Information for Noncitizens

Eligibility Changes for Non-U.S. Citizen Adults

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

Children under age 19 must be legally 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 and postpartum 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. Starting October 1, 2026, adults who are not pregnant/postpartum must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant or Compact of Free Association Migrant to remain eligible for full-benefit Medicaid.

These changes apply only to adults. The eligibility rules for children and pregnant/postpartum members are not changing. Non-U.S. citizens who do not have an eligible immigration status, but meet all other Medicaid eligibility rules, may still be able to get Medicaid coverage for emergency services

Need additional information?

Beginning the week of August 3, 2026, Virginia Medicaid will mail notices to members who may be affected by upcoming federally required changes to Medicaid eligibility for some noncitizen adults. To help members, providers, advocates, and community partners understand these changes, the following resources are available:

If you received a letter from Virginia Medicaid or want to learn more about these changes, review the resources below.

• Sample Noncitizen Eligibility Letter (PDF)
• H.R. 1 Noncitizen Eligibility Changes Toolkit (PDF)

Learn more about October 1, 2026 changes to eligibility for non-U.S. citizen adults:

View a recorded H.R.1 Town Hall: "Upcoming Medicaid Noncitizen Changes: What You Need to Know" watch here.

View H.R.1 Town Hall: “Upcoming Medicaid Noncitizen Changes: What You Need to KnowMedicaid Eligibility Changes For Noncitizen Adults" Presentation (pdf)

Emergency Services

Noncitizens who do not have an eligible immigration status, but meet all Medicaid eligibility rules, may still be able to get Medicaid coverage for emergency services. Lawfully residing noncitizens who are not eligible for Medicaid because of their immigration status may also be eligible for health coverage through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.

Ready to apply? Learn more and complete an application: Apply

How To Contact Us

📞 PHONE
Cover Virginia Call Center: 1-855-242-8282
(TDD: 1-888-221-1590)

💻 ONLINE
Live chat: Coverva.dmas.virginia.gov

🏢 IN PERSON
Visit your local Department of Social Services
Find your nearest local Department of Social Services by visiting: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/