IS A FOREIGN TEXAS STUDENT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID?
Q) IS A FOREIGN STUDENT LIVING IN TEXAS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID?
A) According to the sources I found, immigrants who are “qualified non-citizens” are generally eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), if they meet their state’s income and residency rules. However, many qualified non-citizens (such as many LPRs or green card holders) have a 5-year waiting period. This means they must wait 5 years after receiving “qualified” immigration status before they can get Medicaid and CHIP coverage.
There are some exceptions to the 5-year waiting period, such as refugees, asylees, or LPRs who used to be refugees or asylees. Also, some states have chosen to provide health coverage to certain groups of immigrants who are not eligible for Medicaid under federal law, using their own funds. Texas is one of those states that provides Medicaid for pregnant women and children under 18 who are lawfully residing in the U.S., regardless of their date of entry.
Therefore, depending on your immigration status, income level, and other factors, you may or may not be eligible for Medicaid in Texas. You can use this tool to check your eligibility and apply online: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home