New Medicaid restrictions took effect Oct. 1, ending coverage for some immigrants living legally in the United States, including refugees and trafficking survivors. The number affected is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.
Asylum seekers and survivors of domestic violence are also among those who lost coverage. Green-card holders were not affected. The change is part of Medicaid revisions under President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax and policy law, with many other provisions due to take effect early next year. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2025 that the broader changes would leave 7.5 million fewer people with health insurance.
Advocates warn that people unable to pay for private coverage may put off treatment or turn to emergency rooms. Ben D’Avanzo of the National Immigration Law Center said some may not discover they have lost Medicaid until they seek care. White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said immigrants should support themselves rather than rely on taxpayer-funded benefits.
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