🏥 How to Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage under state-administered eligibility rules. Income, household, age, pregnancy, disability, and other categories can affect eligibility.
USAGov's Medicaid and CHIP guide links to state agencies. You can apply directly with the state or submit a Health Insurance Marketplace application; the Marketplace sends potentially eligible household information to the state.
Applications are accepted year-round. Respond promptly to document requests and continue current coverage until the official effective date of replacement coverage.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers when required
- Citizenship or eligible immigration documents for applicants
- State residency and address information
- Recent income records, pay stubs, tax information, and benefit statements
- Current health-insurance information
- Pregnancy, disability, or medical documentation only when relevant to an eligibility category
🪜 Step-by-step
- Open the USAGov directory and select your state Medicaid agency.
- Review state program names, income limits, and application methods.
- Gather household, income, residency, and applicant-status records.
- Apply directly to the state or through HealthCare.gov.
- Complete identity and eligibility verification requests by the deadline.
- Read the eligibility notice, coverage date, plan-selection instructions, and appeal rights.
- Choose a managed-care plan or provider when the state requires it.
- Report changes and complete renewal forms on time.
| Estimated cost | Free to apply. Eligible coverage may be free or low cost, depending on the state and program. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Varies by state and whether verification is complete. Urgent medical and pregnancy situations may have special processes. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply outside Marketplace Open Enrollment?
Yes. Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted year-round.
Does every state use the same income limit?
No. Eligibility categories and limits vary by state.
Can parents apply only for children?
Yes. Children may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even when adults in the household do not.