Legal immigrants begin losing Medicaid coverage under new policy

Many immigrants living legally in the United States began losing Medicaid coverage on Oct. 1 under provisions of a Republican-backed budget law passed last year, according to NPR.

The changes affect categories of legal immigrants, including some refugees, who previously qualified for Medicaid but are no longer eligible under the new rules. NPR spoke with a former refugee and university professor about the effect of the policy shift on people who depend on the program for health coverage.

The budget law, passed last year, included a range of changes to federal health and social programs as part of broader spending adjustments. Advocates for immigrants have warned that the Medicaid eligibility changes could leave vulnerable populations, including some people with disabilities and older adults, without access to care.

Supporters of the law have framed the changes as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending and tighten eligibility requirements for public benefits programs. The practical effects of the policy are beginning to be felt as the Oct. 1 effective date arrives.

NPR's report highlighted personal accounts from those affected, describing uncertainty about how individuals and families will manage health care costs going forward.