Bill > S2149

This bill, called the "Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025," aims to expand health insurance coverage for immigrants by removing legal and policy barriers. The bill seeks to ensure that all lawfully present individuals in the United States are eligible for federally funded health care programs, including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It would eliminate state restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for lawful permanent residents and create pathways for undocumented individuals to obtain health insurance through exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act. The legislation introduces provisions to treat individuals with federally authorized presence (such as those with deferred action) as lawfully present for the purposes of health insurance eligibility, premium tax credits, and cost-sharing reductions. Additionally, the bill gives states the option to provide Medicaid and CHIP coverage to individuals without lawful citizenship status and removes various immigration-related barriers to accessing affordable health care. The changes would be implemented gradually, with most provisions taking effect after December 31, 2025, and allowing time for state legislatures to adapt to the new requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2149/all-info