Immigration Status and Health Insurance: What You Need to Know About Marketplace Eligibility

Health insurance is essential—but qualifying for Marketplace coverage and subsidies depends on more than just your income. One of the most important and often misunderstood requirements is your immigration status.

We want to make something very clear: You must have the right immigration status—and valid, unexpired documentation—to apply for a health plan through the Marketplace and qualify for subsidies.

The federal government is becoming stricter about enforcing immigration-related rules. Many applicants have already lost coverage because their immigration status did not meet eligibility requirements, or their documents were expired or incomplete. If your status isn’t verified, the Marketplace will deny you access to both coverage and financial assistance.

What Immigration Documents Are Accepted?

Below is a list of documents commonly used to prove lawful presence when applying for Marketplace coverage. Keep in mind that even though you have one or more of the documents below, if you don't have an the right eligible immigration status, you still may not qualify for subsidies on the Marketplace.

These documents must be valid and not expired at the time of application:

• Permanent Resident Card, "Green Card" (I-551)

• Reentry Permit (I-327)

• Refugee Travel Document (I-571)

• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with temporary I-551 language)

• Temporary I-551 Stamp (on Passport or I-94/I-94A)

• Foreign passport

• Arrival/Departure Record (I-94/I-94A)

• Arrival/Departure Record in foreign passport (I-94)

• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20)

• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019)

• Notice of Action (I-797)

• Document indicating a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada

• Certification from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

• Document indicating withholding of removal (or withholding of deportation)

• Administrative order staying removal issued by the Department of Homeland Security

• Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligibility letter (if under 18)

• Resident of American Samoa Card

Which Immigration Statuses Are Most Likely to Be Approved?

While several types of documentation may be accepted, we’ve found that applicants with Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Student Visas are often the most straightforward to verify and approve. However, other statuses have also been accepted, depending on the documentation submitted and the information provided.

If you’re unsure whether your current immigration status qualifies, please call a local agent at Utah Avenue Insurance. We can help you review your documents and determine your eligibility before applying, which can save time and reduce stress. We'll also submit your documents and watch to make sure they clear or if they need more documentation. 

A Hard Truth: Many Lawfully Present People Still Don’t Qualify

This is one of the most heartbreaking parts of the recent rule changes. Many of our clients are lawfully present in the U.S., working hard and paying taxes—yet they do not meet the narrow definitions now used to determine eligibility for Marketplace subsidies.

We share in your frustration and disappointment. The new rule, part of what’s being called the “big beautiful bill,” is limiting who can get help paying for their insurance, and it’s already affecting good people who deserve better.

We are monitoring the situation closely and hope to have more clarity on this issue as we get closer to Open Enrollment later this year. If it turns out that you do not qualify for subsidies based on your immigration status, we still have other options available. These include private health insurance plans, which you can purchase directly through a carrier. Our agents can help you compare plans that fit your needs and budget, even without financial assistance from the Marketplace.

📞 If you have questions about your immigration status or need help submitting the right documents, contact Utah Avenue Insurance today.

🛡️ Better coverage starts here.