Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program that is available to certain low-income individuals and families. Noncitizens are eligible for Medicaid benefits in certain states, but the application process can be complicated. In this article, we will cover which immigrants are eligible for Medicaid and how to apply for benefits. We will also discuss what Medicaid covers and how it can help you or your loved ones get the healthcare they need.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible individuals, including some noncitizens. The purpose of Medicaid is to provide healthcare services for people who cannot afford them on their own.
What Immigration Status is eligible for Medicaid?
Immigrants who can receive Medicaid are “qualified non-citizens” with Lawful permanent resident status (LPR) also known as green card holders. Normally a LPR is required to wait 5 years after receiving qualified status before being able to apply to Medicaid and most other government assistance programs (CHIPs, SNAP etc.)
There are exceptions. For example, refugees, asylees, or LPRs who used to be refugees or asylees are not restricted by the five year waiting period.
The term “qualified non-citizen” includes:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holder)
- Asylees
- Refugees
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- Paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
- Conditional entrant granted before 1980
- Battered non-citizens, spouses, children, or parents
- Victims of trafficking and his or her spouse, child, sibling, or parent or individuals with a pending application for a victim of trafficking visa
- Granted withholding of deportation
- Member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada
- Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau who are living in one of the U.S. states or territories
Can Non Citizens Apply for Medicaid for U.S. Citizen Children?
Some states allow for pregnant women and children to be covered by Medicaid, regardless of their immigration status. If you are a non-citizen and have children who are U.S. citizens, you may be eligible to apply for Medicaid on behalf of your child even if you are not eligible yourself. This is known as “deeming” and is available in 29 states.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPs)
You may also apply for additional assistance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPs). CHIPs is a program for children of families with incomes that fall below certain thresholds. It is available in all states, and 28 states provide coverage to immigrants regardless of their immigration status.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid?
There are major considerations: financial and non-financial eligibility
Financial Eligibility
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 opened up the possibility for states to broaden their Medicaid coverage, extending eligibility to all Americans under 65 whose earnings are below 133% of the federal poverty level. Children have been guaranteed this privilege in every state – some permitting those with even higher incomes – and adults may join them too if a given state has chosen to expand its Medicaid program.
Non-Financial Eligibility
To qualify for Medicaid, individuals must meet specific non-financial eligibility criteria. Generally speaking, beneficiaries of this program must be legal residents of the state in which they are applying and either citizens or eligible non-citizens such as lawful permanent residents. Additionally, some categories are restricted according to age groupings or motherhood/parenthood status.
How Do Lawful Permanent Residents Apply for Medicaid?
You can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You will be asked to provide documentation that you are a qualified non-citizen such as your green card or other proof of legal status.
The second method is the apply through your state for Medicaid.
Qualified Immigrants 65 and Over - Medicare Insurance
Combine Medicaid with Medicare for added coverage.
To be eligible for Medicare, an immigrant must have legal permanent residency status in the United States. For example, if your parent is a green card holder who has resided in this country for at least five years with 40 quarters of work history, they may qualify to receive coverage under Medicare Part A for free.
You may also qualify for free Medicare Medicaid Combo Plans based on your income and financial resources.
Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants are not permitted access to the program.
How to Purchase Health Insurance if You Don't Qualify for Medicaid?
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid but looking for health insurance coverage, you can purchase a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
You can also explore other coverage options such as short-term insurance plans or cost-effective private insurance through online healthcare comparison sites.
Extra Benefits for Immigrants
Once you qualify for Medicaid, you can use those benfits to automatically qualify for the Lifeline Program and receive FREE monthly cell phone service.
Apply for Medicaid Today
Medicaid is an important government-funded healthcare program that can provide access to healthcare for millions of people.
By understanding these guidelines non-citizens can receive the healthcare they need for themselves and their families.
