Pennsylvania Medicaid Residency Requirements

Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health care program available to medically needy, low-income, disabled and elderly individuals. You must be a Pennsylvania resident to receive Medicaid in the state. The type of assistance offered depends on U.S. citizenship and immigrant factors. If an individual receives Medicaid in another state and then moves to Pennsylvania, the individual must cancel the prior Medicaid and reapply in Pennsylvania.

General Residency Requirements

• Pennsylvania residents may receive Medicaid if they meet income, medically needy or other eligibility requirements. The length of residence in Pennsylvania does not matter as long as they reside in Pennsylvania, excluding temporary absences. They may show proof of residency and identity via state or federal identification, utility bills, employment records, birth records or other identification. There are allowances for homeless or migrant individuals with no fixed address.

Citizens

• All United States citizens must show proof of citizenship and declare their citizenship on the Medicaid application. Additionally, U.S. citizens need a Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare will help you obtain one.

Children

• Children born to mothers eligible for Pennsylvania Medicaid are entitled to coverage for a year after birth as long as they continue to reside with their mother in Pennsylvania. Children who do not meet the income requirements for Medicaid and have no health insurance may receive health care through the state-sponsored Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. Only U.S. citizens and legal immigrants residing in Pennsylvania for a minimum of 30 days are eligible for CHIP.

Immigrants

• Legal immigrants who fit into other qualifying categories may be eligible for Pennsylvania Medicaid. The type of coverage depends on whether the individual has a "qualified immigration status." Generally, legal permanent residents have a "qualified status" and are entitled to full benefits. Undocumented immigrants who meet other requirements may be eligible to emergency Medicaid services only. Children born in the United States are considered citizens regardless of the mother's immigration status. These children may receive full Medicaid benefits if they meet other requirements.

Refugees

• Refugees are immigrants taking legal asylum in the United States to avoid persecution in their home country. Refugees meeting income or medically-needy Medicaid requirements may receive benefits for up to eight months after entering the U.S. or being granted asylum.

Migrant Workers

• Eligible migrant or seasonal workers in Pennsylvania may be entitled to benefits if they are not currently receiving Medicaid in another state. Immigrant migrant worker eligibility still depends on immigration status.