Achieving access to health coverage for cofa-migrants

This session will inform public health professionals about the Compact of Free Association (COFA) between the U.S. government and the independent governments of the Freely Associated States (FAS); Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau as it relates to the health of these populations residing in the United States. Known as COFA-migrants, the Compact entitles citizens of the FAS to broad migration privileges and the ability to apply for admission to the U.S. as non-immigrants without visa requirements. There are at least 56,000 migrants from the COFA nations legally residing, working, and studying in the United States, but are neither citizens nor nationals. These COFA-migrants pay into the system, but are not eligible for many of the benefits or privileges that come with this responsibility. This session will address the opportunities for policy makers and industry leaders to provide the proper and necessary care for this population.