Injured Immigrants: Impact of Green Card Medicaid Waiting Periods

Unexpected and/or sudden injury might mean extremely high medical bills, especially for immigrants. Often, when bills are too high, individuals postpone worrying about their health and potential injuries in order to save money. This can be extremely dangerous and cause your injuries to get worse. As a result, you could also develop new injuries that could start affecting your day-to-day life. Medicaid ultimately protects individuals from this issue. So what happens when that is taken away? Failing to receive proper care can result in significant issues in the future and affect many individuals, particularly immigrants. 

What is the Medicaid Waiting Period for Green Card Holders, and Who Does it Affect?

The Medicaid five-year waiting period is a federal restriction that requires many lawfully present immigrants, alongside green card holders, to wait five years after obtaining their status before they can qualify for full Medicaid coverage. These individuals are often only eligible for Emergency Medicaid. This only provides coverage for life-threatening conditions and usually affects the following individuals:

• Green card holders are typically within their first five years of residency
• Survivors of domestic violence (limited exceptions)
• Low-income families
• Elderly immigrants
• Disabled individuals

Care Not Covered During the Waiting Period and How Injuries Reveal Healthcare Gaps for Immigrants

As stated above, Emergency Medicaid has limitations in the type of coverage it provides; these services are utilized when the patient’s life is at risk. The following care is not covered for injured immigrants:

• Post-operative care
• Rehabilitation services
• Mental health counseling
• Follow-up visits

Injuries that take place on the job (i.e., construction, factories, agriculture, etc.) often expose the gaps in the healthcare safety net for immigrant workers. These gaps include but are not limited to the following:

• Delayed treatment
• Risk of reinjury
• Inability to return to work
• Underreporting of workplace injuries

Health and Financial Impact for Green Card Holders Without Full Medicaid After Injury and How KAASS LAW Can Help

Health consequences of green card holders who cannot access full Medicaid after their injuries include the following: 

• Chronic pain and/or disability
• Worsening of one’s injuries
• Issues in one’s mental health

Here at KAASS LAW, we understand the unique legal challenges faced by green card holders and other immigrants who navigate issues such as injury, healthcare access, and financial hardship. KAASS LAW offers experienced legal counsel in the following areas: 

• Workers’ compensation claims
• Personal injury law
• Medical debt resolution
• Immigration legal support
• Legal guidance on navigating Emergency Medicaid and alternative care programs

Don’t let a lack of coverage put your health or future at risk. Call KAASS LAW today at (844) 522-7752 for a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.