Immigrants and Coronavirus (COVID-19): You Can Get Care Without Fear

• I don't have legal immigration status. Can I get tested for coronavirus? 
• Can I get vaccinated?
• Will medical programs cover the costs of testing and treatment for coronavirus?
• If I get treated for coronavirus, will that count against me in the public charge test? Will it make it hard for me to get a Green Card?
• I need unemployment benefits. Will this be a problem in the public charge test?
• My family gets pandemic electronic benefits (P-EBT) since the schools closed and my child did not get free or reduced fee school meals. Is this a problem for public charge?
• Is it safe for me to see a doctor if I need to?
• Is it safe for me to apply for medical benefits on Healthplanfinder for myself or my family?
• Where can I learn more about coronavirus?

I don't have legal immigration status. Can I get tested for coronavirus? 

Yes. Under the law, everyone is eligible to get testing and treatment for communicable diseases, including coronavirus. This includes people without legal immigration status. 

Can I get vaccinated?

Yes. You and your family members can also get the coronavirus vaccine, even if you don't have legal immigration status.  The vaccine is free for everyone.

Will medical programs cover the costs of testing and treatment for coronavirus?

Yes. Washington Apple Health covers testing and treatment for coronavirus for people who have low incomes and meet other requirements.  You do not have to have legal immigration status to be eligible. 

If you are not eligible to get Washington Apple Health, you may be able to buy a Qualified Health Plan (private insurance) on Washington Healthplanfinder. Learn more here:  www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/special-enrollment-period.html.

If I get treated for coronavirus, will that count against me in the public charge test? Will it make it hard for me to get a Green Card?

No and no.  Immigration officials will not consider use of medical assistance, like Washington Apple Health, in the public charge test. (The only exception is long-term care in a place like a nursing home paid for by the government.) 

Testing, treatment, and vaccination for coronavirus will not count against you.  You and your family members can get the care you need without fear. 

I need unemployment benefits. Will this be a problem in the public charge test?

No!  Immigration officials will not consider use of unemployment benefits in the public charge test.  You can use them without fear. 

My family gets pandemic electronic benefits (P-EBT) since the schools closed and my child did not get free or reduced fee school meals. Is this a problem for public charge?

No!  Immigration officials will not consider use of any food assistance in the public charge test.  This includes school meals, P-EBT benefits, WIC, and food stamps.  You and your family can use any of these without fear. 

Is it safe for me to see a doctor if I need to?

Yes. Your doctor cannot share information about you without your permission. This includes information about your immigration status.  

Federal guidelines say immigration officials should not arrest people or do other enforcement activities at health care facilities like hospitals and clinics.

Is it safe for me to apply for medical benefits on Healthplanfinder for myself or my family?

Yes. The information on your application for medical benefits can only be used to decide if you are eligible to get benefits. It cannot be shared with immigration officials.

Where can I learn more about coronavirus?

Learn more in a variety of languages on the King County Public Health website.