Changes to Medicaid Eligibility for Non-Citizens

Some people who are not U.S. citizens must wait five years after coming to the U.S. before they can get Medicaid. This rule is called the five-year bar. H.R.1 does not change this rule. The same people who had to wait before still have to wait after October 1, 2026. 

People who do not have to wait include: 

• Refugees, including victims of trafficking 
• Asylees 
• Certain Ukrainian or Afghan parolees 
• People granted withholding of removal 
• Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders 
• Amerasian entrants 
• Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families 
• Certain American Indians born abroad 

These groups can get Medicaid right away. If they later become lawful permanent residents (LPRs), they can still get coverage right away.

You can still buy a health insurance plan for you or your family, but you may not be able to get financial help because of federal changes. 

• Look at your options and apply at HealthSourceRI.com or call 1‑855‑840‑4774. 
• You can also explore health insurance options through your job or a parent or spouse’s job, and you may find you are able to purchase coverage directly through an insurance carrier like Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island or Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

There are places you can go to get healthcare no matter your insurance or immigration status. 

• Community Health Centers in Rhode Island: rihca.org 
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: bhddh.ri.gov/CCBHC 
• Rhode Island Free Clinic: rifreeclinic.org 
• Clinica Esperanza: aplacetobehealthy.org 
• Local hospitals are required by law to give emergency medical care for serious or life‑threatening problems, no matter your insurance or immigration status.
• The Rhode Island Dental Association partners with organizations to bring affordable dental care to Rhode Islanders. Learn about free and low-cost dental care options.