Low Income Women

Unfortunately, there are few affordable health care options for low-income, undocumented people—particularly at the federal level.

Though any person in the United States is eligible for Emergency Medicaid regardless of citizenship status, this program only requires hospitals to stabilize patients who are in critical condition—conventional treatment options are not covered under this option.

One possible option for underserved, undocumented women could be access to care through the Hill-Burton program. Started in 1946, the federal government began to pay for development/re-development costs of certain hospitals throughout the country; in exchange, those hospitals have agreed to provide free or reduced-cost care to a certain number of patients per year. Now about 200 Hill-Burton obligated facilities remain throughout the country. Importantly, these hospitals do not look to immigration status when determining eligibility. To find a Hill-Burton obligated facility near you, go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton/

In addition to Hill-Burton facilities, some undocumented patients may be able to receive treatment at community health facilities—but this is going to vary based upon the geographic region. Finally, some (but not all) states have extended certain state programs to undocumented individuals that meet other eligibility criteria: for example, in California, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP—available at: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/pages/BCCTP.aspx) is available to anyone, regardless of immigration status. Unfortunately, there are few affordable health care options for low-income, undocumented people—particularly at the federal level.

Though any person in the United States is eligible for Emergency Medicaid regardless of citizenship status, this program only requires hospitals to stabilize patients who are in critical condition—conventional treatment options are not covered under this option.

One possible option for underserved, undocumented women could be access to care through the Hill-Burton program. Started in 1946, the federal government began to pay for development/re-development costs of certain hospitals throughout the country; in exchange, those hospitals have agreed to provide free or reduced-cost care to a certain number of patients per year. Now about 200 Hill-Burton obligated facilities remain throughout the country. Importantly, these hospitals do not look to immigration status when determining eligibility. To find a Hill-Burton obligated facility near you, go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton/

In addition to Hill-Burton facilities, some undocumented patients may be able to receive treatment at community health facilities—but this is going to vary based upon the geographic region. Finally, some (but not all) states have extended certain state programs to undocumented individuals that meet other eligibility criteria: for example, in California, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP—available at: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/pages/BCCTP.aspx) is available to anyone, regardless of immigration status.

I have been unable to find resources for 'long-term' integrative care. There are temporary solutions like the You Can Thrive wellness center that offer intergrative therapies for low-income women or independent hospital clinical trials. Even when they do exist, the communication is not widely available to those who need it the most. As you know, consistency is key to impact overall health and prevention. I started a free 6-month program at Columbia University Medical Center where I led holistic nutrition classes and worked with a yoga instructor/survivor. We had special guests come in and offer integrative therapy instruction and treatment at no additional cost to the participant. While it was incredibly successful, it was also temporary. We are currently working on an ongoing program. I have been unable to find resources for 'long-term' integrative care. There are temporary solutions like the You Can Thrive wellness center that offer intergrative therapies for low-income women or independent hospital clinical trials. Even when they do exist, the communication is not widely available to those who need it the most. As you know, consistency is key to impact overall health and prevention. I started a free 6-month program at Columbia University Medical Center where I led holistic nutrition classes and worked with a yoga instructor/survivor. We had special guests come in and offer integrative therapy instruction and treatment at no additional cost to the participant. While it was incredibly successful, it was also temporary. We are currently working on an ongoing program.