Refugees are offered a health assessment (completed within 90 days from their date of arrival) at no charge to them, excluding immunizations needed for adjustment of immigration status.These health services are administered by the Refugee Health Program and provided by county health departments.

Refugees with identified health conditions are referred to primary care physicians and specialists for follow-up health care. Refugee health case managers, where available, assist refugees with identified health conditions in accessing and navigating the health care system. 

Eligibility

Immigration Status

The following individuals are eligible for medical services through the Refugee Health Program:

  • Refugees: Individuals admitted as a refugee under section 207 INA
  • Asylees: Individuals granted asylum under section 208 INA
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants in accordance with requirements in 45 CFR part 401
  • Certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are admitted to the U.S. as immigrants
  • Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008
  • Victims of Trafficking per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA)
Time Limits
  • The health assessment must be initiated and completed in up to 90 days of the refugee’s arrival in the U.S. in order to be paid through the Refugee Health Program. Asylees’ eligibility begins when asylee is granted asylum (not arrival date).  Eligibility for victims of trafficking begins on the date of their certification or letter from the Department of Health and Human Services (not the arrival date).
  • Immunizations should be initiated and completed in up to 120 days of arrival or date asylum was granted. In order to begin immunizations, a completed health assessment within of the refugee’s arrival date must be on file.
Required Documentation

A copy of the I-94 card (or other document verifying immigration status) must be included in the client record. A photo of the client should also be included in the client record. Victims of trafficking will have a letter issued by the Office of Refugee Resettlement certifying eligibility for refugee services. 

Health Services

Health Assessment
  • Height, Weight, and BMI Measurements
  • Blood Pressure
  • Hearing and Vision Exams
  • Dental Screening
  • Lead Screening
  • Complete Blood Count and Metabolic Panel
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Urinalysis
  • Hepatitis Screening
  • Tuberculosis Testing
  • Ova and Parasite Screening
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
Immmunizations
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Pertussis
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Inactivated Poliovirus
  • Haemophilus influenza type B
  • Pneumococcal
  • Meningococcal
  • Rotavirus
  • Human Papillomavirus
  • Zoster

* Free immunizations are available for eligible refugees within 12 months of arrival. Immunizations are administered according to Advisory Committee on Immigration Practices (ACIP) Guidelines.