Thousands of Immigrants to Lose Medicaid Coverage in PA and NJ Amid Trump-Era Policy Shifts

New Jersey's Department of Human Services estimates that between 15,000 and 25,000 immigrants with legal status will lose Medicaid coverage next fall, when new eligibility rules take effect. Additionally, Pennsylvania's Department of Health is concerned about the "serious public health risk" posed by stripping coverage for thousands of immigrants, who will lose access to important health services like prenatal care. This development has sparked concerns about a chilling effect on health care access, with advocates warning that families may forgo medical care out of fear of disclosing personal information that could lead to deportation.

Key Takeaways:

• New eligibility rules, established under President Donald Trump's signature legislation, will take effect in October 2026, affecting thousands of immigrants in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Only legal permanent residents, immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, and certain Pacific Island countries, and certain other eligible groups will continue to be covered under Medicaid.
• Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services estimates that between 15,000 and 25,000 immigrants with legal status will lose coverage, while the state's Department of Health warns of a "serious public health risk."
• Advocates express concern about a chilling effect on health care access, with families potentially forgoing medical care due to fear of deportation.
• New Jersey is among a handful of states that allows all children, including undocumented immigrant children, to enroll in Medicaid, while Pennsylvania's Medicaid program does not cover undocumented immigrants.
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have sought access to data from Medicaid and food assistance programs as part of its effort to ramp up deportations.
• State officials are urging people who currently are enrolled in Medicaid to continue using their health plan while they can, and are working with advocacy groups and community organizations to communicate changes.

Statistics:

• 15,000 to 25,000 immigrants with legal status may lose Medicaid coverage in New Jersey.
• 150,000 noncitizen immigrants with legal status are currently covered by Medicaid in Pennsylvania.
• 6-month renewal requirement for Medicaid coverage may lead to a significant decline in enrollment.

Sources:

• Colleen McCauley, policy and advocacy director at Camden Coalition, a nonprofit healthcare advocacy group.
• Laura Waddell, health care program director for NJ Citizen Action, which helps people enroll in coverage.
• New Jersey Department of Human Services.
• Pennsylvania's Department of Health.
• Camden Coalition.
• NJ Citizen Action.
• Tribune Content Agency, LLC.