Cut Off From Care 

Thousands of Massachusetts Immigrants Lose Health Coverage Under New Federal Law

Contributed by MIRA’s Access and Resources Specialist Catherine Ramirez Mejia

On July 4, 2025, Congress passed the HR1 (referred to by the Trump administration as “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3)”), introducing sweeping cuts to federal healthcare programs. Some restrictions, such as those on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility, have already taken effect, and the latest restrictions strip certain lawfully present immigrants of access to comprehensive health insurance.

Beginning October 1, 2026, approximately 7,300 lawfully present immigrants in Massachusetts are affected by the loss of eligibility for MassHealth Standard, the state’s comprehensive Medicaid coverage program. Those impacted include individuals who have long qualified for healthcare coverage on humanitarian grounds, such as refugees, asylees, survivors of human trafficking, and certain survivors of domestic violence, including T-visa and U-visa holders.

While some elderly or disabled individuals will transition to MassHealth Family Assistance, which also provides comprehensive coverage, others will be left with limited options through MassHealth Limited and the Health Safety Net (HSN). 

This builds on the 37,000 lawfully-present immigrants who lost access to Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace subsidies on January 1, 2026 (here, the MA Health Connector). It is expected that by January 2027, an estimated 35,000 additional individuals will lose access to ConnectorCare. 

Lawfully present immigrants are those that are impacted by the eligibility changes under the OB3, but important protections remain in place. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have had their green cards for five years or are exempt from the “five year bar,” Cuban-Haitian Entrants, and migrants covered under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) remain eligible for applicable healthcare programs. Additionally, eligibility rules remain unchanged for several Massachusetts programs, including the Health Safety Net, Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), and MassHealth Family Assistance. Coverage during pregnancy and the 12-month postpartum period remains protected, as does eligibility for MassHealth Limited.

If you or someone you know may be affected:

• Notify MassHealth of any changes to your mailing address to ensure you receive important notices about your coverage.
• Respond to requests for information. Individuals who are lawful permanent residents, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, COFA migrants, pregnant or postpartum, or living with a disability should promptly respond to MassHealth requests to verify their eligibility.
• Seek qualified immigration legal assistance. Individuals who may be eligible to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residency, including certain refugees and asylees, should consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal representative.
• Check for potential eligibility errors. Some individuals who are exempt from the five-year waiting period may be incorrectly identified as ineligible if their updated immigration status has not been reported or reflected in MassHealth records.

For more information contact Health Care for All

Health Care for All Health Insurance Helpline 800-272-4232

Additional resources:

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline call or text 833-773-2445 

Provides mental health services, available to everyone in Massachusetts

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