a community health worker can walk you through the details.
Emergency Medicaid covers labor and delivery
Under federal law, Emergency Medicaid pays for the labor and delivery of a baby for people who meet the income rules but do not qualify for full Medicaid because of immigration status. You apply through your state Medicaid agency. It is meant for exactly this kind of emergency, and the birth of a baby qualifies.
Emergency rooms must treat you (EMTALA)
A federal law called EMTALA requires hospitals with an emergency room to screen and stabilize anyone with an emergency, including someone in active labor, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. They cannot turn you away in an emergency.
Many states cover prenatal care regardless of status
Many states use the CHIP unborn-child option to cover prenatal care for the pregnancy itself, regardless of the parent's immigration status. Coverage and names vary by state, so the surest path is to apply and let the agency check what you qualify for. Materna verifies your eligibility at no cost.
Using Medicaid for pregnancy does not count against you
Under the public-charge rules, using Medicaid for pregnancy, for children, or for emergency care is generally not counted when immigration looks at a public-charge question. Health coverage for a pregnancy is treated differently from cash assistance. When in doubt, ask an immigration attorney about your specific case before deciding to go without care.
How to apply in your state
- AHCCCS (AZ). Arizona runs Medicaid through AHCCCS. Apply through AHCCCS for Emergency Medicaid and pregnancy coverage.
- Medi-Cal (CA). California runs Medicaid through Medi-Cal, which covers pregnancy-related care broadly. Apply through Covered California or your county.
- Texas HHSC (TX). Texas covers prenatal care through CHIP Perinatal regardless of status. Apply through Texas Health and Human Services.
- Pennsylvania DHS (PA). Pennsylvania covers prenatal care and offers Emergency Medical Assistance. Apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. For your situation, check with your Medicaid agency or an immigration attorney.
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