The federal government requires legal immigrants to live and work in the U.S. for five years before qualifying for Medicaid.  Before this month Virginia required 10 years of residency and work in Virginia to qualify for Medicaid. On Thursday, April 1, 2021 a budget amendment that Gov. Ralph Northam and the General Assembly approved last year came into effect overturning the requirement of legal immigrants having to work at least 10 years in the United States before qualifying for health coverage under the state’s Medicaid program. Previously, Virginia followed what is known as the “40-quarter rule,” which doubled the time required under federal law for legal immigrants to qualify for health care benefits.

The state is still unsure as to how many legal residents would qualify under the amended requirement, but according to the Virginia Poverty Law Center an estimate of 28,000 Virginians become legal permanent residents each year.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the agency that operates the state Medicaid program, has begun a public awareness campaign to reach people who could benefit from the change, as well as organizations that represent them, so they can apply for free or low-cost health benefits.

Legal residents who qualify can apply for Medicaid coverage online at commonhelp.virginia.gov. Additionally, legal residents who qualify can also seek free assistance through the CoverVA and Spanish language CubreVirginia websites or inquire by phone through the Enroll Virginia hotline at 1-888-392-5132.