Can Undocumented Immigrants Use FQHCs?

Yes — and here's what the law says, what you need to bring, and what FQHCs are required to keep confidential about your status.

The short answer is yes — and the protections are stronger than many people realize.

The Legal Framework

FQHCs receive federal funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. This funding requires them to serve all patients regardless of immigration status, ability to pay, or residency. There is no federal law requiring FQHCs to ask about immigration status or report it to any agency.

What You Are NOT Required to Provide

• Social Security number
• Proof of legal residency
• Immigration documents of any kind
• A government-issued ID (though it helps for intake)

What FQHCs Are Required to Keep Confidential

Under HIPAA, your medical records — including any personal information you share during registration — are protected health information. FQHCs are prohibited from sharing patient information with immigration enforcement agencies without a court order.

FQHCs do not report to ICE. They do not participate in immigration enforcement. This is true even at FQHCs that receive both federal and state funding.

What About Medicaid?

Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for federal Medicaid. However:

• Emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical conditions in most states
• Several states (including California, New York, Illinois, and others) have expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover undocumented residents regardless of federal rules
• Children may be eligible for CHIP in some states even if parents are undocumented

Ask the FQHC's eligibility worker what programs you or your family members may qualify for in your state.

What to Bring

• Photo ID if you have one (a foreign passport, consular ID, or local library card works)
• Proof of income or a written self-attestation for the sliding fee scale
• Insurance card if you have any coverage

Practical Tips

• Call ahead and ask if they have bilingual staff in your language
• You can bring a trusted person with you — but ask for a professional interpreter for anything medical, not just a family member
• If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can leave and find another clinic

The Bottom Line

FQHCs exist specifically to serve underserved communities, including immigrants. Don't let immigration status be a barrier to getting care.