Yes, you can apply for Medicaid if you meet your state's income and residency rules
Medicaid is a state-run program, so who can apply depends on where you live. Every state covers children, pregnant people, and parents with very low income. Most states also cover adults without children if their income is below a certain threshold — but that threshold varies widely, from about $12,000 to $20,000 per year depending on the state. Some states have not expanded Medicaid at all, which means fewer adults without children can get coverage.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply, but you do need to be a legal resident. You must also live in the state where you are applying. There is no age limit — Medicaid covers infants through seniors. The main barriers are income and immigration status, not employment or prior health coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Every state covers children and pregnant people with low income; coverage for other adults depends on whether your state expanded Medicaid.
- You must live in the state where you apply and meet that state's income limit, which varies by family size and category.
- You can apply online through your state's Medicaid website, by mail, in person at your local office, or by phone — the method depends on your state.
- You will need proof of income, residency, and identity; the exact documents vary by state but typically include recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a lease.
- Processing usually takes 30 to 45 days, though emergency coverage for pregnant people or children can be faster.
Income limits and who qualifies in each state
Your state's Medicaid program sets its own income cutoff. For a single adult with no children, that limit ranges from roughly $12,000 to $20,000 per year. For a family of three, it might range from $18,000 to $45,000. These numbers change yearly and depend on the federal poverty level.
States that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act generally cover more adults. States that have not expanded cover mainly children, pregnant people, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. You can find your state's current income limits on your state Medicaid website — search "[your state] Medicaid income limits" to find the exact numbers for your household size.
Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. It does not include food stamps (SNAP) or housing vouchers. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, most states average your income over the past three months.
How to apply in your state
The application process is different in each state, but you have several options. Most states let you apply online through their Medicaid portal — usually found at [your state].gov/medicaid. You can also apply by mail by requesting a paper form from your local Medicaid office, apply in person at your county or district office, or call your state's Medicaid hotline to apply by phone.
Online is usually fastest because you get a confirmation number immediately and can check your status online. Paper applications take longer because they have to be mailed, received, and processed by hand. Phone applications work if you cannot access the internet, though you may have to mail documents afterward.
Your state Medicaid website will list the office nearest you and the phone number to call. If you cannot find it, call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for your state Medicaid office. They can tell you which method is fastest in your area right now.
Documents you will need to bring or send
Every state requires proof of income, residency, and identity. The exact documents vary, but here is what most states ask for:
| What to Prove | Documents That Work |
|---|---|
| Income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax return from last year, letter from employer, bank statements showing regular deposits, Social Security statement |
| Residency | Lease or mortgage statement, utility bill, mail from a government agency, bank statement with your address |
| Identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, birth certificate, tribal ID |
| Citizenship or Legal Residency | Birth certificate, passport, green card, work visa, I-94 form, or other immigration document |
If you do not have a document, ask your Medicaid office what alternatives they accept. Many offices will take a signed statement from you instead of a formal document, or they will contact your employer or landlord directly to verify information.
What happens after you submit your application
Your state has 30 to 45 days to make a decision. During that time, a caseworker will review your income, residency, and other information. They may call you to ask questions or request more documents. If they do, respond as quickly as you can — delays in sending documents can push your decision date back.
You will receive a notice by mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to send more information. If you are approved, the notice will tell you your coverage start date and how to use your Medicaid card. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
Some states offer emergency coverage while your application is being reviewed. Pregnant people and children may get temporary coverage within a few days. Ask your Medicaid office whether emergency coverage is available in your state.
What to do if you are denied
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice will explain why you were turned down — usually because your income was too high, you did not provide proof of residency, or you did not meet your state's rules for your category.
You can appeal by requesting a hearing, usually within 30 days of the denial notice. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and ask questions about why you were denied. Many people win on appeal because they provide documents they did not have the first time, or because the caseworker made an error.
Your state Medicaid office will tell you how to request a hearing — usually by phone, mail, or online. You can also ask a legal aid office to help you appeal for free. Search "[your state] legal aid" to find an office near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be unemployed to get Medicaid?
No. Medicaid is based on income, not employment status. You can work full-time, part-time, or not at all and still get Medicaid if your income is below your state's limit. Some working people with low wages may have access to.
What if my income changes after I am approved?
You must report changes within 30 days. If your income goes up, you may lose coverage or have to pay more. If it goes down, you may get more help. Your state will send you a form to report changes, or you can report online through your Medicaid portal.
Can I apply if I have a criminal record or immigration issues?
A criminal record does not disqualify you. Immigration status does matter — you must be a legal resident, but you do not have to be a citizen. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid in most states, though some states cover emergency care or pregnancy-related care regardless of status.
How long does coverage last once I am approved?
Coverage periods vary by state and category. Most adults get coverage for one year, then have to renew. Children often get coverage for longer. Your approval notice will tell you when your coverage ends and when you need to renew.
What if I cannot find my state's Medicaid office?
Call 211 (free, available 24/7) and tell them your state. They will give you the phone number and website for your state Medicaid program. You can also search "[your state] Medicaid" on Google to find the official website.