Undocumented immigrants can get Medicaid in some states, but not through the federal program

Federal Medicaid does not cover undocumented immigrants except in emergency situations. However, some states and cities have created their own programs that do cover undocumented people for broader care. Which option exists where you live depends entirely on your state and sometimes your county — there is no single national rule.

Emergency Medicaid, which is federally funded, covers emergency medical conditions for anyone regardless of immigration status. This means broken bones, heart attacks, severe infections, and active labor. It does not cover routine doctor visits, prescriptions, or preventive care. After the emergency is treated, coverage stops.

Beyond emergencies, your options depend on where you live. New York, California, Illinois, and Washington state cover undocumented adults through state-funded programs. Other states cover undocumented children only. Some states cover neither. The program name, income limits, and what services are included all vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal Medicaid covers only emergency medical conditions for undocumented immigrants; routine care is not included.
  • Some states fund their own Medicaid programs that cover undocumented adults for non-emergency care, but most do not.
  • Many states cover undocumented children through Medicaid or separate programs even when adults are not covered.
  • Your state's rules determine what you can access, so contacting your state Medicaid office or a local health center is the only way to know what is available to you.
  • Income limits and covered services differ by state, and some programs have waiting lists or enrollment periods.

Which states cover undocumented adults

New York covers undocumented adults through its state Medicaid program with the same income limits as citizens. California covers undocumented adults up to age 26, and adults 50 and older, through Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid). Illinois covers undocumented adults through its Medicaid program. Washington state covers undocumented adults through Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid).

These four states are the only ones that currently fund non-emergency Medicaid coverage for undocumented adults. Other states may cover undocumented children or pregnant people, but not adults. The income thresholds and what services are covered vary. For example, California's program for adults 50 and older covers the same services as regular Medicaid, while the program for younger adults may have different limits.

If you live outside these four states, you can still access emergency Medicaid if you have a medical emergency. You can also look into community health centers, which serve people regardless of immigration status and often charge on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Coverage for undocumented children and pregnant people

Many states cover undocumented children through Medicaid or through separate programs, even when they do not cover undocumented adults. States including Texas, Florida, Arizona, and others cover undocumented children under age 19 through regular Medicaid. Some states have different age cutoffs — check your state's rules to be sure.

Pregnant people who are undocumented can often get Medicaid coverage for pregnancy and childbirth in most states, even if other coverage is not available. This is because federal law allows states to cover emergency services related to pregnancy. Some states have expanded this to cover the full pregnancy and postpartum period. After the pregnancy ends, coverage typically stops unless the person is also covered through another program.

To find out what your state covers for children and pregnant people, contact your state Medicaid office directly or call 211 to be referred to a local health program that serves undocumented people.

Emergency Medicaid: what it covers and how to use it

Emergency Medicaid covers the cost of emergency medical treatment for anyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status. An emergency is defined as a medical condition so serious that without immediate treatment, the person's health would be in serious jeopardy, bodily function would be seriously impaired, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part would result.

This covers things like chest pain, severe injuries, active labor, serious infections, and acute mental health crises. It does not cover follow-up care after the emergency is resolved, routine prescriptions, or preventive visits. Once the emergency treatment is finished, Emergency Medicaid ends.

To use Emergency Medicaid, go to an emergency room or call 911. You do not need to prove immigration status to receive emergency care. Hospitals are required to treat emergencies regardless of ability to pay or status. Tell the hospital billing department that you may be uninsured so they can check whether Emergency Medicaid covers your care.

How to find out what your state offers

The fastest way to learn what programs exist in your state is to call your state Medicaid office. Each state has a different name for its Medicaid program and different rules. You can find your state Medicaid office by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online or by calling 211, which is a free referral line that connects you to local health and human services programs.

When you call, tell them you are asking about coverage for undocumented immigrants. They can tell you whether your state has a program, what the income limits are, and what documents you need to provide. Some programs require proof of state residency but not immigration status. Others require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number.

Community health centers also know the rules for your area. You can find a federally may have access to health center near you by searching the HRSA Find a Health Center tool online. These centers serve people regardless of immigration status and can tell you what programs you may be able to use.

What documents you may need to provide

If you are applying for a state Medicaid program that covers undocumented immigrants, you will typically need to prove state residency and income. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or letter from a shelter. Proof of income can be recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your income.

You do not need to provide a Social Security number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use that instead. If you do not have an ITIN, some programs will accept other forms of identification or allow you to apply without one.

For Emergency Medicaid, you typically do not need to provide any documents at the time of treatment. The hospital will ask for information after you are stable, and you can provide what you have. If you cannot provide documents, the hospital can still treat you and may work with you on billing afterward.

Other ways to get health care if Medicaid is not available

If your state does not cover undocumented immigrants through Medicaid, community health centers are your main option for affordable care. These centers receive federal funding and are required to serve people regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. They offer primary care, dental care, mental health services, and prescription help on a sliding fee scale based on your income.

Some cities and counties also run their own health programs for uninsured residents, including undocumented immigrants. For example, San Francisco has Healthy San Francisco and Los Angeles has LA Care. These programs vary widely in what they cover and how much they cost. Call 211 or search your city or county health department website to see what is available.

Prescription assistance programs run by pharmaceutical companies can help you pay for medications if you cannot afford them. You can search these programs through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website. Some programs require proof of income but not immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will applying for Medicaid affect my immigration case?

Applying for Medicaid does not automatically trigger immigration enforcement. However, Medicaid is considered a "public benefit," and using public benefits can affect your immigration status in some cases, particularly if you are in deportation proceedings or applying for certain immigration benefits. Before you apply, talk to an immigration attorney who can review your specific situation. Many legal aid organizations offer free consultations.

Can I get Medicaid if I have a work permit or DACA?

If you have a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), you are considered lawfully present and can get regular Medicaid in any state, just like a citizen. You will need to provide your work permit or DACA approval notice when you apply. Income limits and covered services are the same as for citizens.

What happens if I go to the emergency room without insurance?

Hospitals must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. After treatment, the hospital will send you a bill. You can ask the billing department about Emergency Medicaid coverage, financial hardship programs, or payment plans. Many hospitals also have charity care programs that forgive bills for people with very low income.

Can I get Medicaid if I am undocumented and pregnant?

Most states cover pregnancy and childbirth for undocumented people through Medicaid, even if other coverage is not available. Coverage usually includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for 60 days after birth. After that period, coverage ends unless you are also covered through another program. Contact your state Medicaid office to confirm what your state covers.

Do I need a Social Security number to apply for Medicaid?

No. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use that. If you do not have either, some state programs will accept other forms of identification or allow you to apply without one. Ask your state Medicaid office or a community health center what they accept in your area.