LIFT the BAR Act
Current understanding
The LIFT the BAR Act (HR9432, introduced) would repeal the 1996 PRWORA-era eligibility bars that block many lawfully present immigrants from federal means-tested public benefits, including Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, and SSI. It is a recurring reintroduction across Congresses and has been referred to multiple committees, including House Energy and Commerce for its health coverage provisions. If enacted, states would no longer be required to impose the five-year waiting period and other status-based restrictions on lawfully present noncitizens seeking coverage.
Evidence log
- 2025-12-11 — Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025: cross-connection with medicaid: Bill’s FMAP penalty for states covering non-qualified aliens moves in the opposite direction from LIFT the BAR Act proposals to restore immigrant eligibility for federal means-tested benefits. (novelty: 3)
- 2026-06-24 — LIFT the BAR Act: cross-connection with shield-citizens-act-healthcare-entitlements: Opposing approaches to immigrant eligibility for federal healthcare entitlements: LIFT the BAR would expand lawfully present noncitizen access by repealing PRWORA bars, while SHIELD Citizens would tighten status-based restrictions. (novelty: 2)