The Alliance to End Human Trafficking Expresses Concern Over Medicaid Eligibility Changes Affecting Trafficking Survivors
The Alliance to End Human Trafficking expresses concern regarding changes to federal Medicaid eligibility that took effect on October 1, 2026, under Public Law 119-21.
The changes restrict eligibility for federally funded Medicaid coverage for refugees, individuals granted asylum, and certain survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence who previously qualified under federal law, while some individuals may remain eligible through other qualifying immigration statuses or statutory exceptions.
Survivors of human trafficking may experience physical and psychological effects that require ongoing medical attention, counseling, and trauma-informed care. Access to these services is an important part of supporting recovery and long-term stability.
“Survivors of human trafficking often need continued access to medical care, mental health services, and other forms of support as they recover from exploitation,” said Katie Boller Gosewisch, Executive Director of the Alliance to End Human Trafficking. “Restricting access to healthcare for individuals who previously qualified for these services raises serious concerns about their ability to receive the care they need. We urge policymakers to consider the impact of these changes on survivors and ensure that their healthcare needs are not overlooked.”
Federal protections for survivors of human trafficking have long recognized the importance of access to healthcare and other essential services. The Alliance to End Human Trafficking urges Congress to restore Medicaid eligibility for affected survivors and ensure that healthcare access remains part of the federal response to human trafficking.
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Alliance to End Human Trafficking was founded in 2013 by a group of Catholic Sisters committed to ending human trafficking and supporting survivors. They created a national network of resources and support that includes many different congregations of women religious and mission-aligned partners. Today, this member-based organization includes more than 115 congregations and 100+ individuals and organizations across the United States. AEHT is also the U.S. member of Talitha Kum, the international network of consecrated life working to end human trafficking.