Lawmakers in California, Illinois and Connecticut have recently taken action to expand Medicaid coverage to noncitizens:
1. California opened its Medicaid program eligibility May 1 to noncitizen residents over 50 who fall below certain income thresholds. State law already allowed noncitizens with certain incomes to receive limited Medicaid coverage, including emergency and pregnancy services. The extension provides access to primary care, prescription drugs, mental healthcare, dental and vision care.
2. Illinois lawmakers sent legislation to Gov. J.B. Pritzker April 20 that, if approved, will expand Medicaid coverage to noncitizen residents 42 and older. Illinois expanded Medicaid coverage to noncitizens 65 and older in 2020, becoming the first state to do so. The state does not have a Medicaid citizenship requirement for children under 18 or pregnant women.
3. Connecticut lawmakers May 3 sent a bill to Gov. Ned Lamont that would expand Medicaid eligibility to children 12 and under whose parents meet the income criteria, regardless of immigration status. Last year, Connecticut lawmakers opened the state's Medicaid program to children 8 and younger, regardless of immigration status.