Green card holders can get Medicaid, but the rules depend on how long you've held your green card and which state you live in

A green card (permanent resident card) does not automatically disqualify you from Medicaid. However, federal law creates a waiting period: you must have held your green card for at least five years before you can receive Medicaid benefits in most states. Some states have their own rules that are more generous and allow green card holders to get Medicaid sooner. A few states cover green card holders when ready, regardless of how long they have held the card.

The five-year rule applies to Medicaid coverage for most services. There are narrow exceptions: emergency medical conditions, certain pregnancy-related services, and emergency dialysis are sometimes covered before five years have passed, depending on your state. You will need to check with your state's Medicaid office to learn what your state covers and when.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal law requires most green card holders to wait five years before getting Medicaid, but some states have shorter waiting periods or no waiting period at all.
  • Emergency medical conditions may be covered by your state's Medicaid program even if you have not yet reached the five-year mark.
  • Your state Medicaid office can tell you your state's specific rules and whether you meet the requirements based on when you received your green card.
  • If you do not meet Medicaid requirements, you may be able to purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace or look into other programs.

The five-year waiting period and what it covers

Federal law says that may have access to immigrants — a category that includes green card holders — cannot receive most Medicaid benefits until they have held their green card for five years. This five-year clock starts on the date your green card was issued, not the date you entered the United States or the date you applied for the card.

During those five years, you are not covered by regular Medicaid. However, your state may still cover you for emergency services. Emergency Medicaid covers sudden, serious medical conditions that need when ready treatment — such as a heart attack, severe injury, or uncontrolled bleeding. It does not cover routine doctor visits, preventive care, or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions.

After five years have passed, you become may be able to access for the same Medicaid benefits as U.S. citizens in your state, assuming you meet your state's income and other requirements. The five-year clock does not reset if you move to a different state.

States with shorter waiting periods or no waiting period

Some states have chosen to cover green card holders before the five-year mark. California, New York, Illinois, and Washington are among the states that have expanded Medicaid to green card holders with shorter waiting periods or no waiting period at all. However, the rules vary by state and change over time, so you cannot assume your state follows the same rules as a neighboring state.

A few states cover green card holders for all Medicaid services when ready upon arrival, while others cover them after one or two years. Some states limit early coverage to specific services, such as emergency care or pregnancy-related services. Your state Medicaid office is the only source that can tell you what your state actually covers and when.

How to find out your state's rules

Contact your state Medicaid office directly and tell them you are a green card holder. Have your green card available so you can provide the date it was issued. Ask them three things: whether your state has a waiting period shorter than five years, what services (if any) are covered during any waiting period, and whether you meet your state's income limits for Medicaid.

You can find your state Medicaid office through Medicaid.gov, which has a link to each state's program. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for your state Medicaid office. When you call, be prepared to provide your date of birth, the date your green card was issued, and your household income.

Income and other requirements still explore

Even if you have held your green card for five years or your state has a shorter waiting period, you still must meet your state's income limits to get Medicaid. Income limits vary by state and by family size. Some states use the federal poverty level as their limit; others set their own, higher limits.

You will also need to provide proof of your immigration status (your green card), proof of your state residency, and proof of your income. Your state Medicaid office can tell you exactly what documents they need. If your income is above your state's limit, you may still be able to purchase health insurance through the health insurance marketplace, where you might be able to get a subsidy to lower your monthly premium.

What happens if you do not meet the waiting period

If you have not yet reached your state's waiting period and you do not meet the narrow exceptions for emergency coverage, you will not be covered by Medicaid. In this situation, you have other options to explore. You can purchase health insurance through the health insurance marketplace at Healthcare.gov, where you may be able to get a subsidy based on your income. Some employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which may be more affordable than marketplace plans.

Some communities have free or low-cost clinics that serve uninsured people. You can search for clinics near you through the HRSA Find a Health Center tool. If you have a serious medical emergency, you can go to the emergency room; hospitals are required to provide emergency care regardless of your insurance status or immigration status, though you may receive a bill afterward.

Green card holders and other federal benefits

The five-year waiting period applies to Medicaid, but it also affects other federal benefits. Green card holders generally cannot receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), or food information (SNAP) until they have held their green card for five years, with some exceptions. However, some states have used their own funds to extend benefits to green card holders before the five-year mark.

If you are a green card holder and you need help with food, housing, or cash information, contact your local social services office or call 211 to learn what your state offers. The rules for each program are different, and some states are more generous than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get Medicaid?

No. Green card holders, refugees, asylees, and some other immigrants can get Medicaid. However, green card holders usually must wait five years unless your state has a shorter waiting period. Check with your state Medicaid office to learn your state's specific rules.

Does the five-year waiting period start over if I move to a different state?

No. The five-year clock is based on when your green card was issued, not on where you live. If you received your green card five years ago and then moved to a new state, you are may be able to access for Medicaid in your new state (assuming you meet income and other requirements) even on your first day there.

What if I have an emergency medical condition but I have not reached the five-year mark?

Your state may cover emergency medical conditions through Emergency Medicaid even if you have not yet reached five years. Emergency Medicaid covers sudden, serious conditions that need when ready treatment. Call your state Medicaid office or go to the emergency room to find out whether your condition is covered.

Can I get Medicaid if my income is above the limit?

No, Medicaid has income limits and you must be below your state's limit to may have access to. If your income is too high for Medicaid, you can purchase health insurance through Healthcare.gov, where you may be able to get a subsidy to lower your cost based on your household income.

What documents do I need to show that I am a green card holder?

You will need to show your green card (permanent resident card) itself. Your state Medicaid office may also ask for a copy of your card or other immigration documents. Call your state Medicaid office before you explore to ask what documents they need.