Where to start your Maryland Medicaid application

You apply for Medicaid in Maryland through the Department of Social Services (DSS), either online at marylandohio.gov or in person at your local DSS office. The online portal is called the Maryland Online Services System (MOSS), and it is the fastest route — you can submit your application without leaving home and check its status anytime.

If you prefer to apply in person or need help filling out forms, you can visit your county DSS office. Find your local office on the DSS website by entering your zip code. You can also call the Maryland Medicaid Customer Service Center at 1-800-284-8549 to ask questions before you apply or to request a paper application by mail.

The application itself asks for income, household size, citizenship status, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. You will need to upload or bring proof documents — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing income, plus proof of identity and residency. If you are applying based on disability or age, you will also need medical records or a disability information letter.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online through MOSS at marylandohio.gov, by phone at 1-800-284-8549, or in person at your county DSS office.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, residency, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household before you start.
  • Maryland processes most applications within 30 days, though disability cases can take longer.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing and present new information within 90 days of the denial letter.

What documents you need before you apply

Gather these documents before you open your application. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance your application will be delayed for missing information.

Income proof: Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your wages, or your most recent tax return. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring the award letter or a recent statement showing the monthly amount.

Identity and residency: A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof you live in Maryland — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a combination of other documents; ask DSS what they will accept.

Social Security numbers: You will need the Social Security number for every person in your household, even children and babies. If someone does not have a number, you will need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration before you can complete your Medicaid application.

For disability or age-based coverage: If you are applying because you are over 65 or have a disability, bring medical records, a letter from your doctor, or a disability information letter from Social Security or the state. If you are already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may not need to submit additional proof.

How to apply online through MOSS

Log in to MOSS at marylandohio.gov using your email address and password. If you do not have an account, create one — you will need a valid email address and a password you can remember. The system will send you a confirmation email; click the link to activate your account.

Once logged in, select "Apply for Benefits" and choose Medicaid. The form will ask you to enter your household information, income, and expenses. Answer every question honestly — if a question does not apply to you, select "No" or "Not applicable" rather than leaving it blank. The system will flag incomplete sections and prevent you from submitting until they are filled.

When you reach the document upload section, attach scans or photos of your proof documents. Take clear photos with good lighting if you are using your phone. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. Upload at least one income document, one identity document, and one residency document. If you are missing a document, you can still submit your application — DSS will contact you to request it.

Review your application one more time before you submit. Once you click "Submit," you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number — you will use it to check your application status or contact DSS with questions. You can log back into MOSS anytime to see whether DSS has requested more information or made a decision.

Timeline: how long approval takes

Maryland law requires DSS to make a decision within 30 days of receiving your application. In practice, most applications are decided within this window if you submit all required documents upfront. If DSS needs more information, they will contact you by phone, email, or mail — usually within 5 to 10 days of receiving your application.

If you are applying based on disability, the timeline is longer. DSS must send your case to the state's disability information unit, which can take 60 days or more. During this time, DSS will contact you if they need medical records or clarification. You will receive written notice of the decision by mail.

If you are approved, your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after DSS approves your application. If you are approved on the 15th of March, for example, your coverage would begin April 1st. In some cases — such as emergency medical situations — coverage can be backdated to cover medical bills from the month you applied.

What to do if DSS asks for more information

If you receive a notice asking for additional documents or information, respond as quickly as you can. The notice will include a deadline — usually 10 days from the date on the letter. If you miss the deadline, DSS may deny your application, though you can reapply or request a hearing.

You can submit additional documents through MOSS by logging in and uploading them to your application, by mail to your county DSS office, or by fax if the notice provides a fax number. Keep a copy of anything you send and note the date you sent it. If you send documents by mail, allow extra time for delivery.

If you are unsure what documents DSS is asking for or how to obtain them, call the Maryland Medicaid Customer Service Center at 1-800-284-8549. They can explain what is needed and sometimes help you locate the documents or contact your employer or benefits provider on your behalf.

What happens if you are denied

If DSS denies your application, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit for your household size, failure to provide required documents, or not meeting the citizenship requirement. The notice will also explain your right to request a hearing.

You have 90 days from the date on the denial letter to request a hearing. You can request a hearing by phone at 1-800-284-8549, by mail, or through MOSS. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and ask questions about why you were denied. A hearing officer who did not make the original decision will review your case.

If your income or household situation has changed since you applied, you can submit a new application anytime. You do not have to wait for a hearing decision. If you were denied because of missing documents, gather them and reapply — DSS will process your new application as a fresh case.

Renewing your Medicaid coverage each year

Your Medicaid coverage lasts for 12 months from the date it starts. Before your coverage ends, DSS will send you a renewal notice by mail. The notice will tell you the date your renewal is due — usually 30 days before your coverage ends.

You can renew online through MOSS, by phone, or in person at your DSS office. Renewal is simpler than the initial application — you confirm that your household and income information is still correct, and you submit updated proof documents if anything has changed. If nothing has changed, you may only need to confirm your current information without uploading new documents.

If you do not renew by the deadline, your coverage will end. You can reapply anytime after that, but there will be a gap in coverage. To avoid losing coverage, submit your renewal as soon as you receive the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and certain other legal immigrants can apply. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for regular Medicaid, though Maryland does cover emergency medical services for anyone regardless of status. Call 1-800-284-8549 to discuss your specific situation.

What if my income is too high for Medicaid?

Income limits vary by household size and type of coverage. If you are over the limit, you may be able to purchase coverage through Maryland Health Connection, the state's health insurance marketplace, where you might find plans with lower premiums based on your income. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov to explore options.

How do I check the status of my application?

Log into MOSS at marylandohio.gov and view your application status anytime. You can also call 1-800-284-8549 and provide your confirmation number. DSS will tell you whether they are still reviewing your application, whether they need more information, or whether a decision has been made.

Can I apply if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where you can receive mail. You do not need to prove residency with a utility bill if you are homeless — DSS can accept a shelter letter or other documentation. Call your local DSS office or 1-800-284-8549 to discuss your situation.

What if my circumstances change after I am approved?

Report changes to DSS as soon as they happen — changes in income, household size, address, or employment can affect your coverage. You can report changes through MOSS, by phone, or in person. Some changes may increase your coverage or lower your out-of-pocket costs, so it is worth reporting them promptly.