The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed a bill that denies premium assistance under the replacement for Obamacare until the applicant's immigration status or citizenship has been determined.
Under the current law, immigrants who reside in the U.S. illegally can not buy insurance on the exchanges—or receive tax credits—but coverage can begin while the federal government verifies citizenship or residency.
If someone has been wrongly enrolled, his or her plan is terminated, and any tax credits must be repaid. Tax returns can be garnished to get those repayments.
The House bill passed 238-184, with seven Democrats voting for the bill.
The legislation is contingent on the passage of the American Health Care Act, the Obamacare replacement that passed the House. It would apply to both the new tax credits that would start in 2020 and the transitional period of ACA tax credits.
However, for most applicants, their status as a green card holder or their status under other sorts of visas is confirmed with the other federal agencies during the online application process, according to CMS' guide for agents and brokers.
