Comprehensive immigration reform could make millions of people suddenly eligible for assistance under President Obama’s healthcare law, notes Elise Viebeck, assuming a final deal paves the way for undocumented immigrants to receive papers.
“Illegal aliens are now prohibited from purchasing coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges, which will launch next year. They are also ineligible for Medicaid under most circumstances,” writes Viebeck
If nothing changes, undocumented immigrants will be a major share of the uninsured, second only to those who are eligible but do not apply for coverage under the healthcare law in 2014.
