Health Insurance for Children without Lawful Presence

Minors without lawful presence can now qualify for child health insurance coverage through if the household income is no more than 266% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

A Hot Political Issue

The question of Nevada health care coverage for illegal immigrants has been a hot political issue in the state and in the country. Many are concerned that giving those without lawful presence medical insurance will attract more illegal immigration. However, if these individuals do not have insurance, then what do we do when they have a health care need?

Do we leave illegal immigrants outside the hospital to die like they do with the uninsured in China? Or, do we offer them care? If we offer health care services to illegals, then who pays for this care? Should the private hospital have to foot the bill? Or, should the government pick up the tab?

What about health insurance for the children of illegal immigrants?

Then, the question becomes what about child only health insurance in Nevada for illegal immigrants? What about children who do not have lawful presence? If Nevadians couldn’t stomach adults without lawful presence not receiving care, then they definitely would not want to withhold health care from children.

Minors without lawful presence have several options regarding health insurance for children in Nevada. If these kids are in a household that has an FPL of 266% or less, they qualify for full. If the FPL is over 266%, the children may qualify for Restricted, private health insurance or in some counties they may be offered other government health insurance plans.

Child Health Care Options Through and Outside of the Nevada Health Exchange

According to Nevada, individuals and families who are not legally in Nevada may enroll through the Nevada website to see if they qualify for family plans or child only health insurance coverage through. However, the health care insurance benefits may be limited, especially for adults. Illegal immigrants can also purchase private insurance coverage on their own outside of the Nevada Health Exchange. Also, there are some counties that provide special health insurance for the children of immigrants who are not lawfully present in Nevada.