Health Assistance
Program Description
The following federal health programs are funded by MORA and provided to eligible clients in Maryland:
- Refugee Medical Screenings – Health assessment program
- Refugee Medical Assistance
- Refugee Health Promotion Program
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
RMA provides short-term medical coverage to refugee populations ineligible for Medicaid, with similar benefits. Families may be eligible for RMA for 12 months after arrival in the U.S. or the grant of asylum, an eligible humanitarian parole status, or victim of trafficking certification. All means-tested individuals (those under age 65 with no disabilities) must first complete Medicaid application requirements to be screened for MA eligibility through the Maryland Health Connection. Upon being screened ineligible and over-scale income for Medicaid, clients may apply for RMA through the myMDThink portal.
In addition to providing access to healthcare, RMA funds enable refugees to receive a Medical Screening upon arrival in the U.S. States contract with local public and private health clinics to carry out the medical screenings to protect the public health of resettling communities and to promote the self-sufficiency and successful resettlement of refugee populations.
Refugee Medical Screenings
The Maryland Refugee Health Program administers Medical Screenings for eligible refugee populations in collaboration with state and local health departments to ensure that newly arrived refugees, asylees, parolees, and other immigrants receive a comprehensive health assessment and appropriate follow-up care, and referrals. The goals of the program are:
- To initiate a health assessment exam of new refugee and asylee arrivals within 90 days of U.S. arrival or granted asylum date.
- To complete the health assessment exam of new refugee and asylee arrivals within 180 days of U.S. arrival or granted asylum date.
- To prevent and/or control the spread of communicable diseases among, and resulting from, the arrival of new refugees through:
- Health assessment
- Treatment
- Referral
- To protect the public health of Maryland residents
Resettlement agencies are responsible for ensuring newly arrived refugees receive a physical and mental health screening upon arrival to the U.S. Screening appointments determine if new arrivals have medical conditions that need immediate attention. Children also receive immunizations required for school enrollment. Clients are referred to a primary care physician for preventive health and ongoing care.
Refugee Health Promotion Program
MORA partners with the Center for Global Migration and Immigrant Health (CGMIH) at the Maryland Department of Health to provide health education services for eligible clients, in order to providing opportunities to increase health literacy, coordinate and support the navigation of health care; and organize wellness groups, including for mental wellness and peer support. RHP services are provided in coordination with medical screenings – clients interested in these services may inquire during their screening.
Where can you access refugee health services?
Individuals who meet eligibility requirements may visit their local Health Department and inquire about an initial health screening as well as one of the federally-qualified health clinics who provide RMS services below:
In the Baltimore Metropolitan Area (Baltimore City and surrounding counties):
Baltimore Medical Systems
Highlandtown Clinic – 3700 Fleet Street, Ste. 200, Baltimore, MD 21224
Email: RefugeeHealth@bmsi.org
Phone: 443-703-3404
https://bmsi.org/our-programs/refugee-health-screening-program
In the Suburban Washington Area (Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties) at:
CCI Health Services
3 locations in Greenbelt, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park
Email: RHA@cciweb.org
Phone: 301-979-7656
https://cciweb.org/programs-services/refugee-health/
For additional information and resources, contact the Center for Global Migration & Immigrant Health:
https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDPCS/OIH/pages/home.aspx