One Million Immigrants to Lose Medicaid Coverage Starting October 1, 2026
An estimated 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants are expected to lose health coverage on October 1, 2026, as new federal rules restrict eligibility to only lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants. Refugees, asylees, and visa holders will face coverage loss.
An estimated 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants are expected to lose health coverage effective October 1, 2026. Federal restrictions now limit Medicaid/CHIP eligibility to only lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau under COFA.
Who Will Be Affected
Categories of immigrants who will lose coverage include refugees, people granted asylum, survivors of domestic violence with pending VAWA applications, survivors of human trafficking with T visas, and people with Temporary Protected Status. Beginning October 1, 2026, federal Medicaid/CHIP funding for lawfully present noncitizens is limited to LPRs, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants under section 71109 of the Budget Reconciliation Law.
What You Can Do Now
If you hold asylum status, have a pending VAWA petition for victims of abuse, possess a temporary work visa, or have TPS, your Medicaid will likely terminate on October 1. Some states may continue coverage for lawfully residing children and pregnant people under the ICHIA state option, though states must update their systems to manage this transition. Immediately apply for ACA Marketplace coverage in case your Medicaid ends; you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because losing Medicaid coverage is a qualifying life event. Gather your documents now and explore state-funded programs—some states offer limited health coverage outside federal Medicaid.
Sources
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