# Syrian Refugee Faces Medicaid Cutoff

> Syrian refugee with genetic disorder faces Medicaid loss as parents worry about healthcare access.
- Title: Syrian Refugee Faces Medicaid Cutoff · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Syrian refugee with genetic disorder faces Medicaid loss as parents worry about healthcare access. Syrian refugee Omar, 19, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy…
- Keywords: omar, duchenne muscular dystrophy, medicaid, illinois, syrian refugee, refugee resettlement, healthcare access, family care, news, local, Syrian, Refugee
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/09/24/syrian-refugee-with-genetic-disorder-in-suburban-chicago-faces-looming-cutoff-from-medicaid
- Published: 2026-09-24T18:46:34.887+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: omar, duchenne muscular dystrophy, medicaid, illinois, syrian refugee, refugee resettlement, healthcare access, family care, news, local
## Medicaid cutoff for Syrian refugees
Syrian refugee Omar, 19, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy faces Medicaid cutoff after Wednesday, Oct 1, 2026.
## Omar's medical needs
Omar uses his eyes to control a tablet and requires medical devices to survive, including oxygen and heart monitors.
## Family's healthcare situation
Omar's parents, Mahmoud and Asmaa, care for him 24/7 with medical equipment in their suburban Chicago apartment.
## Medicaid eligibility changes
Under H.R.1, refugees lose Medicaid eligibility after Sept 30, 2026, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
## Illinois Department's stance
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services calls the Medicaid changes a 'cruel measure' leaving families without care.
## Green card processing delays
USCIS has slowed green card processing for Omar's family, delaying their path to permanent residency.
## Healthcare access challenges
Omar's parents worry about his medical care after Medicaid ends, as he requires constant monitoring and specialized care.
## Refugee resettlement history
Omar's family fled Syria in 2023 after he was hospitalized in January 2023 due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
## Medicaid coverage details
Medicaid covers Omar's medical devices and his parents' care work, but coverage ends Sept 30, 2026.
## Healthcare alternatives
Refugees can buy ACA insurance but lose tax credits starting Jan 1, 2027, making coverage unaffordable for many.
## Family's immediate concerns
Omar's parents say they need two people to care for him 24/7, as his health is unstable without constant monitoring.
## State response
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services states refugees will lose Medicaid coverage, with no recourse for affected families.
## Community support
Syrian Community Network pushes for USCIS to expedite Omar's green card application to avoid fatal consequences.
## Healthcare access alternatives
Uninsured immigrants can use community health centers but face increased ER visits due to lack of preventive care.
## Omar's family situation
Omar's parents worry about his healthcare after Medicaid ends, as he requires constant care and specialized equipment.
## What happens next
Omar's parents are seeking help to maintain his healthcare access as Medicaid coverage ends on Oct 1, 2026.
## Key takeaway

Syrian refugee Omar, 19, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy loses Medicaid coverage on Oct 1, leaving his parents concerned about his medical care in Illinois.