Inspired by Hope: Walking with Refugee Families Through Difficult Medicaid Changes 

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Refugees bring determination, resilience and countless gifts to the communities they now call home. While many families are building towards stable futures, policy changes around Medicaid eligibility and coverage are creating new challenges for some households already navigating financial pressures and complex systems. We spoke with Erin Stauss, health navigator at World Relief Wisconsin, about what these changes are, how families are responding and where she continues to find hope.  

What Medicaid changes are families facing? 

Beginning October 1, 2026, adults 19 and older who are not United States citizens or lawful permanent residents will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. Many families have already received letters informing them that their coverage is ending. 

What are families telling you about the impact of losing health care coverage? 

The biggest concern I am hearing from families is the financial impact. For many, this comes shortly after losing FoodShare benefits, so these changes are happening back-to-back. There’s a lot of fear. Even individuals who don’t currently have health concerns are worried about what will happen if they get sick. 

Losing health insurance can mean delaying care, skipping preventive services or waiting until a medical issue becomes severe before seeking help. For those with already diagnosed chronic illnesses or disabilities who rely on life-saving medications and regular medical care, this is devastating. 

What options are available to families who lose coverage? 

While there are not many, the first option I encourage families to explore is employer-sponsored insurance if it is available. However, for individuals who are unable to work or are limited in the type of work they do, employer-sponsored coverage is often not an option.  

Beyond that, we look at community resources, such as free clinics and federally qualified health centers that offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income. The challenge is that these resources are limited. Many families are already making difficult financial decisions. 

How is World Relief Wisconsin responding? 

We have been preparing for these changes for quite some time. 

One of my priorities has been identifying families with chronic health conditions or ongoing medical needs. Then we can connect with them directly before coverage ends. Many notices arrive in the mail only in English, so part of our role is ensuring families understand what is happening and what it may mean for them and their loved ones. Understandably, these conversations can be emotional and overwhelming. We take the time to sit with each family, answer questions and give them space to process the difficult news and consider next steps. Every family’s circumstances are different, which means how we walk alongside them is highly individualized.  

Beyond immediate healthcare needs, how does your work help families build for the future? 

Education is one of the biggest pieces of this work. 

Many of the people we serve come from healthcare systems that operate very differently from the U.S. system. We help people understand preventive care, how to schedule appointments, how to request interpreters and how to advocate for themselves. 

Sometimes they don’t realize they can ask questions, request clarification or seek a second opinion. Helping people gain confidence and understanding creates long-term stability. 

What would you like community members to understand about these changes that are impacting refugees? 

I would encourage people to learn more about the refugee resettlement process and the pathway to obtaining permanent residency. 

A question I hear often is, “Shouldn’t they already have their green card?” It’s a fair question, but the process is much more complicated than many people realize. There are legal requirements, appointments, delays and significant costs involved. 

The more we understand these realities, the better equipped we are to support our neighbors. 

How can people take action? 

Learn about the refugee resettlement process and the challenges families face. Stay informed about policies that affect refugee and immigrant communities and engage in advocacy. World Relief makes it easy to stay informed and act on policies that affect families in vulnerable situations.

What gives you hope that change is possible?  

My faith is a big part of it. As a Christian, I believe that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and care. Also, we are to bear each other’s burden, as instructed in Galatians 6:2. When individuals and families face obstacles because of changing policies and systems, our response is to faithfully walk with them through it, however we can.  

But honestly, the individuals and families I have the privilege of walking alongside give me hope every day. I am constantly inspired by their resilience, faith and determination. They face challenges that would overwhelm many people, yet I have seen families overcome them and build thriving lives for themselves and their children. Even during difficult seasons, they continue moving forward with courage, trusting that better days are ahead. 

If they can face these challenges with hope, then so can I.