Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Medicaid will have eligibility changes for non-citizen adults.
Our Department of Family Services is committed to working to ensure that current Medicaid enrollees are aware of these changes and their impact.
"The Department of Family Services is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our community,” says Michael Becketts, director of the Department of Family Services. “Medicaid provides access to essential health and mental health services. Our priorities are to keep every eligible individual covered and to connect those who lose eligibility with other healthcare services in Fairfax County."
More About the Changes
Beginning Oct. 1, in order to keep full Medicaid benefits, noncitizen adults must be Naturalized citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants or Cuban/Haitian entrants. This does not include noncitizen children and pregnant members; their eligibility under Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS is not changing.
Those potentially affected by these changes will be contacted directly via mail in August by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). This letter should explain the new rules and what is required for DMAS to review their case for continuation of Medicaid eligibility.
Individuals who lose full-benefit Medicaid eligibility due to their immigration status will be transitioned into Emergency Services Medicaid effective Oct. 1.
What You Can Do
We understand that this news can be stressful. These changes are the result of a federal law passed last summer, and we are here to help you navigate what comes next
One thing residents can do is make sure their contact information is up-to-date. If you need to update your address, phone, email or immigration status, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590), or go online to commonhelp.virginia.gov.
For individuals who do receive a notice from DMAS, they should follow the instructions provided to report any recent changes to their immigration status or confirm if the status on file for them is correct. You have the right to appeal eligibility decisions you disagree with, and instructions are included in every Notice of Action you receive. However, please note that the federal changes to noncitizen eligibility rules themselves cannot be appealed.
If you would like to schedule an information session about these changes, complete our Outreach Request Form.
If Your Medicaid Coverage Changes
Even if your Medicaid enrollment ends or changes to services only, community clinics and other services are available to help you stay healthy. We encourage you to discuss options with your medical providers.
Find options for free or reduced cost health services in Fairfax.
Other Changes to Medicaid
More changes to Medicaid begin Jan. 1, 2027 for certain adults. These changes include a new Work and Community Engagement requirement, reduced retroactive coverage periods and six-month renewals. Learn more about all changes to Medicaid.
More Information
For more details, visit:
- Our Benefit Changes Website
- The DMAS Website
- Find health care in Fairfax’s Health Safety Net
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES