ENROLL HEALTH NOW
INSURANCE AGENCY
Obamacare/ACA Health Insurance for Immigrants: 2025 ACA Guidelines Update
You belong here.
Your health matters.
Lawfully present immigrants can get affordable health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. We’ll help you understand your options and enroll with confidence. Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:
- Why health coverage matters for immigrants
- What changed in 2025
- Who qualifies for ACA/Obamacare plans
- Documents you may need to enroll
- How to apply for coverage
- Income Requirements
- How much ACA coverage may cost
- Enrolling outside Open Enrollment
- FAQs about immigrant eligibility
DISCLAIMER: We are licensed insurance agents, not government representatives. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or healthcare.gov.
Please expect to hear from our licensed agent within 1 business day. Email quotes available upon request.
From the same team as: Quality Insurance Services Agency
We started in Margate 22 years ago to help our neighbors get health insurance. Many families were new to the United States and needed clear guidance. We met at kitchen tables and in small offices, translated ACA/Obamacare forms, called carriers, and explained each step in plain language. Word spread as families sent friends and friends sent parents. Today, we help individuals and families compare ACA marketplace plans and enroll with confidence. Our licensed health insurance agents focus on getting you strong coverage at a price that fits your budget, with year‑round support, clear explanations, and help with dental and vision options when you need them. If you want smart ACA/Obamacare coverage and a team that treats you like family, call us.
Health insurance is for you, too
If you’re living in the United States legally, you have the right to health insurance. Many immigrants don’t know they qualify for affordable coverage through the ACA Marketplace (also called Obamacare).
You may quality for:
Monthly savings that lower your premium cost
Coverage that starts quickly after you enroll
Plans that include doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and preventive care
Protection for your whole family
We’ve helped immigrant families for over 22 years. We know the process can feel confusing, especially if English isn’t your first language. That’s why we’re here for you.
What "Lawfully Present" Means
You are lawfully present if you have legal permission to be in the United States. This includes green card holders, refugees, people with work visas, protected status, and many other immigration statuses. You do NOT need to be a U.S. citizen to get ACA health insurance.
What Changed in 2025 (Good News!)
The income limits went up for 2025. This means some families who didn’t qualify for savings in 2024 may now qualify.
More people qualify for help paying for insurance
The income limits went up for 2025. This means some families who didn’t qualify for savings in 2024 may now qualify.
- 2024 income limit: $124,800 per year
- 2025 income limit: $129,200 per year (that's $4,400 more!)
If your income stayed the same but the limit went up, you might now qualify for monthly savings.
More time to enroll after losing Medicaid
New permanent rule starting January 1, 2024:
If you lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you now have 90 days to enroll in a Marketplace plan. This is 30 days longer than before.
Special extension through November 30, 2024:
Many people are losing Medicaid coverage as states finish checking eligibility again. If you lost Medicaid or CHIP between March 31, 2023 and November 30, 2024, you have extra time to enroll in an ACA plan.
Year-round enrollment for low-income families
Now permanent:
If your household income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or below, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan ANY time of year. You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment.
What this means:
- Single person earning $22,590 or less per year
- Family of 4 earning $46,800 or less per year
Who qualifies
You can apply for ACA Marketplace health insurance if you have one of these immigration statuses:
Green card and permanent status
- Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
- Conditional Entrant (granted before 1980)
- Lawful Temporary Resident
Refugee & Asylee Status
- Asylee
- Refugee
- Cuban/Haitian Entrant
- Withholding of Deportation or Removal (under U.S. immigration laws or Convention Against Torture)
Protected & Humanitarian Status
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
- Deferred Action Status (Exception: DACA recipients are NOT eligible for Marketplace insurance)
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (or applicants for this status)
- Victim of Trafficking (T-visa) — includes spouse, child, sibling, or parent
- Battered Spouse, Child, or Parent
Work & Student Visas
- Non-Immigrant Status with valid visa:
- H-1B (work visa)
- F-1 or M-1 (student visa)
- U-visa (crime victim)
- Other valid work or student visas
Paroled or Pending Status
- Paroled into the U.S.
- Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (with employment authorization)
- Applicants for Asylum (if you have employment authorization OR are under age 14 with a pending application for at least 180 days)
- Applicants for Adjustment to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
- Applicants for Withholding of Deportation or Removal
Other Eligible Groups
- Registry Applicants (with employment authorization)
- Order of Supervision (with employment authorization)
- Applicants for Cancellation of Removal or Suspension of Deportation (with employment authorization)
- Applicants for Legalization under Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) or LIFE Act (with employment authorization)
- Administrative Order Staying Removal (issued by Department of Homeland Security)
- Member of a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or American Indian born in Canada
- Citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau
What documents do I need?
When you apply for Marketplace health insurance, you’ll need to prove your immigration status. The exact document you need depends on your status.
Green Card Holders
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) - front and back
- You'll need your Alien Registration Number (A#) and Card Number
Work authorization
- Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- You'll need your A#, Card Number, Expiration Date, and Category Code
Visa Holders
- Foreign Passport with current U.S. visa
- You'll need your Passport Number, Expiration Date, and Country of Issuance
Refugees & Asylees
- Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
- Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 or I-94A)
- Notice of Action (I-797)
Students
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20)
- You'll need your SEVIS ID number
Exchange Visitors
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20)
- You'll need your SEVIS ID number
Temporary Status
- Notice of Action (I-797) showing your TPS or deferred action status
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766) if applicable
Other Documents
- Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (with temporary I-551 language)
- Temporary I-551 stamp (on passport or I-94)
- Reentry Permit (I-327)
- Certification from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
- ORR Eligibility Letter (for applicants under age 18)
Income Requirements
To qualify for savings on your monthly premium, your household income must fall within certain limits. The good news: the limits went up for 2025, so more families qualify.
2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines
Household size
100% FPL (Annual)
150% FPL (Annual)
400% FPL (Annual)
1 person
$15,060
$22,590
$60,240
2 person
$20,440
$30,660
$81,760
3 person
$25,820
$38,730
$103,280
4 person
$31,200
$46,800
$124,800
5 person
$36,580
$54,870
$167,840
6 person
$41,960
$62,940
$15,060
*Add $5,380 for each additional person
What This Means:
- If you earn between 100% – 400% FPL: You likely qualify for premium tax credits (monthly savings)
- If you earn 150% FPL or less: You can enroll ANY time of year
- If you earn 250% FPL or less: You may qualify for extra help with deductibles and copays
What counts as an income?
Income you MUST count
- Wages and salaries from jobs
- Self-employment income
- Tips and bonuses
- Tips and Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits (the taxable portion)
- Rental income
- Investment income (interest, dividends)
- Alimony (if divorce was finalized before January 1, 2019)
- Retirement distributions
- Business income
Income you DON’T count
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Child support received
- Gifts or inheritance
- Workers' compensation
- Most disaster relief
- Veteran's disability benefits
- Welfare payments (TANF)
- SNAP/Food stamps
- Alimony (if divorce was finalized after December 31, 2018)
Self-Employed?
Estimate your net income (profit after business expenses) for the year. If your income changes month-to-month, we’ll help you make a fair estimate.
Irregular Income?
If you have seasonal work, multiple jobs, or income that varies, we’ll help you calculate a reasonable annual estimate.
Who to include in your household
Your household size affects your income limits and savings.
Include these people:
- Yourself
- Your spouse (if married)
- Your tax dependents (even if they don’t need health insurance)
Examples:
Single adult, no dependents = Household of 1
Married couple, no children = Household of 2
Married couple + 2 children = Household of 4
Single parent + 1 child = Household of 2
You + Your parent you claim as dependent = Household of 2
What if I file taxes separately from my spouse?
In most cases, you must file jointly with your spouse to qualify for premium tax credits. There are exceptions for victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment. We can help you understand your options.
