Strengthening Immigrants’ Health Access: Current Opportunities

Speakers: Leighton Ku, PhD, MPH Professor, Dept. of Health Policy Director, Center for Health Policy Research School of Public Health and Health Services George Washington University Bobbi Ryder President & Chief Executive Officer National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc.   Elizabeth H. Swain, MA President & Chief Executive Officer Community Health Care Association of New York State   Session Summary: While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not expand access to health insurance for undocumented immigrants, it may pave the way to health care coverage for as many as six million legal immigrants who have had trouble obtaining insurance, and may begin to close the coverage gap between immigrants and native-born adults. First, legal immigrants who do not have health insurance will be able to sign up for coverage through the new on-line exchanges, and may also qualify for federal tax credits that will make a health plan more affordable. In addition, many lawfully present immigrants will also become eligible for Medicaid under the ACA reforms.   Dr.  Leighton Ku, author of the policy brief  “Strengthening Immigrants’ Health Access: Current Opportunities,” will outline both  the opportunities and  obligations that federal health reform law will bring to lawfully present immigrants, who have obtained green cards or visas allowing them to work, study  and live in the United States.  Dr. Ku is Professor, Dept. of Health Policy and Director, Center for Health Policy Research in the School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University.  State-specific experience and commentary on immigrant insurance coverage and health care access will be provided by Elizabeth Swain, President & Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Care Association of New York State, and Bobbi Ryder President & CEO,  National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc. Sponsor: RCHN Community Health Foundation   Date/Time: Thursday, February 6th, 2014, 3:00-4:30pm EST