Medicaid for immigrants — guide by immigration status
Who qualifies for Medicaid in the US by immigration status. Federal rules, state expansion, and state programs that extend coverage to undocumented individuals.
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: 2026-05-25.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can immigrants get Medicaid?
What is the 5-year bar?
Can my US-citizen children get Medicaid if I'm undocumented?
Does using Medicaid affect my green card (public charge)?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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Medicaid in Alabama — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Alabama for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Alaska — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Alaska for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Arizona — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Arizona for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Arkansas — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Arkansas for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in California — immigrant guide
Medicaid in California for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Colorado — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Colorado for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Connecticut — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Connecticut for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Delaware — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Delaware for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in District of Columbia — immigrant guide
Medicaid in District of Columbia for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Florida — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Florida for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Georgia — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Georgia for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Hawaii — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Hawaii for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Idaho — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Idaho for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Illinois — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Illinois for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Indiana — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Indiana for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Iowa — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Iowa for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Kansas — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Kansas for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Kentucky — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Kentucky for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Louisiana — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Louisiana for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Maine — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Maine for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Maryland — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Maryland for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Massachusetts — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Massachusetts for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Michigan — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Michigan for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Minnesota — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Minnesota for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Mississippi — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Mississippi for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Missouri — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Missouri for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Montana — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Montana for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Nebraska — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Nebraska for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Nevada — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Nevada for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in New Hampshire — immigrant guide
Medicaid in New Hampshire for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in New Jersey — immigrant guide
Medicaid in New Jersey for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in New Mexico — immigrant guide
Medicaid in New Mexico for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in New York — immigrant guide
Medicaid in New York for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in North Carolina — immigrant guide
Medicaid in North Carolina for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in North Dakota — immigrant guide
Medicaid in North Dakota for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Ohio — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Ohio for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Oklahoma — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Oklahoma for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Oregon — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Oregon for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Pennsylvania — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Pennsylvania for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Puerto Rico — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Puerto Rico for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Rhode Island — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Rhode Island for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in South Carolina — immigrant guide
Medicaid in South Carolina for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in South Dakota — immigrant guide
Medicaid in South Dakota for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Tennessee — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Tennessee for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Texas — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Texas for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Utah — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Utah for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Vermont — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Vermont for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Virginia — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Virginia for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Washington — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Washington for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in West Virginia — immigrant guide
Medicaid in West Virginia for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Wisconsin — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Wisconsin for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid in Wyoming — immigrant guide
Medicaid in Wyoming for immigrants: whether the state adopted ACA expansion, state programs for undocumented, federal 5-year bar requirements, and how to apply.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.