Reduce Fear with Facts
Under the Affordable Care Act, more people are getting free and low-cost health insurance than ever before. U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants are eligible for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Some individuals who apply for a green card (lawful permanent resident status) or a visa to enter the U.S. must pass a federal “public charge” test. Use of public programs does not automatically make anyone a public charge and many public programs are not considered as part of the test.
Receiving free or low cost health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder – including Apple Health (Medicaid) – does not count against anyone who needs to take the “public charge” test. More information about Medicaid and public charge is available from Washington Apple Health.
If you have questions about federal public charge rules, your status or a family member’s status, and/or use of benefits, contact one of the following organizations for free and confidential help:
CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): NWIRP Seattle Office: 206-587-4009; NWIRP Yakima Valley (Granger) Office: 509-854-2100; NWIRP Wenatchee Office: 509-570-0054
Additional resources are also available on the Governor’s website.