top of page
CARES Public charge pic MI_Pic4.jpg

Public Charge

Please don't be afraid to get preventative care! This will not affect your immigration status nor is connected to the federal connected. 

Where Does This Fear Come From?

During the Trump Administration, the level of fear amongst undocumented persons was high due to the Political climate. Programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh were threatened to become considered under a public charge test. Although those programs were NOT implemented to be considered under the public charge test, undocumented immigrants became fearful and did not and still do no want to apply for government funded programs. This is nicknamed the "Chilling Affect."

​

Benefits NOT Considered in a Public Charge Test

  • Health 

    • Medicare​

    • Restricted Scope Medi-Cal("Emergency Medi-Cal)

    • Full-scope Medi-Cal (Unless using for long term nursing home)

    • Medi-Cal for children and Pregnant women

    • Sliding Scale Health Center Programs 

    • ACA Tax Credits (Covered California)

    • Contra Costa CARES

    • CMSP

  • Food and Family 

    • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)​

    • CalFresh

    • Public Schools (School Breakfast and lunch)

    • Head Start 

    • Child Care

  • Please note, this is not a complete list of all the benefits that are NOT considered in a public charge test.

bottom of page