Could a Marketplace subsidy affect my green card application?

If you're applying for a green card, you may have questions about whether getting help paying for health insurance could affect your immigration application.

Public charge rules changed in 2026. Because the rules are complex and can depend on your individual immigration situation, we can't tell you whether receiving financial assistance for health insurance will affect your particular case.

What does this mean for Marketplace coverage?

Being enrolled in a Marketplace health plan does not automatically mean that you will be considered a public charge or that your green card application will be denied.

However, the current public charge rules give immigration officials broader discretion to consider an applicant's circumstances, including certain government benefits, when making a public charge determination.

Whether the public charge rules apply to you — and how they may affect your immigration application — depends on your individual circumstances.

Should I accept a premium tax credit?

If you're eligible for a premium tax credit (APTC), you can choose whether to use it to lower the cost of your Marketplace plan.

If you're concerned about how receiving financial assistance could affect your immigration application, we recommend speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited immigration representative before deciding whether to accept the financial assistance.

Stride cannot provide legal or immigration advice or determine how the public charge rules apply to your individual case.

Can I still apply for health insurance?

Yes. Lawfully present immigrants may still be eligible to enroll in Marketplace coverage, although eligibility for financial assistance depends on your immigration status and other factors.

If you need help understanding your health insurance options, Stride can help you understand your Marketplace coverage and financial assistance options. For questions about how health insurance or financial assistance may affect your immigration application, please consult an immigration professional.