How to Apply for Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or very low-cost health insurance to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Unlike marketplace insurance, Medicaid has no open enrollment period — you can apply any day of the year. In most expansion states, adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these before you start — having everything ready speeds up your application and reduces the chance of delays.
- ☐Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID)
- ☐Social Security numbers for all household members applying for coverage
- ☐Proof of income for the past 30-60 days (pay stubs, employer letter, self-employment records, or tax return)
- ☐Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mail with your address)
- ☐Birth certificates or proof of age for household members
- ☐Immigration status documents for non-citizen applicants (green card, visa, etc.)
- ☐If claiming a disability: medical records, doctor's statement, or award letter for existing disability benefits
Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine which Medicaid program applies to you
Medicaid has different eligibility tracks: adults in expansion states (up to 138% FPL), children through CHIP (often up to 200-300% FPL), pregnant women (often up to 200% FPL), seniors and people with disabilities (SSI recipients are automatically enrolled), and long-term care (nursing home) coverage. Each has different income and documentation requirements.
Apply through healthcare.gov or your state's Medicaid portal
You can apply at healthcare.gov, which will route you to Medicaid if you qualify, or directly through your state Medicaid agency's website. Most states have online applications available 24/7. Alternatively, you can apply in person at your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office, or by phone through your state's benefits hotline.
Complete the application accurately
Report your monthly household income accurately. Medicaid looks at current monthly income, not annual income — if your income recently dropped, that lower amount is what counts. Include all household members, even those not applying for coverage. Omitting household members or misreporting income can cause issues at renewal.
Provide requested documentation
After submitting, you may receive a request for verification documents. Many states can verify income and identity electronically (through IRS data, SSA records, and employment databases), which means you may need to submit little or no paperwork. If documents are requested, you typically have 10-30 days to respond.
Receive your Medicaid card
If approved, you will receive a Medicaid ID card or letter in the mail. In some states you will be enrolled in a managed care plan (similar to an HMO) and will need to choose a primary care doctor. Keep your Medicaid card with you and present it at all medical appointments.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- →Apply right away — Medicaid coverage can begin the month you apply, and in some cases the month before if you had qualifying expenses.
- →Pregnant women often qualify at significantly higher income levels than other adults — apply as soon as you know you are pregnant.
- →If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial notice.
- →Medicaid renews annually. Watch for renewal notices and respond on time — millions of people lose Medicaid each year simply because they miss the renewal mailing.
- →If you have Medicaid and also work, your employer may be required to offer you "premium assistance" — Medicaid pays your share of employer insurance costs. Ask your state Medicaid agency about the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program.
After You Apply
Medicaid requires annual renewal (redetermination). You will receive a renewal packet by mail; respond promptly to avoid a coverage gap. Report changes in income, household size, or address within 10 days. If you get a new job that offers insurance, you are not automatically disenrolled — report the change and your state will determine whether you remain eligible.
Ready to apply for Medicaid?
Opens the official application on the program's website.