What the shutdown means for Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs https://share.google/HinJMTFfD5R4GpLxI More than 167 people will lose coverage. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for Medicare or comprehensive Medicaid coverage under federal law. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 prohibits non-qualified immigrants from accessing most federal benefits, including these programs. However, there are limited exceptions for medical emergencies, and some states use their own funds to provide care. Some states use their own funds to provide more extensive health coverage to certain groups of undocumented immigrants, such as children or pregnant people. The availability of these programs varies significantly by state. It's important to distinguish between undocumented immigrants and those who are "lawfully present." Certain categories of lawfully present immigrants may qualify for federal health benefits, often after a five-year waiting period. However, the eligibility rules for these immigrants are complex and have recently been subject to significant changes, with new federal laws taking effect in 2025 that restrict access for many previously eligible groups. Beloud