How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid insures people with a low income. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children. Learn about eligibility and how to apply for or renew coverage.

Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible:

• Adults with a low income
• Children
• Pregnant women
• People age 65 or over
• People with disabilities

Find and check with your state’s Medicaid agency to see if you or your family members are eligible. Each state has its own requirements.

In general, Medicaid eligibility depends on at least one or a combination of:

• Age
• Income level
• Number of people in your family
• If you are pregnant or have a disability

How to apply for Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid anytime in one of the following ways:

• Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to apply. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
• Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

What documents and information do you need for your Medicaid application?

When you apply for Medicaid, you may need to provide certain information or documentation. But what is required depends on your state. Your state Medicaid agency may ask for:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your Social Security number
• Your monthly payment amounts for rent, mortgage, or utilities
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Proof of income, like paystubs or W-2s
• A verification of what other government benefits you receive
• Information about an insurance plan your employer has offered you or an insurance plan you currently have

Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to learn what documentation they require.

Find out if your child is eligible for CHIP

If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.

CHIP qualifications are different in every state. In most cases, they depend on income. Find out if your child qualifies for coverage with CHIP.

How to apply for CHIP

You can apply for CHIP in one of the following ways:

• Find a CHIP program by state.
• Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

How to renew Medicaid and CHIP coverage

Your state may review your information each year to decide if you are eligible for Medicaid. If they need more information from you, they will contact you about renewing your coverage. Learn more about renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage, including:

• How to prepare for the renewal process
• What to do if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP
• Who to contact for more help

Find a doctor or care provider who accepts Medicaid or CHIP

Not every provider accepts Medicaid. To locate a Medicaid or CHIP medical provider, find and check with your state's Medicaid agency.

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