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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 Virginia

Medicaid income limits in dollars

Medicaid limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These are the 2026 FPL figures that apply in Virginia:

Household size100% FPL138% FPL200% FPL400% FPL
1$15,960$22,025$31,920$63,840
2$21,640$29,863$43,280$86,560
3$27,320$37,702$54,640$109,280
4$33,000$45,540$66,000$132,000
5$38,680$53,378$77,360$154,720
6$44,360$61,217$88,720$177,440
7$50,040$69,055$100,080$200,160
8$55,720$76,894$111,440$222,880

48 contiguous states + DC — for each additional person above 8, add $5,680 (at 100% FPL). Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2026 (Federal Register 2026-00755), effective January 13, 2026 · verify at federalregister.gov

What that means in dollars — Virginia

  • Parents (family of 3): eligible for Medicaid with annual income up to $37,702 (138% of the $27,320 FPL for 3 persons)
  • Childless adults: eligible with annual income up to $22,025 (138% of the $15,960 FPL for 1 person)

Eligibility percentages: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). Dollar figures recompute automatically each year from the HHS guidelines.

Medicaid eligibility limits in Virginia (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

ACA expansion status in Virginia

Virginia ADOPTED Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Income limits for Medicaid in Virginia

  • Parents in a family of 3: up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Other adults (childless): up to 138% FPL
  • Pregnant women: up to 143% of FPL (Medicaid)

Calculate your FPL for household size at aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.

Verify eligibility

⚠️ Limits change annually. Verify current eligibility with Virginia’s Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov.

Medicaid expansion

Virginia HAS adopted ACA Medicaid expansion.

This means low-income adults up to 138% of federal poverty level can qualify for Medicaid in Virginia, regardless of having dependent children or disability.

Coverage for undocumented individuals

Virginia does not currently have a state program extending Medicaid to undocumented individuals. However, emergency services are available under Emergency Medicaid (includes childbirth).

Federal rules applying in Virginia

Regardless of expansion, federal eligibility rules by immigration status apply in Virginia:

  • Citizens: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents (green card) 5+ years: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents < 5 years: NO (5-year bar), EXCEPT children and pregnant women in CHIPRA Option states
  • Refugees, asylees: YES qualify (no 5-year bar)
  • DACA: NO qualify (excluded by current rule)
  • Undocumented individuals: NO qualify federally

Emergency services

Under EMTALA, all hospitals in Virginia must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medicaid may cover the cost of emergency treatment for those meeting income requirements but not immigration status.

How to apply for Medicaid in Virginia

  1. Visit Virginia’s Medicaid portal (search “Virginia Medicaid” or specific program name)
  2. Fill application online (also available by paper or in person)
  3. Provide: identification, proof of income, proof of residency, immigration documents (if applicable)
  4. Wait for determination (typically 45 days, 90 for disability-based cases)
  5. If approved, receive Medicaid card + provider information

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

Apply for Medicaid in Virginia

Coverage categories

  • MAGI Medicaid: for children, pregnant women, parents, non-disabled adults
  • Non-MAGI Medicaid: for disabled, 65+, long-term care
  • Emergency Medicaid: ONLY emergencies, no status requirement

Income limits (varies by category)

  • Children: generally below 138-200% FPL
  • Pregnant women: up to 200-300% FPL in many states
  • Parents: varies (Medicaid expansion vs non-expansion states)
  • Childless adults: only in expansion states (38 + DC)
  • 65+/disabled: low limit (~75-138% FPL)

How to apply in Virginia

  1. Healthcare.gov — federal combined application
  2. Virginia state portal (some states have own)
  3. In-person at FQHCs, hospitals, social service offices
  4. By phone or by mail

Documents

  • Identity: photo ID or passport
  • Income: recent paystubs, ITIN return, sworn statement
  • Residency: utility bill, lease
  • For LPR: green card + date acquired (5-year bar)

When Public Charge applies

Emergency, child, and pregnancy Medicaid do NOT affect immigration case. Other categories might — consult attorney if you have pending case.


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.

How to apply for Medicaid in Virginia

Medicaid is run by each state under its own name and rules. Apply through your state's official agency:

Frequently asked questions

Do I qualify for Medicaid in Virginia?
Medicaid in Virginia covers low-income adults (varies: some states only cover children, pregnant women, parents). For undocumented: most NOT eligible except emergency Medicaid + prenatal care in some states. LPRs generally eligible after 5 years. Verify with Virginia Medicaid office.
Emergency Medicaid vs full Medicaid in Virginia?
Emergency Medicaid (Sec 1011): emergency coverage ONLY for people without eligible status. Includes ER + birth. Does NOT cover preventive care, specialists, medications. Available in Virginia regardless of immigration status.
Does Medicaid ask about my immigration status in Virginia?
Asks ONLY about person applying. If applying for your USC child, they do NOT ask YOUR status — only child’s. Info is NOT shared with USCIS or ICE.
Will Medicaid affect Public Charge in Virginia?
Public Charge (2024) considers ONLY certain Medicaid: institutional/long-term care for adults. Does NOT consider: emergency Medicaid, child Medicaid, prenatal/postpartum, Medicaid for DACA recipients. Use Medicaid worry-free in most cases.