The five-year wait
DCF's policy manual (section 1440.0106) says a lawful permanent resident may qualify for Medicaid if they entered:
- before August 22, 1996, and have stayed continuously present;
- on or after that date under a prior asylee, refugee, Amerasian, deportation-withheld or Cuban/Haitian Entrant status; or
- on or after that date and have lived in the U.S. as a qualified noncitizen for at least five years.
Noncitizens on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, honorably discharged veterans, and their spouses and dependent children are also exempt. A green card (I-551) is the most common proof.
Cubans and Haitians in Florida
For many South Florida families this is the key exception. DCF defines a Cuban/Haitian Entrant under section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980: it includes nationals of Cuba or Haiti paroled as "Cuban/Haitian Entrant (status pending)" and others paroled in who haven't gained another status. Green cards coded CU6 or CH6 are among the accepted proofs. These individuals are not subject to the wait.
The federal change of October 2026
Federal law, Pub. L. 119-21 (section 71109), says that starting October 1, 2026, federal Medicaid funds pay only for citizens, permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian Entrants and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants, with exceptions such as Emergency Medicaid. Permanent residents are still covered. The DCF manual we reviewed dates from March 2026 and doesn't yet reflect this change; if you have another status, such as refugee or asylee without a green card, confirm your case with DCF.
Sponsors and Medicare
Many older parents come to Florida sponsored by a son or daughter. DCF counts the income and assets of a sponsor who signed the I-864 until you become a citizen, leave the country and lose your status, or have 40 qualifying work quarters. There are exceptions, including a 12-month indigence exception.
If you also have Medicare, remember that Florida's MEDS-AD doesn't cover people with Medicare unless they are in a nursing home, hospice or home and community-based services. Medicare Savings Programs are the more common route. For Medicare itself, see Medicare for permanent residents.
How to apply
- Apply through ACCESS Florida. Online at MyACCESS, or through DCF's Customer Call Center, (850) 300-4323 (Florida Relay 711).
- Have your immigration document ready. DCF verifies status with a federal system.
- If you have questions about your immigration case, talk with an immigration attorney; this site doesn't give immigration advice.
Related questions
Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time in Florida?
How dual eligibility works.
What is MEDS-AD Medicaid in Florida?
Medicaid for people who are aged or disabled.
How do I renew my Florida Medicaid on ACCESS Florida?
Steps to keep your coverage.
Sources
- DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, chapter 1400 (1440.0104–1440.0119, noncitizen status)
- DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, chapter 2600 (2640.0202, sponsored noncitizens)
- DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, chapter 2000 (MEDS-AD, Emergency Medicaid)
- Congress.gov — Pub. L. 119-21, section 71109
- DCF — Medicaid
More questions in this guide
- Do I have to join a Medicaid managed care plan if I have Medicare in Florida?
- Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time in Florida?
- How do I renew my Florida Medicaid on ACCESS Florida?
- What is a dual eligible special needs plan (D-SNP) in Florida?
- What is a FIDE SNP in Florida?
- What is MEDS-AD Medicaid in Florida?
- What is the Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care program (SMMC LTC)?
Part of the guide: Florida Medicaid and Medicare together · All questions
Frequently asked questions
When do the five years start?
DCF's manual says the person must have lived in the U.S. as a qualified noncitizen for at least five years. For most people, that counts from the date they became a permanent resident.
Do Cubans with a green card have to wait five years?
No, if they entered with Cuban/Haitian Entrant status (for example, paroled as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant) and later became permanent residents. DCF says these individuals are not subject to the five-year ban.
Does my sponsoring child's income count?
It can. If your sponsor signed Form I-864 after December 18, 1997, DCF counts the sponsor's income and assets until you become a citizen or have 40 qualifying work quarters, with exceptions such as Emergency Medicaid.
Does Emergency Medicaid cover everything?
No. It covers only the medical emergency, for the dates a medical provider certifies. It doesn't cover routine visits or everyday medicines.
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