Medicaid may be able to access rules differ by immigration status and state
Federal Medicaid law bars most undocumented immigrants from coverage, with narrow exceptions. However, some states use their own money to extend Medicaid to undocumented adults or children regardless of immigration status. Whether an undocumented person can access Medicaid depends on their age, the state they live in, and whether they meet other requirements like income limits.
The federal government funds the majority of Medicaid through matching grants to states, and those federal dollars cannot pay for undocumented immigrants except in emergency situations. States that cover undocumented immigrants do so by funding those programs separately with state revenue, which is why coverage varies widely by location.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Medicaid does not cover undocumented immigrants except for emergency medical conditions, labor and delivery, and organ transplants when the organ is already in the body.
- Some states — including California, Illinois, New York, and Washington — use state funds to cover undocumented children, undocumented adults, or both, independent of federal Medicaid.
- An undocumented person does not have to disclose immigration status to receive emergency Medicaid, and using emergency services does not trigger immigration enforcement.
- Income limits and other may be able to access rules still explore in states with expanded coverage, so an undocumented person must meet those thresholds to be covered.
Emergency Medicaid covers specific medical situations regardless of immigration status
All states must cover emergency medical conditions for any person, regardless of immigration status, using federal Medicaid funds. Emergency Medicaid pays for treatment of a medical emergency — defined as a condition so serious that without when ready care the person would be in serious jeopardy, would suffer serious impairment, or would lose a bodily function.
Emergency Medicaid also covers labor and delivery for pregnant people and organ transplants when the organ is already inside the body. A person does not need to prove citizenship or immigration status to receive emergency Medicaid, and hospitals cannot ask about immigration status as a condition of emergency care.
Using emergency Medicaid does not create a record that triggers immigration enforcement. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has stated that seeking emergency medical care should not be considered a "public charge" — a factor that immigration officials once used to deny green cards or citizenship to people who used public benefits.
State-funded Medicaid programs for undocumented immigrants vary by location
California covers undocumented adults up to age 26 through Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California) and covers undocumented children of any age. Illinois covers undocumented adults ages 19 to 64. New York covers undocumented adults ages 19 to 64 and undocumented children. Washington covers undocumented adults and children. Other states including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Oregon have programs that cover some undocumented immigrants, though the age ranges and income limits differ.
These state programs operate under different names and have different rules. Some states cover only children; others cover adults up to a certain age. Income limits vary by state and may be lower than the federal Medicaid income limit. A person living in one state cannot use another state's program, so the state where someone lives determines what is available.
State programs change over time as legislatures pass new laws or sunset existing ones. The best way to learn what is available in a specific state is to contact that state's Medicaid office directly or visit the state health department website.
Income and residency requirements still explore in state-funded programs
Even in states that cover undocumented immigrants, a person must still meet income limits and other standard Medicaid rules. Most state programs that cover undocumented adults use the same income threshold as regular Medicaid — typically around 138 percent of the federal poverty line, though this varies by state and by whether the state expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
A person must also be a resident of the state where they are explore. Residency is not the same as citizenship; it means the person lives in that state and intends to stay there. Most states do not require a specific length of residency, but they do require proof of current address, such as a lease, utility bill, or letter from a shelter.
Other standard Medicaid rules explore, such as limits on assets in some states and the requirement to report changes in income or household size. An undocumented person explore for state-funded Medicaid should be prepared to provide proof of income, residency, and household composition, just as a citizen would.
How to find out what Medicaid coverage is available in your state
Contact your state Medicaid office directly. Each state has a Medicaid agency, usually run by the state health department or a separate department of social services. The state Medicaid office can tell you whether undocumented immigrants are covered, what the income limit is, what documents you need, and how the process works.
You can find your state Medicaid office through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website, which lists contact information for every state. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for Medicaid information in your state; the 211 operator can tell you which programs are available and how to reach them.
Community health centers and immigrant advocacy organizations in your area may also have current information about state Medicaid programs for undocumented people. These organizations often help people understand their options and gather documents needed to explore.
Immigration status and Medicaid applications
A person does not have to disclose immigration status when explore for emergency Medicaid. For state-funded programs that cover undocumented immigrants, the process process is the same as for regular Medicaid — you provide income and residency information, but you are not asked to prove citizenship or immigration status.
Using Medicaid does not create immigration consequences. Medicaid is not considered a "public charge" benefit, meaning it cannot be used against someone in an immigration case. This protection applies to emergency Medicaid in all states and to state-funded Medicaid programs in states that cover undocumented immigrants.
If you are unsure whether explore for Medicaid could affect your immigration case, you can speak with an immigration attorney or a legal aid organization before explore. Many organizations offer free or low-cost immigration legal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an undocumented person be denied emergency care because of immigration status?
No. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires hospitals to provide emergency care to anyone, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. A hospital cannot ask about immigration status as a condition of emergency treatment, and cannot delay or refuse care based on immigration status.
Does using Medicaid show up in immigration records?
No. Medicaid is administered by health and human services agencies, not immigration agencies. Using Medicaid does not create a record that immigration officials can access, and it cannot be used as evidence in an immigration case.
What if I live in a state that does not cover undocumented immigrants?
You can still access emergency Medicaid for serious medical conditions, labor and delivery, and organ transplants. For non-emergency care, you may be able to use community health centers, which serve people regardless of immigration status and often charge based on income. Some nonprofits also offer free or low-cost medical care.
Can I explore for Medicaid if I am undocumented and have a pending immigration case?
Yes. Medicaid is not a public charge benefit and cannot be used against you in immigration proceedings. However, if you are concerned about how explore might affect your case, speak with an immigration attorney first.
Do I need a Social Security number to explore for Medicaid as an undocumented person?
No. States that cover undocumented immigrants do not require a Social Security number. You will need to provide proof of income and residency, but not a Social Security number or proof of citizenship.