Can I enroll outside Open Enrollment?
Yes! You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if certain things happen in your life:
Becoming a U.S. Citizen or Gaining Lawful Presence
You have 60 days to enroll after you become a citizen or gain lawful immigration status. Coverage can start the first day of the month after you enroll
Moving to the United States
You have 60 days to enroll after you become a citizen or gain lawful immigration status. Coverage can start the first day of the month after you enroll
Losing Other Health Coverage
New for 2025: If you lose Medicaid or CHIP, you have 90 days to enroll (this used to be 60 days). You have 60 days if you lose job-based insurance, COBRA, or other coverage
Changes in Your Household
Getting married, having or adopting a baby (coverage can start the day of birth/adoption) or gaining custody of a child
Changes in Your Income
If your income drops and you now qualify for savings or if you become newly eligible for premium tax credits
Low Income (Permanent Year-Round Enrollment)
If your household income is 150% FPL or below, you can enroll ANY time; Example: Single person earning $22,590 or less per year
Leaving Incarceration
You have 60 days after release to enroll
Gaining Membership in a Federally Recognized Tribe
You can enroll at any time
Open Enrollment Is Here
The window to enroll is limited. Don’t wait until an emergency forces you to decide.
Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get ACA health insurance?
No. You do NOT need to be a U.S. citizen. Lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace insurance. This includes green card holders, refugees, people with work visas, protected status, and many other immigration categories.
Will applying for health insurance affect my immigration status?
No. Applying for or receiving ACA Marketplace coverage will NOT hurt your immigration status or your ability to get a green card or citizenship.
Health insurance through the Marketplace is NOT considered a “public benefit” under immigration rules. It is private insurance that you pay for (even if you get help paying for it).
Important: This is different from Medicaid. Talk to an immigration attorney if you have questions about public charge rules.
Are DACA recipients eligible for Marketplace insurance?
As of 2025, people with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status are still NOT eligible for Marketplace health insurance under federal rules. However, some states offer state-funded programs. Call us to learn about options in your state.
What if my immigration documents are expired?
You may still be eligible if you have proof of a pending renewal or extension. Call us at (954) 620-7624. We’ll review your documents and help you understand your options.
Can I get help in my language?
Yes! We provide support in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The Marketplace application is also available in multiple languages. We’ll help you understand everything clearly.
What if some family members are citizens and some are immigrants?
Everyone who is eligible can enroll.
- U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace insurance
- Family members without legal status cannot enroll, but this won’t affect other family members’ applications
- Your household size includes everyone in your tax household
What if I work but my employer doesn't offer insurance?
You can get Marketplace insurance. You may qualify for savings based on your income. We’ll help you find affordable coverage.
What if my employer offers insurance but it's too expensive?
If your employer’s plan costs more than 9.02% of your household income (for 2025), you may qualify for Marketplace savings instead. We’ll help you calculate this.
What if my income changes during the year?
Report any income changes to the Marketplace right away. This helps you get the correct amount of savings and avoid owing money at tax time. We’ll help you update your application.
What if I need to travel outside the United States?
Your ACA health insurance works only in the U.S. If you travel abroad, you’ll need travel health insurance. Your ACA coverage stays active while you’re gone, and you must keep paying your premiums.
How much does insurance cost?
It depends on:
- Your age
- Where you live
- Household size
- Income
- Which plan you choose
Many families pay less than $50/month after savings. Some families qualify for coverage for $0/month. We’ll give you exact prices when you contact us.
We’ll help you pick the right level for your budget and health needs.
What if I miss Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment for 2025 is November 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025.
If you miss it, you can only enroll if you have a Special Enrollment Period (like moving to the U.S., losing other coverage, having a baby, etc.).
Exception: If your income is 150% FPL or below, you can enroll any time of year.
Can I change plans after I enroll?
You can change plans during the next Open Enrollment period. You can also change if you have a qualifying life event (moving, new baby, loss of coverage, etc.).
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