Federal Policy Ends Medicaid Eligibility for Many Lawfully Present Immigrants

Effective October 1, 2026, most lawfully present immigrants in the U.S., including refugees and asylum recipients, are no longer eligible for Medicaid. This change stems from H.R. 1, legislation passed in July 2025, which enacted significant Medicaid cuts. Lawful permanent residents and certain other groups retain eligibility, but the policy significantly alters healthcare access for many non-U.S. nationals.