Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 4104
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4104Health
Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 24· LAST ACTION JUN 24
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
75
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill addresses a long-standing issue of healthcare access for many immigrant communities in the U.S. If passed, it would mean that a wider range of immigrants, who might currently struggle to afford or qualify for health insurance, would gain access to crucial medical care. This could lead to better health outcomes for these individuals, reduce reliance on emergency room visits for basic care, and potentially benefit public health more broadly by ensuring more people receive preventive treatment and manage chronic conditions.
Without this bill, many immigrants would continue to face significant barriers to healthcare coverage, leading to delayed or forgone treatment and potentially higher costs for uncompensated emergency care that is often borne by hospitals and taxpayers. The changes to sponsor liability could also alleviate a major financial concern for families trying to integrate into the U.S. healthcare system.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires states to provide Medicaid to lawfully residing individuals, including those with deferred action or other Federally authorized presence, overriding previous state-level restrictions.
This ensures a broad group of immigrants can access state Medicaid programs if they meet other income criteria, removing significant barriers to care.
PROVISION 02
Eliminates financial responsibility for immigrant sponsors for Medicaid costs incurred by sponsored individuals.
This removes a major barrier for immigrants to seek necessary medical care without fear of their sponsors being penalized, promoting health-seeking behaviors.
PROVISION 03
Considers all individuals with "Federally authorized presence" as "lawfully present" for eligibility in Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges, reduced cost-sharing, and premium subsidies, as well as Medicaid/CHIP.
This expands eligibility for affordable health insurance and financial assistance to a wider range of immigrants with various legal statuses, making coverage more accessible.
PROVISION 04
Amends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to include reference to lawfully present individuals and undocumented immigrants for coverage, aligning with the amended Medicaid provisions.
This extends the broadened eligibility criteria to children's health insurance programs, ensuring more children have access to healthcare.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill addresses a long-standing issue of healthcare access for many immigrant communities in the U.S. If passed, it would mean that a wider range of immigrants, who might currently struggle to afford or qualify for health insurance, would gain access to crucial medical care. This could lead to better health outcomes for these individuals, reduce reliance on emergency room visits for basic care, and potentially benefit public health more broadly by ensuring more people receive preventive treatment and manage chronic conditions.
Without this bill, many immigrants would continue to face significant barriers to healthcare coverage, leading to delayed or forgone treatment and potentially higher costs for uncompensated emergency care that is often borne by hospitals and taxpayers. The changes to sponsor liability could also alleviate a major financial concern for families trying to integrate into the U.S. healthcare system.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires states to provide Medicaid to lawfully residing individuals, including those with deferred action or other Federally authorized presence, overriding previous state-level restrictions.
This ensures a broad group of immigrants can access state Medicaid programs if they meet other income criteria, removing significant barriers to care.
high
Eliminates financial responsibility for immigrant sponsors for Medicaid costs incurred by sponsored individuals.
This removes a major barrier for immigrants to seek necessary medical care without fear of their sponsors being penalized, promoting health-seeking behaviors.
high
Considers all individuals with "Federally authorized presence" as "lawfully present" for eligibility in Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges, reduced cost-sharing, and premium subsidies, as well as Medicaid/CHIP.
This expands eligibility for affordable health insurance and financial assistance to a wider range of immigrants with various legal statuses, making coverage more accessible.
med
Amends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to include reference to lawfully present individuals and undocumented immigrants for coverage, aligning with the amended Medicaid provisions.
This extends the broadened eligibility criteria to children's health insurance programs, ensuring more children have access to healthcare.
Amendments take effect and apply to services furnished
Before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this Act (each year of a 2-year session is separate)
State plan compliance if State legislation (other than appropriating funds) is required to meet new requirements
Before the first annual open enrollment period under the ACA beginning after the date of enactment of this Act
Establishment of a special enrollment period for individuals newly eligible for ACA subsidies due to Federally authorized presence
GLOSSARY
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Medicaid
A joint federal and state program that helps cover healthcare costs for people with limited income and resources.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
A federal and state program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
ACA (Affordable Care Act)
A federal law that aims to expand health insurance coverage, primarily by creating health insurance marketplaces (exchanges) and providing subsidies to help people afford insurance.
Federally Authorized Presence
A term referring to individuals who have been granted a legal status by the U.S. government that allows them to be present in the country, even if it's not a permanent resident status (e.g., asylum seekers, those with deferred action, temporary protected status).
Affidavit of Support
A legal document signed by a sponsor (usually a U.S. citizen or green card holder) who agrees to financially support an immigrant applying for a visa or green card, preventing them from becoming a public charge.
Health Insurance Exchanges
Online marketplaces, created by the ACA, where individuals and small businesses can shop for and compare health insurance plans.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 24, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 24, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
