Can Illegal Immigrants Get Medicaid in North Carolina?

For all families across North Carolina, healthcare continues to be a leading concern, especially for individuals who may not have legal immigration status. With Medicaid expansions now in place as of December 21st, 2023, there are many residents in the state who may now qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage. With these expansions, many residents ask, “Can illegal immigrants get Medicaid in North Carolina?”

Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Medicaid in NC?

Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible to get full Medicaid benefits. They are, however, eligible for emergency Medicaid. This covers childbirth, life-threatening emergencies, and other urgent hospital services, regardless of an individual’s immigration status. Furthermore, children and pregnant women who meet certain requirements, even if they don’t have permanent legal status, could potentially be eligible to get full coverage.

Who Is Eligible for Full Medicaid in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, individuals are eligible for full Medicaid in 2025 if they are:

• A resident in North Carolina
• Between the ages of 19 and 64
• A U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with an eligible immigration status
• Having an income below a certain monthly amount, based on household size

As household size increases, the monthly income limit increases as well. For example, as of 2025, the maximum monthly income for a person in a household size of one is $1,800, and it is $4,340 for a household size of five.

What Is Qualified Immigration Status?

Immigrants who have a qualified immigration status may be eligible for full coverage from the Medicaid program. These eligible immigration statuses include:

• Asylee status
• Refugee status
• Lawful permanent resident status
• Paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
• Cuban/Haitian entrant
• Victim of trafficking or a serious crime
• Person granted withholding of deportation

Potentially, certain other immigration statuses may qualify an individual for full Medicaid coverage. To understand your particular eligibility, it’s recommended that you work with an experienced immigration attorney. Some individuals, depending on their immigration status, may be required to wait five years after receiving their status before they can apply for Medicaid.

Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Any Medicaid Help?

Yes, undocumented immigrants can get Medicaid assistance, but only for emergency medical services. If you are an undocumented immigrant but meet the residency and income requirements, you may be eligible for the following:

• Emergency Medicaid. This covers medical emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, childbirth, and severe accidents.
• Emergency labor and delivery. Medicaid can cover childbirth costs for women who are undocumented.

To receive your Medicaid coverage, you can apply up to three months after the date of the emergency. It’s crucial to note that you’re not required to provide Social Security numbers or immigration documents to get access to emergency Medicaid coverage.

North Carolina’s Immigrant Population and Why It Matters

In North Carolina, immigrants make up a notable, crucial part of the economy and community. According to data from 2023, over 1,000,000 immigrant residents call North Carolina home, which is roughly 9.3% of the entire population. Furthermore, 82% of these individuals are of working age.

These figures show that thousands of households could have mixed immigration statuses, with many not realizing that they could qualify for some type of health coverage, particularly under Medicaid. As the immigrant community contributes substantially by paying taxes and bolstering the economy, it’s crucial for them to receive the benefits they’re entitled to.

FAQs

Q: Is Applying for Medicaid Safe If I’m Undocumented?

A: Yes, it is safe to apply for Medicaid if you are an undocumented immigrant. This is because North Carolina Medicaid does not share any information with immigration enforcement or authorities like ICE. You’re only required to provide immigration information if you’re applying for full coverage, and your application is kept completely confidential. You could also apply for coverage for your child without having to disclose your own immigration status.

Q: Is Receiving Medicaid a Public Charge?

A: No, receiving Medicaid is not seen as a public charge, so it cannot have any negative repercussions on your immigration application. For public charge purposes, the only programs that are considered include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid, but only when it is applied to long-term care services, such as nursing homes.

Q: What If I’m in a Mixed-Status Family?

A: If you are in a mixed-status family in North Carolina, you could apply for your eligible option without having to disclose your own immigration status. For example, parents who are undocumented can still apply for their children who are eligible. Though this requires providing an address and income verification, people who are not applying for themselves are not required to give their immigration status.

Q: Can People With DACA or TPS Get Medicaid?

A: No, people with DACA or TPS generally cannot get full coverage under Medicaid. While recipients of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) aren’t eligible for full Medicaid, they may qualify for emergency services under Medicaid. TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders could qualify for full Medicaid if they are pregnant or under the age of 19.

Q: What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Emergency Medicaid If I’m Undocumented?

A: If you’re an undocumented immigrant, the documents you may need to apply for emergency Medicaid include those showing you live in the state and meet income requirements. You are not required to share your Social Security number or immigration documents. Credible documentation may include a lease or utility bill in your name, a photo ID that shows your current address, and recent paychecks.

Contact a Skilled North Carolina Immigration Attorney

Although undocumented individuals are not fully covered by Medicaid under the most recent expansions, childbirth and emergency Medicaid are still accessible. If you or someone you love is anxious about their ability to access healthcare because of their immigration status, a skilled and empathetic North Carolina immigration attorney from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help. Contact us today to go over the details of your case.