Fact Check: Did thousands of immigrants get Medicaid?

Fact-Check: Did Thousands of Immigrants Get Medicaid?

What We Know

The claim that "thousands of immigrants got Medicaid" can be evaluated in the context of recent legislative changes affecting Medicaid eligibility. The 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduces significant alterations to Medicaid and Medicare, particularly regarding immigrant eligibility. Under the new law, eligibility for Medicaid is restricted to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and legal immigrants from specific countries, effectively cutting off many immigrants who previously qualified for Medicaid, including refugees and those with temporary protected status.

Currently, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for traditional Medicaid, and many legal immigrants face similar restrictions. The Congressional Research Service notes that eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is contingent upon the applicant's immigration status and other factors. Furthermore, a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that the new legislation could lead to a significant reduction in Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals, including immigrants, by imposing stricter eligibility criteria and work requirements (source-7).

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while some immigrants may have previously accessed Medicaid, recent legislative changes are likely to restrict this access significantly. The Johns Hopkins University article highlights that the new law will impose a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, which could disproportionately affect low-income individuals, including immigrants who may struggle to meet these criteria due to various socio-economic factors.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. The Johns Hopkins University and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities are reputable institutions known for their research in health policy. However, some sources, such as El País, while credible, may have a specific editorial stance that could influence their reporting on immigration issues.

It is important to note that while the claim suggests that thousands of immigrants are currently receiving Medicaid, the reality is more nuanced. Many immigrants who might have qualified in the past are now facing new barriers to access due to the recent changes in legislation. The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute confirms that the eligibility landscape for immigrants has become more restrictive, which contradicts the claim that thousands of immigrants are currently benefiting from Medicaid.

Conclusion

The claim that "thousands of immigrants got Medicaid" is Partially True. While it is accurate that some immigrants have historically accessed Medicaid, the recent legislative changes under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act significantly limit eligibility for many immigrants, particularly undocumented individuals and those with certain legal statuses. Therefore, while there may have been thousands of immigrants receiving Medicaid in the past, the current and future landscape suggests a substantial decrease in this number due to stricter eligibility requirements.

Sources

1. The Changes Coming to the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare | Johns Hopkins University
2. Medicaid 2025 – Page 2 | Georgetown University Health Policy Institute
3. The Truth About Medicaid Coverage for Immigrants | Georgetown University Health Policy Institute
4. Noncitizen Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP | Congressional Research Service
5. Updated March 10, 2025 Noncitizen Eligibility for Medicaid | Congressional Research Service
6. Thousands in D.C. could lose health coverage under new budget | 51st State News
7. Research Note: Senate Bill Would Cut Medicaid Funding | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
8. Medicaid under Trump’s new law: how it will affect migrants | El País