How Preventive Health Services Work for Refugees and Entrants

What preventive health means under refugee information programs

Preventive health services for refugees and entrants are medical visits and screenings meant to catch health problems before they become serious — things like blood pressure checks, vaccinations, tuberculosis screening, and routine physical exams. These services are covered under federal refugee information programs because refugees often arrive with incomplete medical records, unknown health histories, or untreated conditions from their countries of origin or time in transit.

The goal is straightforward: get a baseline picture of your health early, treat anything urgent, and set up ongoing care before a small problem becomes an emergency room visit. Most of these services are free or very low-cost for people who may have access to as refugees or entrants under federal law.

The actual services you receive depend on your age, your health history, and which clinic or health department you visit. There is no single national checklist — each state and local health department runs its own program within federal guidelines.

Key Takeaways

• Preventive health services for refugees include physical exams, vaccinations, tuberculosis and infectious disease screening, and mental health assessments, usually at no cost.
• You typically access these services through your state health department, a federally may have access to health center, or a refugee resettlement agency in your area.
• Screening for tuberculosis is often required before you can start work or enroll children in school, so completing it early prevents delays.
• These services are separate from ongoing medical care — preventive visits identify what you need, but you may need to find a regular doctor for follow-up treatment.

Who pays for preventive health services

The federal government funds preventive health services for refugees through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. States receive federal money to run these programs, though the amount and structure vary by state.

You do not pay out of pocket for the initial preventive health screening if you are a refugee or entrant within your first year in the United States. Some states extend coverage longer, but the federal may provide is one year. After that, you may need Medicaid, private insurance, or another payment source to continue medical care.

If you are an entrant (a category that includes certain Cuban and Haitian arrivals, Soviet and Indochinese refugees, and other groups defined by federal law), the same federal funding typically applies, though may be able to access rules can be narrower. Ask your resettlement agency or state health department which category you fall into.

What screenings and exams are usually included

A preventive health visit for a refugee typically includes a physical exam, medical and social history, and screening for conditions common in the person's country of origin or region. The exact list depends on your age and health, but common screenings are:

• Tuberculosis testing (usually a skin test or blood test)
• Infectious disease screening (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and others depending on region)
• Vaccinations or proof of past vaccination
• Blood pressure, weight, and basic vital signs
• Mental health screening for trauma or depression
• Vision and hearing checks
• Dental referral (though dental care itself is often not covered)

Children may receive additional screenings for developmental delays or school readiness. Pregnant women receive prenatal screening. The clinic will tell you which tests you need based on your age, sex, and health history.

How to find and schedule a preventive health visit

Start by contacting your state health department or your refugee resettlement agency — whichever helped you resettle or is listed in your welcome packet. They can tell you which clinics in your area offer preventive health services for refugees and may schedule the appointment for you.

If you do not know your resettlement agency, call your state health department's refugee health program directly. Most states have a dedicated line or office. You can also ask a trusted community member, a local library, or a 211 referral service (dial 211 or visit 211.org) to help you find the right number.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and immigration status or document number ready. You may be asked about your country of origin so the clinic can tailor screening to your region. Bring any medical records you have, even if they are in another language — the clinic can translate them.

Many clinics offer interpreters, but it is worth asking when you schedule whether your language is available. If not, ask whether you can bring a trusted family member or friend to interpret, or whether the clinic can arrange one.

Tuberculosis screening and work or school requirements

Tuberculosis screening is often the most time-sensitive preventive health service because many employers and schools require proof that you have been tested before you can start work or enroll children. A negative tuberculosis test result is usually required within a certain timeframe — often 30 to 90 days before your first day of work or school.

If you test positive for tuberculosis infection (meaning the bacteria is in your body but you may not be sick), you will need follow-up chest X-rays and possibly treatment. This does not automatically disqualify you from work or school, but it does mean you need to complete the follow-up steps and get clearance from a doctor. The clinic will explain what comes next and help you arrange it.

Schedule your tuberculosis screening as soon as you arrive, even if you do not have a job or school enrollment lined up yet. This prevents delays once you do find work or a school place.

Mental health screening and trauma assessment

Many refugee preventive health programs include screening for depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. This is not a therapy session — it is a brief assessment to see whether you might benefit from counseling or mental health support.

If screening identifies a need, the clinic will refer you to a mental health provider, often at the same clinic or through a partner organization. Some programs offer free or low-cost counseling specifically for refugees. Others can connect you to community mental health centers that accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees.

Mental health screening is confidential and is not reported to immigration authorities. It is meant to help you, not to create problems for your status.

What happens after your preventive health visit

After your screening, the clinic will give you a summary of results and any recommendations. If tests show you need treatment — for example, if you need vaccinations, have high blood pressure, or test positive for an infection — the clinic will either treat you on the spot or refer you to a doctor who can.

You are responsible for following up on referrals. If the clinic refers you to a dentist, eye doctor, or specialist, write down the name and number, and call to schedule. If you cannot afford the follow-up care, ask the clinic about low-cost options, community health centers, or Medicaid.

Keep any paperwork the clinic gives you — test results, vaccination records, and referral letters. You will need these for school enrollment, work, or future medical visits. If you lose them, the clinic can usually print copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get preventive health screening?

Preventive health screening is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Many employers and schools require proof of tuberculosis screening, and the screening can identify health problems early. It is free, so there is no financial barrier to getting it done.

What if I do not have immigration documents yet?

You do not need final immigration paperwork to receive preventive health services. Bring whatever documentation you have — your arrival paperwork, a refugee travel document, or a letter from your resettlement agency. The clinic is used to working with people in transition and will accept what you have.

Can my family members get preventive health screening too?

Yes. Each family member who is a refugee or entrant is may have access to to preventive health services. Schedule appointments for everyone in your household. Children may have different screening requirements than adults.

What if I test positive for an infectious disease?

Testing positive does not mean you will be deported or lose your status. The clinic will explain what the result means, whether you need treatment, and what precautions to take. Treatment is often free or low-cost. The clinic is required to keep your health information confidential.

Can I choose which clinic I go to?

In some areas, yes — your resettlement agency or health department can tell you which clinics offer refugee preventive health services and may let you choose. In smaller areas, there may be only one option. Ask what is available in your location.