Whether Medicaid enrollment could count as Public Charge and cause green card disadvantage
I entered the U.S. on F-1, graduated, and forgot I had no insurance while working unpaid during OPT. About a month ago, I got very sick and needed antibiotics, but had no insurance — while searching, I found a place, and when asked about income, I said I had none, so they enrolled me in a state-funded Medical program. I met with a doctor and received 3 days’ worth of antibiotics. But I later learned this could be considered Public Charge and cause a disadvantage, or even denial, when applying for an employment-based green card, and that I absolutely shouldn’t have accepted it.
Realizing this, I called just over a month after enrolling/receiving the card and asked to have it deactivated. Some people say it’s fine unless it’s long-term care or cash assistance, while others say it’s an automatic green card denial — would this situation be considered Public Charge and result in green card denial?
Hello. We think a temporary treatment purpose like that generally would not be considered Public Charge.
You probably don’t need to worry too much.