California is set to become the first state in the nation to offer Medicaid to any eligible resident, and several states have taken actions to allow any child to enroll in the program, regardless of citizenship status.
These are five recent state actions to expand Medicaid to immigrants who lack permanent legal status:
Maine
As of July 1, any Maine resident under 21 and those who are pregnant can now receive benefits, if eligible, through the state's Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program, according to the Maine Beacon.
California
California is set to become the first state to allow any eligible resident to enroll in Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, according to The Sacramento Bee. Gov. Gavin Newsom said June 26 the new offering will be included in the state's upcoming budget and will launch no later than Jan. 1, 2024.
Colorado
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation June 7 that will allow pregnant people, their children and all children access to Medicaid beginning in 2025, regardless of citizenship status.
New Jersey
New Jersey is moving forward with providing public health insurance to all children in the state, regardless of their immigration status, according to nj.com. Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed budget for fiscal year 2023 includes $11 million for expanding eligibility to the state's Cover All Kids program. Coverage would begin in January 2023.
Washington
Washington state is looking to expand health and dental coverage to all residents, regardless of immigration status, according to The Seattle Times. The state's insurance marketplace submitted a waiver application May 13 that would allow the state to bypass or change Affordable Care Act requirements, including the current ban on purchasing health coverage on ACA marketplaces for those lacking legal status.