Immigrants are concerned about two policies as the House and Senate try to reach a compromise on health care reform. But even advocates for immigrants acknowledge that any attempt to ease restrictions could spark emotional opposition.
One concern focuses on whether illegal immigrants would be allowed to buy health insurance on private markets, called exchanges, which are envisioned in the legislation. The House bill would let them, the Senate bill would not.
The other concern is that both versions of the legislation maintain a five-year waiting period for legal permanent residents to participate in Medicaid for the poor. Advocates contend that these greencard holders should be allowed in Medicaid immediately, as Congress agreed last year for a program for pregnant women and children.
Read this entire story in the Monday, January 18, 2010 print edition of The Baxter Bulletin.
