Can non-citizens get Long-Term Care Medicaid?

Can non-citizens get Long-Term Care Medicaid?

Short answer: Since October 1, 2026, federally funded Medicaid, including long-term care, is generally limited to green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants, often after a five-year wait. Others may get only emergency Medicaid or state-funded coverage.

Figures change periodically. Double-check current amounts before relying on them.

Full Medicaid, including nursing home and waiver services, is available to U.S. citizens and to certain non-citizens. Since October 1, 2026, under a 2025 federal law, federal Medicaid funding is generally available only for non-citizens who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, or people living in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association. Other groups that qualified before, such as refugees and asylees who have not become permanent residents, no longer qualify for federally funded Medicaid, although some states use their own funds to cover some of them.

The five-year bar. Many lawful permanent residents who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, must wait five years after obtaining qualified status before full Medicaid is available. Some people are exempt from the wait, such as Cuban and Haitian entrants, certain veterans and active-duty service members and their families, and people who held refugee or asylee status before becoming permanent residents. Some states use their own funds to cover people during the waiting period.

Sponsor deeming. For some lawful permanent residents, the income and assets of the person who sponsored them may be counted for a period of time.

Emergency Medicaid. People who do not meet the immigration rules may qualify only for emergency Medicaid, which covers treatment of emergency medical conditions. It generally does not pay for ongoing nursing home or home care.

Rules for specific immigration statuses are detailed; our citizenship and residency guide explains the main categories.

Getting help

Every situation is different, and small facts can change the answer. If this question affects a real decision, especially with a spouse at home, a home, gifts or a trust, a Certified Medicaid Planner can apply your state’s rules to your situation. As a rough guide, published fees for help with an application range from about $500 to $6,000, and hourly help from about $150 to $600.

Last updated for 2026. General information only, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid Answers is a free educational resource published by Medicaid Answers Foundation.

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