A Guide to Medicaid Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens

Healthcare Writer

Published on April 4th, 2024

Fact checked by: Colleen McGuire

We want to help you make educated healthcare decisions. While this post may have links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information.

Living in the United States but not a citizen? Are you wondering if you can get Medicaid insurance for people with lower incomes?

Here’s what you should know:

Who Can Get It?

  • Not everyone who isn’t a citizen can get Medicaid
  • You need to fit into a special group called “qualified immigrants.” 
  • But there’s a rule: you usually have to wait for five years. However, some people can skip this waiting period.

Who Are Qualified Immigrants?

Looking for Health Insurance?

Find Affordable Healthcare That’s Right for You


  •  People with permanent residency (like green card holders)
  •  Immigrants who were allowed to come to the U.S. for at least a year
  •  Immigrants who got special permission to enter (before 1980)
  •  People who got asylum or are refugees
  •  Entrants from Cuba or Haiti
  •  People who were victims of trafficking (and their families) and have a pending application
  •  People who were abused (along with their kids and parents)
  •  Veterans with an honorable discharge and active military members (and their families) who have a Social Security number

The Five-Year Wait

  • Most qualified immigrants have to wait five years before they can apply for Medicaid. But there are some exceptions:
  •  Trafficking survivors and their family
  •  Veterans or active military and their families who also have a “qualified noncitizen” status
  •  Refugees
  •  People who got asylum
  •  Entrants from Cuba or Haiti
  •  People who got protection from deportation
  •  Members of a recognized Indian tribe or American Indians born in Canada
  •  Certain Amerasian immigrants

Other Things to Consider

Just being a qualified immigrant isn’t enough. Your income and how many people live with you also need to follow the rules set by your state for Medicaid.

What You Can Do:

  •  Check your status: Make sure you’re a qualified immigrant.
  •  Understand Medicaid: Learn what it covers. It’s different in each state but usually includes important services.

 Apply whenever: There’s no deadline, but you need to meet your state’s rules about income and where you live.

Looking for Health Insurance?

Find Affordable Healthcare That’s Right for You




Share this article