Stuck between Health and Immigration Reform — Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Abstract

It is a time of immense change in U.S. health care and immigration policy. On the cusp of major insurance expansions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Congress is now debating a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. Understanding what will (and won't) change under the ACA and immigration reform is critical to crafting sensible health policy in this realm. Despite a flurry of political activity, health care for undocumented immigrants remains a patchwork with gaping holes, and that reality is unlikely to change much over the coming decade.