Bill Overview
Title: LIFT the BAR Act of 2022
Description: Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration Act of 2022 or the LIFT the BAR Act of This bill repeals certain limits on the eligibility of noncitizens who lawfully reside in the United States for federal means-tested programs, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), programs funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and certain nutrition and housing programs.
Sponsors: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: Lawfully residing noncitizens impacted by federal means-tested program eligibility
Estimated Size: 0
- The act will primarily affect noncitizens lawfully residing in the United States.
- Noncitizens face eligibility restrictions under current law for federal means-tested programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF.
- By repealing these restrictions, the act would potentially make millions of lawfully residing immigrants eligible for these programs.
- These programs are designed for low-income individuals, suggesting the population would largely consist of economically disadvantaged immigrants who otherwise meet the program requirements but are excluded due to their immigration status.
Reasoning
- The target population for the LIFT the BAR Act is lawfully residing noncitizens who are currently facing eligibility restrictions for federal means-tested programs.
- There are approximately 7 million lawfully residing noncitizens who could potentially benefit from this policy.
- Given the budget constraints, we assume only a portion will be able to access the benefits initially due to administrative capacity and funding limitations.
- The interviews simulate a range of affected individuals based on age, location, occupation, and access to current support systems.
- The simulated individuals include some who experience significant changes in wellbeing due to newfound access to healthcare and financial assistance, as well as others who are not directly affected either because they do not meet the income requirements or are already covered under existing eligibility.
- The perspectives ensure coverage of both direct and indirect impacts, including individuals within the immigrant community, healthcare professionals, and other related occupations.
Simulated Interviews
Housekeeper (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often worry about healthcare costs for my children, especially when we need to visit the doctor.
- With this policy, I'd feel more secure knowing that we could access health services without the heavy financial burden.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm struggling to make ends meet, and sometimes I can't afford even basic nutrition.
- Access to food assistance would greatly alleviate my daily stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that accessing these benefits would allow me to better support my business and provide stability for my employees.
- Healthcare access is key to maintaining a healthy workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have faced hardships due to my prior ineligibility for social security benefits.
- While this policy is intended for noncitizens, it may streamline some processes that affect those recently naturalized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the potential for my parents to get more stable living conditions through housing assistance.
- This would reduce some of the financial pressure on me and allow me to focus more on my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see many patients who struggle without insurance. This policy could vastly improve their health outcomes and take pressure off community resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Waiter (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could change everything for my family. If my mom can access healthcare and food support, it'll lift a huge burden off my shoulders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While my status isn't directly impacted, knowing my husband can access educational programs eases my mind about our children's future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Volunteer (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any changes that help more people in my community access these essential services without fear.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Restaurant Owner (Dallas, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could significantly improve my employees' wellbeing, which in turn, supports my business and the wider community economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000000 (Low: $10000000000, High: $14000000000)
Year 2: $12360000000 (Low: $10300000000, High: $14360000000)
Year 3: $12690000000 (Low: $10590000000, High: $14690000000)
Year 5: $13590000000 (Low: $11340000000, High: $15600000000)
Year 10: $15300000000 (Low: $12780000000, High: $17700000000)
Year 100: $30040000000 (Low: $25030000000, High: $35050000000)
Key Considerations
- Increased administrative burdens on federal agencies managing these programs.
- Potential state-level impacts due to increased program participation and cost-sharing requirements.
- The need for accurate estimates of newly eligible populations is crucial to planning and funding allocation.
- considering adjustments in program funding and implementation logistics ensuring existing beneficiaries continue to receive timely benefits.