Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

How long must immigrants qualify as noncitizens before they can be eligible for Medicaid?

1. 3 years

2. 5 years

3. 7 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

To be eligible for Medicaid, noncitizens typically must meet the requirement of having qualified as lawfully residing in the U.S. for a minimum of five years. This provision applies to many categories of noncitizens, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders). There can be different rules for specific populations, such as refugees or asylees, who may qualify sooner, but the general stipulation for most noncitizen applicants is indeed five years. This waiting period reflects the policy designed to ensure that these individuals are integrating into the community before accessing government-funded health benefits. Understanding this time frame is essential for counselors helping immigrants navigate the eligibility for Medicaid, as it impacts the advice given regarding healthcare access and services.