Medicaid and CHIP: federal funding limited to certain immigration categories from October 1, 2026
From October 1, 2026 federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for full benefits is generally limited to citizens, green card holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants and COFA migrants. Emergency care stays covered.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explained the change in State Health Official letter #26-001 of April 8, 2026. Beginning October 1, 2026, section 71109 of Public Law 119-21 generally limits federal funding for full Medicaid and CHIP benefits to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants.
CMS states that, with limited exceptions, federal funding will no longer be available for full Medicaid or CHIP benefits for qualified noncitizens who are not in those groups, for example asylees, refugees, parolees, or victims of trafficking, unless they have another status or category that qualifies.
The letter lists three exceptions. Treatment of an emergency medical condition is still covered. States may still use the option to cover lawfully residing children and pregnant women. Health Services Initiatives in CHIP continue. Each state decides how it applies the change, so the notice from your state Medicaid agency is what tells you about your own coverage.
Refugees, asylees, parolees and other noncitizens enrolled in or applying for Medicaid or CHIP.
- Source
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- In effect from
- October 1, 2026
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