Virginia Ends Rule Requiring Immigrants To Work 10 Years Before Being Eligible For Medicaid

On April 1, 2021, the Virginia Department of Medical Services (DMAS) implemented a change to the state’s Medicaid eligibility rules for legal immigrants. The change ended a previous rule that required immigrants with a Green Card to prove that they had worked for 10 years (40 work quarters) before they could be eligible for Medicaid. Although the 10-year work requirement has ended, a five-year residency requirement remains in effect. To date, DMAS has identified up to 4,000 individuals who are currently receiving health care coverage through the Federal Marketplace who may now be eligible for Medicaid . . .