Healthcare Shouldn’t Disappear Because of Where Someone Was Born

As we celebrate the anniversaries of Medicare and Medicaid this month, we should also remember the people who are still excluded from our healthcare system simply because of their immigration status.

I know what that feels like.

Growing up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, I often accompanied my parents to free health clinics. They spoke very little English, so I translated medical bills, insurance paperwork, and other important documents long before language access became more common in healthcare. Even then, I saw how difficult it was for immigrant families to get the care they needed.

As a child, I was covered through the All Kids program. But when I turned 18, I learned I would lose that coverage because of my immigration status. Suddenly, I had almost no options. The Health Insurance Marketplace wasn't available to me, and private insurance was simply out of reach.

Healthcare shouldn't disappear because of where someone was born.

Today, I work with the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project, where I see families facing many of the same barriers my own family experienced. We also witnessed how the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program gave thousands of people access to lifesaving care—only to see that coverage taken away when the program was eliminated.

Healthcare is a human right. It shouldn't depend on immigration status, income, or the ability to navigate a complicated system.

As we honor Medicare and Medicaid for serving millions of Americans over the past 61 years, let's also commit ourselves to building a healthcare system that truly leaves no one behind.

Every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life. I hope our elected leaders will continue fighting until that becomes a reality for everyone.
— Luis Rodriguez, Romeoville Illinois