Syrian Refugee Family Faces Healthcare Loss Amid Medicaid Changes

In the midst of a global refugee crisis, many individuals find themselves caught in a web of bureaucratic challenges, even after reaching safe havens. Yasin, a Syrian refugee who recently resettled in Phoenix, faces a new hurdle as changes in Medicaid eligibility strip his family of crucial healthcare coverage.

Yasin’s journey from war-torn Syria to the United States was fraught with danger and uncertainty, marked by traumatic memories of bombings and arrests. “Our life was very difficult in Syria and we don’t know if we were going to live or not,” Yasin shared through an interpreter.

After fleeing Syria, Yasin, his wife, and their children found temporary refuge in Sudan and Egypt. Their path to the U.S. involved an extensive vetting process, culminating in their arrival in Phoenix in 2024. “I began to feel reassurance, safety, and stability,” Yasin reflected.

Katherine Davis-Young

KJZZ

Yasin and his family came to Arizona as a refugees after fleeing war in Syria. Now, Yasin worries about keeping his children safe as the family loses healthcare due to Medicaid eligibility changes.

Despite the newfound sense of security, Yasin’s financial situation remains precarious. He recalls a moment shortly after arriving when his son broke his leg, highlighting the necessity of having health insurance.

Since their arrival, Yasin’s family had been covered by Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS. However, recent policy changes have rendered them ineligible, along with over 20,000 others in the state. These changes stem from a 2025 Congressional decision impacting Medicaid eligibility for refugees and certain immigrants nationwide. Notably, Arizona is one of the states where even children, like Yasin’s sons, are affected.

Refugees’ Health Needs

Historically, Medicaid has been critical for refugees and asylees, providing immediate health coverage upon their arrival in the U.S. Joanne Morales from Catholic Charities Community Services Arizona emphasizes the importance of this coverage, noting the traumas many refugees endure.

Catholic Charities Community Services' office in Phoenix. — Catholic Charities Community Services’ office in Phoenix.

Arizona, with one of the highest per capita rates of refugees, is home to many who have fled conflict zones, like those from Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Morales points out that many refugees arrive with urgent health needs, including untreated conditions from refugee camps.

Policy Shifts and Healthcare Impact

The recent policy changes, part of the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill,” aim to cut federal spending on Medicaid, impacting refugees and asylees. Although some non-citizen immigrants remain eligible, many like Yasin and his family have lost coverage.

Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS, is transitioning many to emergency services only, affecting around 22,700 members. Nationally, the changes may strip 1.4 million legally present immigrants of their health coverage, according to KFF.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, known as AHCCCS, is Arizona’s version of Medicaid.

With green card approvals slowing under the current administration, many refugees find themselves in a difficult position. Joanne Morales notes the delays in processing, which leave refugees in a precarious state without healthcare access.

A coalition of organizations has urged the administration to expedite green card processing, warning of the dire health implications for refugees without coverage.

Challenges in Medicaid Coverage for Refugee Children

While most states continue to cover refugee children and pregnant women under Medicaid, Arizona stands as an exception. Drishti Pillai from KFF highlights the potential negative health outcomes due to the coverage gaps in Arizona, where a proposed bill to extend coverage was never heard in the state legislature.

As a result, Arizona is among just 11 states where refugee children and pregnant women are losing health coverage. The situation leaves many refugee families, already facing financial hardships, struggling to secure necessary medical care.

Refugee Organizations’ Response

Organizations assisting refugees are facing increased pressure. Magdalene Munezero from Valleywise Health shares the concerns of refugee families about losing Medicaid and the difficulties in providing alternative support.

Magdalene Munezero, a Cultural Health Navigator with Valleywise Health has been trying to connect her refugee clients with resources as they lose Medicaid coverage, but options are limited.

Although emergency services remain available, the loss of comprehensive healthcare coverage is a significant concern for families like Yasin’s. “Honestly, it is a huge loss,” Yasin remarked. Yet, he remains hopeful for his children’s future, valuing the education and safety they have found in Arizona.

Alen Adams provided translation assistance for this story.