Immigration Status Requirements

Federal law requires Medicaid to verify the citizenship or immigration status of everyone who applies. 

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To be eligible for full Medicaid or Maryland Children's Health Program coverage, most noncitizens must 

  • Have a qualified noncitizen status. 

  • Wait five years after getting a qualified immigration status to be eligible. ​​​​

​Exceptions to Qualified Noncitizen Status

If you are pregnant or under the age of 21 and lawfully present but not a qualified noncitizen:

  • You may apply for full Medicaid coverage. 
  • You do not have to wait five years after getting a qualified immigration status to be eligible for Medicaid. ​​

For more information, See Healthy Babies.

Emergency Medical Care for Non-Qualified Noncitizens

Medicaid provides limited emergency medical coverage, including childbirth, if you do not have an eligible immigration status but are otherwise eligible for Medicaid. For more information, call your local health department​​.​