Health Coverage for Noncitizens

Health Coverage for noncitizens

Noncitizens who meet other eligibility requirements, such as having household income below the eligibility limit,  and have an eligible immigration status may qualify for free health coverage from Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS. 

• Children under age 19 must be lawfully residing to be eligible for Medicaid. This means that they have a current visa or status. Children who have applied for asylum or a special immigrant juvenile may also meet Medicaid and FAMIS noncitizen eligibility rules.  
• Pregnant individuals may be eligible for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS regardless of their immigration status.
• Nonpregnant adults must meet more restrictive immigration status rules to qualify.
  • Asylees, refugees and certain other groups meet Medicaid immigration status rules for the first 7 years with that status.
  • Others, such as legal permanent residents (LPRs or “Green Card” holders), are subject to a 5-year waiting period before they can be eligible for Medicaid.
  • Special eligibility rules apply to other groups, such as noncitizen veterans and their families.  

Noncitizens who meet all other Medicaid eligibility rules except immigration status may still be able to get Medicaid coverage for emergency services only. Legally residing noncitizens who are not eligible for Medicaid because of their immigration status may also be eligible for health coverage and financial assistance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. 
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Apply online at CommonHelp.virginia.gov or call the Cover Virginia Call Center at  1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590) to receive comprehensive medical coverage including doctor visits, prescription medication, your hospital stay for the birth, and more.