How to apply for Medicaid, step by step
You can apply at any time
You can apply for Medicaid whenever you like. HealthCare.gov says you can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of year. You do not have to wait for open enrollment, which is the short yearly window for buying a private plan. CHIP is the Children's Health Insurance Program, and it covers children in families that earn a little too much for Medicaid.
HealthCare.gov also says to apply even if you think your income is too high. Each state looks at your household size, your age, and any pregnancy or disability. A rule you never heard of may fit you. Our who qualifies for Medicaid guide explains the main groups.
What to gather before you start
The form goes faster when your papers are in front of you. HealthCare.gov lists what its application asks for.
- Have your name, date of birth, and your home and mailing addresses ready.
- Find a Social Security number for each person who is applying. Family members who are not applying do not have to give their immigration status, and they usually do not have to give a Social Security number.
- Gather immigration document information for each lawfully present immigrant who needs coverage.
- Collect employer and income information for everyone in the household, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms.
- A W-2 is the yearly tax form your employer gives you, so look for it in your mail or work account.
- Be ready to say how you will file your taxes and who you claim as a dependent.
You can start the form without every paper in hand. If a number is missing, the Marketplace may ask you for more information later. Your state may want other items too, so read the instructions on its own form.
Your household is the group of people HealthCare.gov counts together, which is usually the tax filers and their tax dependents. The form asks about your spouse and the children who live with you. It also asks about a partner who is the parent of your child.
Two main places to apply
HealthCare.gov describes two routes, and both lead to the same programs. Pick the one that feels easier to you.
- Use the Marketplace application at HealthCare.gov online. If anyone in your household looks eligible, the Marketplace sends your information to your state agency. The state then calls or writes to you about signing up. You also learn if you qualify for savings on a private plan.
- Go straight to your state Medicaid agency if you prefer. HealthCare.gov has a menu where you pick your state and get the agency's contact information. Some states also run their own marketplace website, so your state's page may look different.
The Marketplace application has several ways to file, and online is the fastest. You can also call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 for free help, or mail a paper form. Local in-person help is listed by city or ZIP code. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY line at 1-855-889-4325.
What happens after you apply
The state checks your answers, often against government records. Federal rules say a state generally has to decide within 45 days of your application. The limit is 90 days for a disability case. The rule allows more time in unusual cases, such as when the state is still waiting for papers it asked you to send.
Check your mail, email and online account often. If the Marketplace or the state needs proof, it sends a notice that lists the documents and the due date. HealthCare.gov says the Marketplace gives 90 days to confirm things like your income, and 95 days to confirm citizenship or immigration status. A state agency may use different dates, so follow the date on your own letter.
If you are approved, some Medicaid programs pay for your care directly. Others use private insurance companies to run your coverage, according to HealthCare.gov. You will get information on how to choose or confirm a plan. Our guide on finding a doctor who accepts Medicaid covers the next step.
Many adults in the expansion group will also need to show work or similar activity starting by January 1, 2027. Our Medicaid work requirements guide explains who this affects.
Can Medicaid pay for care I got before I applied?
Sometimes Medicaid can do that. HealthCare.gov says Medicaid may help you pay for medical care from the last 3 months, even if you were not enrolled at the time. Payment depends on your family's income and medical expenses then. People call this retroactive coverage, which just means coverage that reaches back in time.
A 2025 federal law shortens that window in every state for applications made on or after January 1, 2027. For applications dated January 1, 2027, or later, expansion adults get 1 month before the month of application, while everyone else gets 2 months. Ask your own state what applies to you.
Keep your bills and receipts in a folder. You can also ask the hospital about financial assistance while your application is pending.
What to do if you are denied
A denial still leaves you some good options. HealthCare.gov says a state that denies Medicaid usually sends your information to the Marketplace. The Marketplace then mails you a letter about private coverage with possible savings. You do not have to wait for that letter to apply on your own. Our guide to health insurance without a job explains the next options.
You can also ask for a fair hearing, which is a review of the decision by someone who did not make it. Federal rules give you a reasonable time to ask. That time cannot be longer than 90 days from the date the notice was mailed. Your notice should explain how to ask, so read it closely and act early.
While you wait, a community health center charges by income, and you can also search for a cash-pay doctor. This page is general information and not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Common questions
Is there a cost to apply for Medicaid?
Applying for Medicaid does not cost anything at all. HealthCare.gov describes Medicaid and CHIP as free or low-cost coverage. Some states charge small fees for certain services or premiums for some groups, so ask your state about yours.
How long does it take to get on Medicaid?
Federal rules say a state generally must decide within 45 days, or 90 days when the request is based on disability. Many states decide faster when your papers match their records. A quick reply to any request for proof also speeds things up.
Can I apply for Medicaid over the phone?
Yes, you can apply for Medicaid by phone. The Marketplace Call Center helps with applications at 1-800-318-2596 at no cost, and your state Medicaid agency also lists a phone number. Have your Social Security numbers and income information ready before you call.
Can I apply for my child separately from myself?
Yes, a child can be approved on a separate application. Children often qualify at higher income levels than adults, so a child can be approved even when a parent is not. Put every family member on the form so the state can check each person for every program.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
Ask for help from a community health center, a hospital financial counselor or a local legal aid office. The application asks for a mailing address, so a trusted friend, shelter or clinic may be able to receive your mail while you apply.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or tax advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.