Data Brief: Selected States’ Medicaid Coverage of Emergency Services for Nonqualified Aliens

OBJECTIVE

Individuals meet Medicaid eligibility criteria by satisfying certain Federal and State requirements related to income, residency, citizenship, immigration status, and documentation of citizenship.  Federal Medicaid benefits are generally limited to individuals who are citizens or nationals of the United States or qualified aliens, such as lawfully permitted permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.

Many qualified noncitizens are not eligible for full Medicaid benefits until 5 years from the date they enter the United States with qualified alien status.  Nonqualified aliens and qualified aliens who are subject to but have not yet met the 5-year waiting period are restricted from receiving full-scope Federal Medicaid benefits and are eligible only for emergency Medicaid services.  However, States may elect to provide Medicaid coverage for nonqualified aliens using State-only funds.  We will describe which types of services were covered as Medicaid emergency medical services for nonqualified aliens in selected States and claimed for Federal reimbursement.

TIMELINE

• March 16, 2026
  Announced
• Today
  Office of Audit Services In-Progress
• Est FY2028
  Estimated Fiscal Year for Project Completion

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