Medicaid for immigrants in the US
Medicaid is the health insurance program for low-income individuals, jointly funded by federal government and states. Eligibility rules for immigrants are complex and vary significantly by state.
Federal eligibility rules
Federally qualified (no special restriction)
- US citizens
- Permanent residents (green card) with 5+ years (5-year bar)
- Refugees, asylees (no 5-year bar)
- Cubans/Haitians, trafficking victims, VAWA approved, U/T visa holders
Categories exempt from 5-year bar
- Children under 21
- Pregnant women
- In some states (CHIPRA Option, 31 states + DC)
Do NOT qualify federally
- Undocumented individuals
- DACA recipients (excluded by current rule)
- Temporary visas (tourist, F-1 student, H-1B in many cases)
State variation
41 states + DC + Puerto Rico have adopted ACA Medicaid expansion. Some states extend coverage to undocumented individuals with state funds:
| State | Program | Who covered |
|---|---|---|
| California | Medi-Cal | All immigrants (adults too since 2024) |
| New York | Essential Plan / CHP | Undocumented children |
| Illinois | HBIA, HBIS | Undocumented adults 42+ and seniors |
| Oregon | Healthier Oregon | All regardless of status |
| Washington | Apple Health Expansion | Undocumented adults (limited) |
| Massachusetts | MassHealth | Undocumented children |
| Minnesota | MinnesotaCare | All immigrants (2025+) |
| Colorado | Cover All Coloradans | Undocumented children |
| Connecticut | HUSKY | Undocumented children (under 15) |
| Maine | MaineCare | Undocumented children |
| New Jersey | NJ FamilyCare | Undocumented children |
| Rhode Island | RIte Care | Undocumented children |
| Vermont | Dr. Dynasaur | Undocumented children |
| District of Columbia | DC Healthcare Alliance | All adults regardless of status |
State pages
See Medicaid in your state for state-specific details.
Emergency services (Emergency Medicaid)
For medical emergencies, hospitals MUST treat any person regardless of immigration status under EMTALA. If the person has no insurance, the hospital can bill the patient or use Emergency Medicaid to cover emergency treatment.
Emergency Medicaid covers only medical emergencies (includes childbirth). Does not cover ongoing preventive care.
Official source: Medicaid.gov Eligibility
Last verified: 2026-05-24.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- ITIN — required for tax-funded benefits — most benefits use SSN or ITIN for eligibility
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — overview of who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits attorneys help with appeals
- Consulate of your country — many consulates offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment safety — agency confidentiality limits
Related immigration cases & rulings — where they stand
General information on litigation, not legal advice. Checked: 2026-07-25.