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?
- 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.
