Rule 23-102-3.4 - Grandfathered AliensA. Effective 8/22/96, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) limited alien eligibility for Medicaid and other federal programs. However, Mississippi elected to grandfather in aliens who were receiving and eligible for Medicaid on that date. This means the grandfathered alien, who is lawfully residing in the U. S., has the right to have his eligibility continue under the alien rule in effect prior to 8/22/96. He also retains grandfathered rights if benefits are terminated and eligibility is later reestablished. If the alien was receiving Medicaid on 8/22/1996, but was subsequently determined to be ineligible, his status as a qualified alien must be determined for full Medicaid coverage. If he is not a qualified alien, he may be eligible for Emergency Medicaid services.23 Miss. Code. R. 102-3.4