The Consequences of Restricted Health Care Access for Immigrants: Lessons from Medicaid and SCHIP

This article explores the serious public health and health system concerns that arise from the exclusion of immigrants from health care access reform. Specifically, the author explains how Medicaid and SCHIP restrictions limit healthcare access for eligible citizens, undermine the functioning of the healthcare system, and hinder public health goals. These public health goals include: controlling contagious diseases, reducing infant mortality, and coordinating chronic disease care. Ultimately, the author concludes that providing health care access for noncitizens would further public health goals and implement a more rational and cost effective healthcare system.