HealthPoint Statement on Public Charge

On February 24, a new immigration rule went into effect. The Public Charge rule will make it harder to get a green card for some* immigrants who use government-funded food, health, and housing benefits.

The Public Charge rule has created fear and confusion for many immigrants. People are afraid that using the public benefits they need will negatively affect their immigration status or their family’s ability to immigrate to the USA.

Our Commitment to Our Patients
 

HealthPoint will continue to provide high quality health care and services to everyone, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

HealthPoint’s Sliding Fee Program is an Affordable Way to Get Care
 

HealthPoint offers a sliding fee program based on your income and family size to make your health care services affordable. If you are not eligible for health benefits, or if accessing these benefits may affect your immigration case, we encourage you to use our sliding fee program. 

HealthPoint’s sliding fee program is not a public benefit that counts in the Public Charge test. HealthPoint does not share any information about patients’ immigration status with anyone.

You should continue to use the health care services you and your family need--ask HealthPoint how we can help.

Talk to A HealthPoint CSR and an Immigration Attorney About Your Situation
 

HealthPoint’s Client Service Representatives (CSRs) can help you understand what health care, food, and housing benefits are available to you. 

It is important to talk to an immigration attorney about your specific circumstances so you can understand if the use of benefits may impact you or your family’s immigration status. CSRs can provide a list of legal resources so you can consult an attorney about your specific circumstances. 

You should always consult an immigration attorney before deciding to disenroll or not use the benefits you and your family need.

Learn More About Public Charge

The Northwest Immigrants Rights Project has a helpful video about Public Charge in English and Spanish. 

Aviso comunitario sobre la carga publica 27 de enero from NWIRP on Vimeo.

Community Update on Public Charge for January 27th, 2020 from NWIRP on Vimeo.

*The rule does not affect all immigrants. Refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes, and other “humanitarian” immigrants are not affected. Lawful permanent residents (or “green card holders”) are not affected unless they leave the U.S. for over 180 days and seek to reenter.

DISCLAIMER:
The content in this post is not legal advice. Each immigration situation is unique. HealthPoint recommends that if you know someone who has questions about their status or a family member's status and/or use of benefits, they should speak with an immigration attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representative. They may be able to find a lawyer through the American Immigration Lawyers Association and/or find the nearest DOJ-accredited organization. USCIS will implement the public charge rule on Monday, February 24, 2020 in Washington state and most places nationwide.