Updated on March 19, 2026.
Medicaid is a program that covers medical costs for certain people. Each state has its own program. And each state sets their own rules about who can receive it and what will be covered. The federal government works with states to provide Medicaid. So, there are also some rules that every state must follow.
You should apply for Medicaid if you think you may qualify. How do you do this? Follow these four steps:
Step 1: Find out if you are eligible.
You must live in the state where you are applying for Medicaid. You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. This includes:
- Permanent residents (green card holders)
- Refugees
- Cubans or Haitians who apply for asylum in the United States
- Non-citizens who have been granted immigration parole into the United States for at least one year
- Battered or abused non-citizens, spouses, and children
- Victims of trafficking
- Veterans and active military, their spouses, and children
You must also meet certain requirements, such as:
- Having a certain income
- Having children
- Being pregnant
- Being older than 65
- Having a disability
Some people also need to meet a work requirement by doing one of the following:
- Work at least 80 hours each month
- Volunteer (do community service) for at least 80 hours each month
- Do a work program for at least 80 hours each month
- Go to school or take educational classes for at least 80 hours each month
- Work, go to school, and/or volunteer for a combined total of 80 hours each month
You must meet the work requirement if you are:
- Between 19 and 64 years old
- Healthy enough to work
Some people are exempt. This means they do not have to meet this work requirement. You do not need to meet it if:
- You have a child who is 13 or younger
- You have a child who is disabled
- You are a caregiver for a family member who is disabled
- You have a disease or disability to prevents you from working, volunteering, or going to school
- You are younger than 19
- You are older than 64
The rules may vary from state to state. Your state’s Medicaid office can tell you if you qualify.
Step 2: Gather the documents you need
You need certain documents to apply for Medicaid. They will help prove who you are. They may also provide other information, such as your:
- Age
- Citizenship status
- Income
Here are some documents you may need:
- U.S. passport
- An alien registration card
- A naturalization certificate
- Birth certificate (for yourself or your children)
- Social security card
- Driver’s license
- Pay stubs
- W-2 form or federal tax return
- Medical records (if you are living with a disability)
- Social Security benefits verification letter
You can get a Social Security benefits letter in the following ways:
- Online: Visit www.ssa.gov to view and print it
- Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213
- In person: Go to your local Social Security Administration office
What you need depends on where you live. Each state may ask for different things. Find out what your state’s Medicaid agency requires. And gather what you need before you apply.
Step 3: Fill out and submit your application
There are a several ways you can apply for Medicaid, including:
- Online on your state's Medicaid agency website
- Online through the Health Insurance Marketplace (visit HealthCare.gov and click on your state)
- Call your state’s Medicaid agency directly
- Call the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596
- Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office
- Mail your application to your local Department of Social Services (LDSS) office
Step 4: Wait for your decision
You should find out if you are approved within 90 days of submitting your Medicaid application. Many states will inform you within 24 hours. If you are approved, you will receive a letter that tells you when your benefits start.
If you are not approved, you will receive a letter that explains why. If you are not approved, you can appeal. This means you can ask your state’s Medicaid agency for an appeals hearing. A judge will review your case and decide to keep or change the decision. These hearings may be conducted by phone, a virtual or video meeting, or in person.
